Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Review (Nintendo Switch Release)


by Jason Parker (Ragachak)

Final Fantasy X X-2 Switch Review

This is your story.

By now, surely you guys know that I love Final Fantasy X. It’s easily one of my all-time favorites, so when I heard it was coming to the Xbox and Nintendo Switch (more the Switch if I’m honest), I was ecstatic. I spend more time playing the PC version than I do the PS4 version, but I certainly wanted to see how it handled on the Switch, both in docked/handheld mode. This would be great for when I’m traveling without a doubt. Being able to spend an eight-hour flight just playing Final Fantasy X/X-2? That can’t be beaten for me! Sure, it was on the Vita, and I have that edition too, but the Switch has a bigger screen, which means more sweet Spira for me. While this version is just as good as the Playstation 4 version for me, there are some very minor flaws, which may not be a big deal for everyone.

Final Fantasy X X-2 Switch Review 2

It all began with utter chaos.

The PC version of Final Fantasy X/X-2 has the cheats available to toggle on/off, has achievements, and the Japanese voice cast! At least the Xbox edition and PS4 edition have achievements. I was really looking forward to playing with the JP cast because while I do enjoy the English dub of FFX immensely, I’ve really grown attached to that talented Japanese cast. The achievements aren’t really that big a deal, but I wouldn’t mind achievement hunting on the go. But the lack of cheats did surprise me. I know, you’re probably thinking that’s lame, but hear me out! A fair amount of building a proper team in Final Fantasy X is grinding certain customize items and sphere levels, so you can cheese your way into incredible power. It takes plenty of work, but the cheating lets you cut a little of that out. Not too much, but definitely some of it. Plus, being able to turn off fights, increase movement speed, those little things definitely make moving/grinding a lot faster. It lets you just enjoy this story a little more, which I think is worth it.

Final Fantasy X X-2 Switch Review 3

It’s nice to know that some things are universal – BSOD.

Now, I’m not saying this version isn’t worth purchasing because of that; but if you aren’t aware, and are looking forward to those things, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. The game still holds up though! It still looks, sounds, and plays delightfully. Could those additions be dropped in via update? I imagine so. It certainly disappointed me enough to list it here. But I do enjoy that I can play in handheld mode, and it still feels as good as a tablet. I haven’t experienced any slowdown or lag in either style. I prefer to play in docked mode, but if you play in tablet mode, you can take advantage of some touch-screen technology. There isn’t a lot, but while in docked mode, you can tap the screen for an auto-heal – using Magic or Items. It won’t use what you don’t have access to, but it’s a nice touch. I believe this was available on the PS Vita edition.

Final Fantasy X X-2 Switch Review 4

The first time I saw this scene, it gave me chills. Still does, really.

However, this is a minor complaint. The actual meat and potatoes are all here – in particular, the Expert Sphere Grid. This is my favorite thing about the remaster of Final Fantasy X/X-2, to be honest, and it only comes in FFX. The bonus content for both games is available, as well as the remaster of the in-game audio (which is also pretty damn amazing). Final Fantasy X-2 has new encounters, as well as two new dress spheres, “Last Mission”, which takes place at Yadonoki Tower, and the capturing of Fiends. This was pretty interesting to me, but I personally don’t do it all that often. You can capture Fiends out in the world and put them in your party – but the bigger the enemy, the more slots it takes up (you only have three – Yuna, Rikku, Paine). It also features Final Fantasy X – Eternal Calm, which originally came with the International Release (which both of these games are based on). Eternal Calm is cutscene/movie that serves as a precursor to Final Fantasy X-2, and also saw a digital remaster.

Is It Worth It? Still A Firm Yes:

Final Fantasy X X-2 Switch Review (2)

I have my misgivings with X-2, but it’s still a very enjoyable ride.

I’m very disappointed all of the PC additions weren’t here, but I still sincerely enjoy this release of the game. I haven’t seen any drop in framerates, and it plays just fine wirelessly. Personally, I’m not crazy about using the joycons for this game though. Swapping through the Sphere Grid felt better with the Pro Controller, but that’s a personal nitpick. I love being able to take a high-quality version of Final Fantasy X anywhere I go, but I don’t know, on a personal note, that I’d play much FFX-2 without a guide handy. Anytime I play Final Fantasy X-2, I work to try to play the first playthrough as close to 100% as I can, so I have a checklist of stuff I need to do and not miss out on. Perhaps I could just download it to my phone. If you’re even half as much a fan of Final Fantasy X as I am, or simply missed out on it, I highly recommend this iteration of FFX/X-2. It has all the charm and brilliant storytelling of Final Fantasy X, and the incredible Dress Sphere system of Final Fantasy X-2. There is so much content here, and having the option to take it on the go is just another sweet bonus.

Note: A review key was given for the purposes of this review.

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