Here it is, the long awaited #2 on the list!


#2:

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Final Fantasy X


The spiral of death has claimed the following awards:
‘Best flashback’
‘Most vibrant world’
‘Most stunning locales’
‘Best soundtrack. By a mile.’
‘Best flans’


Finally a numbered Final Fantasy game on the list. The pilgrimage of Final Fantasy X is a journey that amazes me every time I experience it.



The locations are breathtaking and Spira - despite all it’s sadness and terror - is a place I could happily live my life. The battle system is deep, fast and a ton of fun. The sidequests are challenging and provide big end game options. The soundtrack is epic and gorgeous. While the game is linear Spira feels vibrant and real. Even zeh Shoopuf.




The story features many issues and themes of our own world. Racism, religion, indoctrination, mankind’s use of technology and of course death. The fact that death is all around in Spira makes the journey worthwhile. There is so much at stake.




Having to fight your own father to the death is a damn ballsy design choice, as is Yunalesca’s option to sacrifice a guardian to fill the final statue of the fayth. Slowly but surely we turn into rebels in an indoctrinated world. We will break the spiral and show everyone the true path. This world - the spiral of death - and everything in it is incredibly well thought out and explained. The concept is as solid as it can get. Final Fantasy X threads into the land of literature.


Where does this game even start? The opening CG kicks in the door and breaks down your house. Then trout really hits the fan when you fight a maester in Macalania. Storming Bevelle is where it picks up dramatically. When you finally reach the Zanarkand ruins and story perspective shifts from past to present, that is where it all begins. And then you face Yunalesca. It is the beginning of the end. To make a long point short: the pacing, presentation and storytelling are nothing but phenomenal.




I care for each and every character. Tidus goes from superstar to a nobody and that is awesome. Wakka going from true believer to heathen is some of the best character development I’ve seen in any game. Auron’s flashback at Yunalesca brings a tear to my eye in the manliest of ways. Brave Kimahri giving us the silent treatment for half the game makes him all the more inspiring when he does speak. Yuna trying to hide her secrets piques my interests and her dance to send the dead at Kilika is breathtaking. The story behind wise Lulu’s sudden lashes towards Wakka is tragic and understandable. And Rikku, while my least favourite, has the rebel mindset that’s encouraging the others.




I will go on this pilgrimage many more times and if my previous playthroughs are any indication I will enjoy every single minute of it.