The Quarterly JRPG Club - Q2 2016 - Final Fantasy X-2

Pages

It's that time again! It's time to roll out of winter and into spring, which means it's time to play deadly dress-up with everyone's favorite magical J-pop band. Right?

IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/4lNrSlCl.jpg)

This quarter, we'll be playing Final Fantasy X-2. Forget about boring old Tidus and his weird crow laugh, and embrace the utter absurdity of a combat system built around changing your clothes. Here's the How Long to Beat:

IMAGE(http://i.imgur.com/O7nfHEC.png)

It looks like X-2 is broken up into five chapters plus a prologue, and we start playing April 1st. That'll make for an easy split:

  • April - Prologue and Chapter 1
  • May - Chapter 2 and Chapter 3
  • June - Chapter 4 and Chapter 5

X-2 is available on basically any Sony system released sold since 2001 other than the PSP. The original release was for the PS2, and there were HD remasters for the PS3, PS Vita, and PS4.

Dresspheres away!

yesssssssssssssss

I've always liked this game, but somehow never got around to actually finishing it. Since I picked up the HD collection, this will be the perfect excuse to start fresh and actually stick with it for a full playthrough on my Vita.

I can't believe this is still $50 on PSN.

LOL WHAT

I will be on vacation for the first half of April (I have the game on Vita, but I will only have my 3DS with me), but I should be able to join in.

I think the game went down to $20 on PSN at some point (I distinctly remember buying both the PS3 and Vita version for $40 total). Isn't it time for a flash sale anyway? Who knows, maybe it will be included...

ClockworkHouse wrote:

I can't believe this is still $50 on PSN.

Pretty weird since the physical X/X-2 remaster is like $20 on Amazon. (There are some pricier copies of the "limited edition" floating around.) You gotta be pretty impatient...

I've been really wanting to replay this, one of my favorites in the series in some ways; but also I've been trying to focus on new games and the backlog. I could maybe use a cheat device to do a fast run. (Theoretically I've "earned" it since I still have a New Game+ file for the PS2 version... this is the only Final Fantasy with a New Game+, isn't it?)

Is the combat for this turn-based?

Nope, it returned to the ATB style of most of the FF's that preceded it.

Farscry wrote:

Nope, it returned to the ATB style of most of the FF's that preceded it.

Because when something sucks the last six times you used it, why not go ahead and sign on for number seven?

I would have vastly preferred that X-2 retain the turn-based combat of X, myself.

Hrm... that might still be something I can work with in regards to using my exercise pedals. That's probably my best bet for being able to join in on this. I know turn-based like Fire Emblem and Bravely Default/Second work, whereas action games don't. I think ATB would be light enough for me to play and pedal at the same time.

The PS3 version has been frequently discounted on PSN. The Vita version was finally discounted for the first time about a month ago, $15 for X/X-2. Naturally I snapped it up, perfect timing for this club!

I only played about half way through X back in the day. I presume completing X isn't a prerequisite for enjoying X-2?

Just checked. Sony's franchise sale of the next few weeks does not include Final Fantasy.

I know some prefer digital, but you can definitely pick up any of the HD collections cheap new or even cheaper used at a number of different retailers.

steinkrug wrote:

I know some prefer digital, but you can definitely pick up any of the HD collections cheap new or even cheaper used at a number of different retailers.

Buyers should be aware though, that FFX-2 on the Vita was a download code (if I remember correctly), not on the cart itself, so the download code might already have been used on used copy of the Vita version.

Ah that's right. Good catch.

I have bounced off of FFX a couple of times now, and almost certainly won't be able to finish it for April. But since I bought the remaster collection, I feel like I can totally get in on this one, so count me in. I can give an outsider impression of a side story from someone who never played the mainline game. =)

Excited to have you all! I hope that for Q3, the bingo cage will make a triumphant return

aspect wrote:

I have bounced off of FFX a couple of times now, and almost certainly won't be able to finish it for April. But since I bought the remaster collection, I feel like I can totally get in on this one, so count me in. I can give an outsider impression of a side story from someone who never played the mainline game. =)

I also haven't played FFX, but I think I'm going to join in on this as well. We can have a mini-support group for people who have no idea what the backstory is.

The connections to FFX are vague at best, with little story dumps along the way for those who had. The only thing you'll probably really be missing out on are some flashbacks and character knowledge. IIRC from when the game initially came out, it's centered a bit on searching for one of the characters from FFX.

This sounds like the perfect opportunity for my fourth play through and to finally get that 100% completion ending.

I don't think I've made it far beyond the prologue. If I can swing it, I'll be playing this on PS2.

Might be able to get an hour in each morning.

I'll probably hold off on starting until April; with Trails in the Sky done, I've turned to my next backlog title I'm in the mood to play through: Fire Emblem Awakening.

I'm tempted to jump in, but the issue is I've doubled down on being able to provide regular content for my YouTube channel which includes a series I call JRPDiary, where I decided to start it off with Final Fantasy X. As my memories on it are fuzzy, it's been interesting going back and seeing it again with fresh eyes and guessing where it could be going with only minor knowledge of the destination.

Spoiler:

EVERYONE'S DEEEEAAAAADDDDDD

So playing through FFX-2 while I'm slowly going through has me concerned my thoughts on X-2's narrative will have an influence on my progress through X itself.

I'm in.

I've played FFX but not this one. Found a PS2 copy at my local used store so I'll be playing on my PS3. (Actually I started last night but I'm pretty sure I'll need the head start...)

I have it on my vita. I have watched the first half of the opening cutscene. I should probably play more.

After all these years, the opening sequence still manages to be cringe-worthy. I know the content in the game itself is pretty decent though. I just had forgotten how yucky that sequence was.

Damnable Bear wrote:

After all these years, the opening sequence still manages to be cringe-worthy. I know the content in the game itself is pretty decent though. I just had forgotten how yucky that sequence was.

So it's not just me! First time here playing the sequel, glad to hear the content gets better (I'm about 15-20 mins in)

I like Xenoblade Chronicles X and never tried Final Fantasy so I guess Ill give it a go. Im getting the $20 ps4 remaster off Amazon. It sounds like fun.

Pages