Buy FFX before playing FFX-2. But either way, you will be severly disappointed by FFX-2, whether you expect to play through another FFX, or whether you play it alone. It rates fine if you compared it every other game made in history. But for a FF, it lacks, plotwise and symbolicly. Horribly.

Originally Posted by
Shiny Greiver
Yes. You need to have played FFX to understand the storyline and characters somewhat. But for the most part they pretty much re-cap things in the beginning. No. I do not recommend that you purchase this game, because it is crap. But seeing as how you liked 9 you'll probably like this. It is funny. Also, the battle system was unique and challenging. However, (at most times...like that weird hot spring scene) it lacked any sense or point what so ever, and a total waste of my time and money.
Challenging? FFX-2? Did you seriously use that word? If you liked IX, and not VIII, then you will probably not like this either. FFX-2 follows the systems in FFVII and VIII with a three man party, and is faster, but not at all challenging. I got to level 60 without trying, all I did was press X. FFX-2 tries to pull a Family Guy by having long discourses about nothing to do with the plot in an attempt to make humor. Too bad it doesn't work.
If you like good music, then listen to what you have on IPod or computer. (
Feel Good Inc., my friend). The only songs worth hearing are the beginning opening song (
Eternal Waves, or something like that),
1000 Words, because it is necessary for the plot, and
real Emotion, because it symbolizes what a huge disappointment FFX-2 is. Everything starts all nice and cool and beatdown. Then you start playing it...