Fynn's Final Fantasy Fmarathon

[Fynn]

OK, just about to reach Kilika. Had to leave for work so I had to put my Vita to sleep right after beating that big fin thing. So far, while I'm still not a fan of the whole "you must use X character against Y enemy" because I feel the game really doesn't utilize this mechanic well, I quite like the fact that battles go by fast. The Expert Sphere Grid actually makes me think about how I should develop my characters, which is pretty cool.

The story actually starts out pretty strongly - it's the later, more ham-fisted segments that I take issue with - though the lack of voice direction is apparent from the start. I still think all the main voice actors are actually really good on their own, but you can tell they're not really told what to do and everyone sounds like they came from a different show. I actually like JAT as Tidus (and yes, that's TEE-dus ). As I insinuated earlier, the camera work is incredibly clumsy. I have no idea whether all the butt shots are intentional fanservice, or just total ineptitude on the part of the developers who never how to think about how a movie-like scene is meant to play out. That said, the CGI cutscenes are nicely directed and have aged fairly well. In general, the HD graphics look really good on the Vita.

I am so glad the music got redone. With the new arrangement, the absolute worst battle theme in the history of JRPGs may still be the absolute worst battle theme in the history of JRPGs, but at least it's much more bearable with a lot more "oomph" to it. Other than that, I like that it's an actual piano playing the Zanarkand theme this time around, and the new guitar duet for Besaid village is very welcome.

Btw, can anyone tell me what exactly differentiates Energy Blast and Energy Ray? Valefor is the only aeon to have two overdrives and so far they seem to be mechanically identical? What?

Also, hello there, mini-map! It's fun that you decided to appear now, in the game that probably needs you the least (well, apart from XIII, I guess, but that game had one AS WELL!). Where were you when I neede you the most? Like in FFIII? Hm?