The Story of Final Fantasy X-2 is Good Actually | Story Analysis
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2024
- Final Fantasy X-2 is a wildly underappreciated entry in the Final Fantasy series. From it being the first direct sequel to its vastly different tone, many wrote this off as lesser than the game it follows. But today’s video will discuss how the story of Final Fantasy X-2 is better than it often gets credit for
Chapters
0:00 Intro
2:04 Final Fantasy X-2 on its own merits
7:21 Looking back at Final Fantasy X
13:56 A Revived World
17:21 Yuna’s arc in Final Fantasy X
20:13 Eternal Calm - bridging the gap
22:27 Who Yuna becomes in Final Fantasy X-2
28:43 Yin & Yang
34:30 A Note on “Will”
36:15 Conclusion
Special thanks to Lacey Johnson for letting me use her Real Emotion cover - here's the full thing: • REAL EMOTION Final Fan...
Here is the @Transparencyboo video on Tidus’ laugh that I recommend you also watch: • A Heartfelt Defense of...
Chapter Select is my narrative analysis series where I look at video game storytelling, including characterisation, worldbuilding and narrative structure. New episodes once a month, with previous episodes available here on this handy playlist: • Chapter Select: A Narr...
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I always liked the idea that as soon as sin is defeated people start fighting each other. It is so realistic in that we are currently living in the most peaceful time in history likely and yet people find the most insane excuses to fight.
For Yuna though she sacrificed so much to bring peace and these idiots just fight each other. It would be so frustrating. It explains why her personality changes due to frustration.
I don't think we life in the most peacefull times in history, quite the oppesite in my view people die left and right and in far greater numbers then they used to even in the 1940's. Life expectancie also went down quite a bit. + We living basicly in a legal slave society now. Atleast makes me think that people out there have atleast a reason for why they fight.
So i don't see corelation to our times that "peacefull" epochs create people that want to fight. As long as a 2 class system exists, with people feeling superior there are bount to be people that want to go against that. This is not the case in FFX-2 since every person is handeled equally. Even the Al Bhet are not bound to there "mistakes" in the past.
It makes sense tho that militas would form after the collaps of the faith of yevon since power vaccum's want to get filled. So the game with its factions still rings true.
@tryhardnobouken465 you reference the 1940s, when the holocaust was happening, and say that was more peaceful than today?
I wouldn't call WW2 Peacefull by any means, i just stating that the Statistics for overall deaths were lower then our current times, and that there are people now who see those statistics as motivation for there fighting. They would not fight if the world is truely peacefull. @@samoth5161
@@tryhardnobouken465edgy weeb, you watch too much anime. you should try touching some grass and attend some history class. 😂
@@samoth5161or the holodomor.
Yuna NEEDED to have this arc. Her entire life prior was nothing but trauma, and she's very young and thus knew nothing else but that trauma. Her only friendships were based on the possibility of horrible death.
People need to let go of "Hero's Journey" post-traumatic wish fulfillment and allow kind of slice-of-life mundane moments that make ppl, who've already had that journey, able to enjoy their lives.
Final Fantasy X-2 Last Mission highlights this: Their actual adventure was pointless, but what the women learned about each other and what they want from life now that they're able to live one in the first place, is the entire point: It's SUPPOSED to be sobering.
It drives me nuts when people use the "awkward laugh" as a mark of bad quality of the game out of context. Absolutely nuts. Thanks for this video
*Paine:* "Someone's turning Yuna into a bad girl..."
*Rikku (dancing):* "WHO?!?!?!"
I just beat X-2 and I can’t even begin to explain how much I love it- and I felt like I wouldn’t find any videos praising it until I found you: absolutely amazing, I couldn’t agree more, and subscribed!
It's a great game that doesn't get enough respect, so I felt that if no one else will, I'll give it that respect. Thanks for the sub btw!
but did you beat the Via Infinito, Trema is a bitch
i like all the extra bits like that 100 floors to trema and that airship creature capture thing which has tournaments to unlock good accessories but requires alot of grinding and then of course tough super bosses available to take on 🤙
"we found a video of your boyfriend in a cage"
That shit got me 😂😂
Finally someone who understands Yuna’s character in X-2! Great video!
It's like if you have a story set during a global war, then a sequel story set in a post-war peace time. The tones are naturally gonna be different.
The thing with Yuna is, she always had playful and energetic side to her, which she usually let out around Tidus. In particular her talk of everything she'd do when she visited his Zanarkand. But as a Summoner she had a role to play and an image to keep, so she had to be reserved. With her effectively retired from that, she was able to let her hair down.
X-2 is honestly a fascinating look into how people and societies change in a post-war era (in this case post-Sin), but people were just expecting it to maintain the status quo of X even though X's whole purpose was breaking the cycle so the world could move forwards.
Edit: Also fun fact, in Opera Omnia, Braska mentions that Yuna was always a bit of a tomboy as a child.
Maintaining the status quo is the problem I think people have with it. It's kind of a problem with a lot of game series - someone tries something new and the audience reacts negatively because they just wanted more of the same. Probably why we're getting so many remakes lately
@@Bobthepetferret It's weird coming from supposed fan of a serie notorius for shaking things up and not afraid to change core gameplay mechanics with each installments.
I never saw Yuna’s personality as changed in ffx-2.
She’s mirroring Rikku often but I see it more as how people tend to modify their behaviour around people they’ve been with for a while. It’s just what happens. Her in-depth personality is the same and you can tell in the moments when she thinks of Tidus or her past as a summoner her tone changes. Her life was different back then but that girl is still the same Yuna. She’s just pushed by Rikku’s and Brother’s presence to be more happy go lucky.
What I found annoying in the game was that New Yevon and the Youth League weren’t as « equally good » or « equally bad » as they should have been. The game gives you a choice between the two factions but wants you to choose the Youth League by making New Yevon guys still mostly corrupt.
Basically what bothered me was that New Yevon people were all jerks a part from Baralai even if you chose them and all of the people in the Youth League were super kind. It would have been a richer experience if the two were full of people with strong convictions and who were decent human beings who didn’t necessarily want to deceive everyone around them. While at the same time both being able of extremes: new Yevon of lies and hidden truths ; the Youth League of brute force and aggression. I would have liked a little more depth to this conflict
the part of new yeven is atually prety on point on how organizations like that actually happens tho. they had been for thousands of years fucking everyone up to maintain their power, just because sin is defeated and they were exposed doesnt not mean that suddenly they gonna start spouting rainbows and unicorns.
19:58 - "It's the age-old story of a devoted religious girl who meets a boy who plays sports and rebels against her parents and/or the entire religious order she was raised in" PERFECT SYNOPSIS OF X!!
22:36 - "And one thing really stands out to me in Yuna' cool badassery in that game: she's not really all that cool or badass. She's consistently awkward and trying too hard. Because she spent so long living for other people that perhaps she isn't sure who she is herself. She is the devout Catholic girl who grew up sheltered, then went to an arts university, got involved with the alternative music society and is now desperately trying to appear cool to them." And just a *chef's kiss description of the continuity of Yuna's character journey.
Your passionate defense of this game moves me to tears! Love your work my dude!
Also I loved seeing the Gullwing girls in Kingdom Hearts 2 as fairies for some reason
Thank you. I did too. I wished Tidus and Yuna could have met in the games!
Omg same!! As a kid I figured they left the Peter Pan world to go treasure hunting before meeting Maledicent and then Sora.
Me too so much
Saaaaaaaameee always
Yuna and the people of spira finally live X-2. X-2 was my first FF. And it is still my fav. I was a closet gay boy who loved Magical Girl shit. But this game is
so much more than that
When I first played FFX2 as a teenage girl, I hated the bubbly cringe of the story. I rejected Yuna's awkward, clumsy, adolescent self-growth-because *I was going through the same process,* and I didn't want to admit it.
This video perfectly captures my mature appreciation for FFX2 that I now have as an adult. 👏🏻👏🏻💙
That's a really interesting perspective, actually, and I wonder how many people rejected it for that reason. We can all relate to that awkward teenage phase, although we can only appreciate it once we're out of it
I love this comment. I do think FFX-2 is a very deep and mature story. Yuna had a rough life before X-2 started. She became an orphan when she was a little girl, and then she literally thought she was going to sacrifice herself to save the world for her entire early life. In X-2. she's cutting loose and coming out of her shell for the first time ever, while dealing with the more recent trauma of mysteriously losing a person she loved deeply. I find it kind of sad in a funny way that a lot of people begrudge Yuna her quirky, adorkable dress up adventure sequel after everything she's been through, to the point where many people don't play through the entire game and see the really touching and realistic character growth she goes through while overcoming her grief. To me, X-2 is a good ending to FFX even if the first game stands well on its own.
I will defend this game with my life forever. It's good to see someone else who understands and loves this game as well ❤
I will forever be an appreciator of X-2. A lot of folks make reductive complaints about Yuna singing pop songs, when it all makes perfect sense to me. X-2 uses the job system, and Songstress is just a modern take on the classic Bard job. Yuna was always a public figure, she has just traded one job for another. The shift between Bard and Songstress also makes sense thematically with the tone of these two games - X shows us a world entrenched in more traditional east/southeast Asian culture, while X-2 showcases the modernization of Asian society. Yuna herself embodies these themes and tensions between the games.
I have always said, "If I prepared myself for my whole life to sacrifice myself for the greater good, but not only manage to not sacrifice myself, but also permanently get rid of the problem so no one else has to, you bet your ass I'd be spending the rest of my life celebrating." in defense of FFX-2, I never thought about the fact Yuna is actually kinda cringe and awkward for most of the game, but I also never thought of her change in character between the two games to be unrealistic for the reason I gave at the start of this comment.
I was always aware of the awkward cringe elements, but I've always found them weirdly endearing, so I've always been okay with them!
People tend to forget... She's only 19 in the second game, 19!!!!! After going on a whole journey that was supposed to end her life at 17. Why are people expecting her to behave as an adult once the world is free of Sin and she can just live??
@@aDrii786 OMG YES EXACTLY THIS!!!!!!
And she was awkward in the first game too
Thank you so much for this! I was about Yunas age when the first game came out and came from a very strict religious family, so when I got a little older and began to live for myself and not just do as I was told I related VERY hard to Yuna. It took me a very long time to learn who I was after getting out of a controlling environment where I was raised to serve everyone around me and put everyone else’s needs, wants and whims before my self. I had to learn everything about myself from my likes and dislikes to what I wanted to do with my life. That’s why I see these 2 games as one and why they mean so much to me.
Before the Vegnagun fight, when Yuna gets emotionally wrecked and says "I don't want this anymore" in response to Nooj willing to sacrifice himself. You could feel the pain she was in still over the Spiral of Death from FFX and Tidus' leave at the end of it.
6:55 But here's the thing that people miss about X-2. It _does_ have deep, introspective looks at life in general -- moreso than 10. Hear me out. 10 captures the misery of spiraling death as you've pointed out, and the valuation of summoners' lives and the expenditure of which in exchange for relief from that death. X-2 captures just what do you do with your life, how do you rebuild from carnage, how do you cope with debilitating personal loss, how are you supposed to live your life, how do you manage and value your personal relationships with others, who are you actually?? The death of Shuyin/Lenne and longing desire to reunite strikes heavy with Yuna for much the same reasons. Then the political conflict and strife of a post-tragedy world desperate to find identity. And all the lives that are connected together by all of this in ways they could've never predicted. The opening song, Eternity~ Memory of Lightwaves, captures the culmination of all these feelings with such masterful beauty and vision. That song has heavy, heavy feeling in it and even rises above To Zanarkand and the entire soundtrack of FFX. It's the perfect capstone to tie together all the many themes of this game together in such a beautiful way.
Good point. Those themes are present, but they're more present in the background rather than the constantly visible themes of X. Which isn't a bad thing, it's more another highlight of the differences between the two games as it shows the heavy stuff can co-exist with friends goofing off on an airship.
Also 😅 im f
😊r
I don't know who you are but you've earned a like and subscribe with this video. My introduction to FF was this game and honestly I think that the progression Yuna goes from from the start of FFX to the end of FFX-2 is phenomenal. You said it so well that the story of FFX-2 is Yuna learning how to not just make others happy, but to be happy herself. Love that.
Thanks for the sub, welcome to the channel!
I feel the exact same way. Instant sub! No one has ever contextualized the two games this well imo, and shared so many of my personal feelings so eloquently.
As a child I played FFX-2 first (it was the first one I ever played) and then I played FFX. It didn't feel weird at all going from such a peppy game to a heavier one because the heaviness ties back to her loss of Tidus which is a main theme in the sequel. I didn't mind playing something more serious because I wanted to learn more about their story and what happened to him. Naturally I didn't expect it to be totally upbeat considering he died/disappeared and I knew they hadn't been able to end up together in the end.
I also think people don't realize Yuna's change in character was because of the profound effect Tidus had on her and her life. He mad her believe new things were possible and after losing him she may have even taken on some of his traits to feel closer to him.
I started X-2 first too, then played X maybe
YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS EVER PERFECTLY ARTICULATED MY FEELINGS ABOUT X-2.
I actually cried watching your video. This game is so unfairly maligned, and I believe the general opinion is shifting with time... X-2 has so many merits, and YES, it is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL AND REALISTIC FOR YUNA'S DEVELOPMENT. SHE LIVED HER WHOLE LIFE RULED BY AN OPPRESSIVE AND MANIPULATE RELIGION THAT CONDITIONED HER TO DIE FOR ITS LIES, AND DESPITE THE ODDS SHE LIVED! WHEN THE DECK WAS STACKED AGAINST HER SHE LIVED! AND NOW SHE GETS TO LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND THERE'S SO MUCH JOY, EVEN AFTER ALL THE MISERY!!! YUNA CAN TAKE THE GIFTS TIDUS GAVE HER AND CONTINUE GROWING!!! AND SHE GETS TO LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHH! I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED THE VIDEO!! :D
I always liked FFX-2's battle system and freedom. Over time, I appreciated the interesting story premise of a Spira caught in two-minds, one yearning for some structure, the other desperate to throw off its old shackles. It helped that (despite New Yevon preventing 100%) the choice wasn't so clear cut in comparison to FFX - New Yevon and in particular, Baralai, came across as much more well-intentioned than the obviously evil Yevon.
This video has made me appreciate the more cringeworthy elements, the last thing which still somewhat puts me off today. I've always liked FFX-2 overall, don't get me wrong, but I still wince at a lot of the dialogue and "dad walks in" moments. You did an amazing job at presenting why it makes sense in terms of Yuna's sheltered character and how it softens as she reconciles her new adventurous persona with her more natural, caring nature. I think if more people had access to the Eternal Calm prior to FFX-2 releasing (as a Brit, didn't see this until over 10 years after), the tonal whiplash and initial poor first impression many people had of X-2 might not have been nearly as bad. The context it provides is invaluable, in comparison to most people's first impression of "oh, she's a pop singer now?"
In terms of Will, it's quite incredible that over 100 hours of story and character development can be undone by a single minute of audio content - starting with Sin returning out of nowhere, culminating with Yuna saying "only a summoner and the Final Aeon can defeat Sin". Not even the BlitzBomb managed that lol.
Apologies for the blog. 33:05 Superb joke, by the way.
As someone who was massively influenced by this game in my youth, for similar religious trauma reasons, I absolutely agree with this whole analysis. And why it's one of my favorite games of all time, despite it not being quite up to what other people expected (or can even see if they didn't grow up with that dynamic). Because healing looks different for everyone, and the process doesn't have to be as painful and self-sacrificing as everyone always assumes. Likewise, if we don't lighten up a bit, we just pass our anger on to the next generation. I'll take J-pop and silly clothes over literal war and extreme political divide any day.
A trait I oddly think Leblanc embodies rather well too, as this 30-something free spirit who honestly just wants to get Yuna to get out of her shell, while finding ways to support some of the most disadvantaged people following the whole FFX tragedy. She kind of always felt like an eccentric auntie character for me, rather than a "villain". You know, the one the rest of the family always criticized and never let you talk to, but once you're older and get to meet her on your own terms you find out she's pretty great.
Dang, good analysis of Leblanc - probably the best I've heard and it's from a YT comment section no less! Bravo, sir. Basically spoke my mind verbatim on that subject.
The biggest problem this game had was execution. The main argument of the video is that this character development isn't unreasonable, and the game otherwise has cool elements that make it a pretty solid game. I don't disagree with either of those statements. The problem is we the players did not get to witness that development we are instead thrown right into an anime fan service episode without any real explanation of how we got from point A to B. It's fan service elements being so prevalent right from the jump was obviously going to alienate a portion of the fan base. And the best explanation of it according to the video defending it was "Oh it was Rikku's idea". It created a situation where most people just chalked it up to a fan service game and hated it from the start because it didn't create a compelling reason to think about why we got there, or show us how it happened.
This game would have been much better if it had started with Yuna's development into the person she was in the story instead of just her being that person at the start and expecting the audience to just except it. Also probably could have done with dialing back some of the fan service elements as they ultimately just served as a distraction.
Thank you so much for this video. Finally someone praising this game instead of criticising it over stereotypes and their inability to let go of Final Fantasy X story.
I always loved how they made Zanarkand a tourist attraction. Well, I hate it but so does the girls. Especially Rikku and Yuna. It was realistic thing for society to do, profit off of tragedy. They have to come to terms that people don’t view what happened the same because they weren’t there. The nation wants to make money to rebuild and keep growing post catastrophe. The mood of Zanarakand is now bubbly but it’s just a coat of paint.
I’m so happy that someone else finally gets it! And I’m absolutely thrilled that someone summed it up so eloquently as this video. Even the change in combat system was an expression of freedom in direct contrast to the allow, methodical pace of X’s. Thanks for making this.
Great video! You know you can always tell when people that hate the game most likely didn't play it. They watch the opening, and hate seeing Yuna be a "popstar". That person isn't even Yuna, it's Leblanc. The one REAL time Yuna sings it's heartfelt and happens because of her desire to help Spira, something you touched on already.
I love these games ❤
I've personally always loved ten and I did quite enjoy X-2 especially mechanically but kind of always cringed a bit cause of the over the top levity. Having talked to you about it and seen this video, I can really see how the two games are ying to their respective yang.
As always, excellently done!
I started playing X-2 and couldn't play past the first 5 minutes.... I went to the ever trusted TH-cam community to figure out why this game is such a wrench in the gears for me. I think this is the exact thing that was needed. You made it make sense. Thank you for that. I will try to play it with this video in mind.
37:16 you cheeky man, this conclusion made me sub immediatly lol. thanks for this video. I love X-2 and am happy that for a few years now, more people are giving it a fair chance.
But at the concert wasn't her, in fact, was Leblanc! And the spheredresses give them abiltyes etc, the memories inside that sphere was from a singer ! So... Wasn't Yuna at all, i dont know why ppl hate that part
So I never played X-2 but now I kinda want to. But the whole time I was thinking "sounds like we need a X-3 to round out the series, where they search for Tidus. But then you described Will, which I've never heard of, and was repulsed by the idea.
I just gave this game a replay after 20 years.
I liked it then, and I LOVE it now!! I only just discovered that there was an international version with creature creator, as well as some bringing in some of the old guard back (if you know, you know.)
It was a fantastic game, the combat system ruled, and the selection of jobs was quite satisfying.
I wish we could get another game with this base skeleton in relation to jobs & the ATB system
Been playing this on every platform since i discovered it on the ps2. It was my first official FF game after playing FF7 briefly as a child. (96 baby here) I have 200 + hours not including how much i played on the ps2. Finally got 100 % a couple of years ago. This was the game that taught me about jobs in final fantasy and had me looking forward to the different jobs that would appear in other FF games. And let me tell you that going from ffx-2 to ffx was...an amazing experience. I wish I could play them both again for the first time.
When I first played X-2, I was 25 years old. Was it cringy? Yep. Did I facepalm a few times? Yep. But that intro, a thousand words making me genuinely cry, and the dressphere transformations being epic, I loved it 😂
This was brilliantly succinct and fun; you did a brilliant job being as eloquent and thorough as you were. Good work my dude~
This video has restored my love of FFX-2 and I appreciate you for taking the time to do this analysis.
What a well put together. Love the editing and analysis. I enjoyed both games but never did I see it the way you put it here. I've only a greater appreciation for the games. Great work!
I liked this game more than the original too. I was really into magical girl stuff and Lara Croft type action back when I played it. so I was very happy with it. and the vocal tracks were so good
The vocal tracks are kinda cheesy but in a fun, catchy way that makes them great
X-2 is one of my very faves! The story and characters aside. It scratched the ADHD JRPG itch that I need. Fast paced, mini game, hack and slash, unlocking, mastering bliss.
(sorry in advance for broken english) FANTASTIC video, I absolutely agree over all the points you make! I often tend to argue with my friends over X-2, because I think it's an awesome game and on the other hand they think it's a disgrace (while probably they did not pass the first chapter). Idk if it's a mysoginistic way to judge Yuna 2 years after she set the world free, now in a more carefree attitude after she lived a life of sacrifice and psycological pressure, or just people being stubborn about change. I feel like a huge percentage of FF fans are very reluctant to change in general, we can see it though all the FFXII unjustified hate, or through X-2 mood. There are reasons to be upset over bad written sequels, like FFIV TAY, Kingdom Hearts shenanigans, or like all the obnoxious FFXIII trilogy (Lightning falling in a hole resulting in her becoming a goddess and time portals opening randomly with nothing tieing with anything happening in the first game), but I SINCERLY feel like Yuna is the same character from the first game, but as you said her persona is strictly influenced by Rikku and Tidus's more joyful attitude, since she sees and love them and learn to live her life bearing them even in her cringy awkwardness! The game is SO MUCH FUN and needs to be praised as a really good game!
Gotta admit I'm one of those who isn't a big fan of FF12 (I've struggled with most post-X games in the series tbh), although that's down to me just not clicking with its battle system but I've given it a good try a few times before accepting I'm probably not gonna like it. I will acknowledge its good points though (mostly Balthier and Fran)
Glad you enjoyed the video though! I love that even more folks share my opinions on FFX-2 (also your English was excellent)
@@Bobthepetferret Well I admit I also have troubles enjoying the entries past XII as I am a diehard old style RPG fan myself, but I think that "not enjoying" something an "hating" are two different things. Most people that tend to hate on X-2 and XII probably never played them in the first place, and things like "They ruined the series" and such are not justified in that regard, at least not in regard of gameplay settings emotions and fun. FFXII is a deep game, created with love and full of positive things, with an astonishing worldbuilding and maybe the best cutscene direction in videogame history. You can play the old games if you wanna play another kind of game, you know, there are 10 of them! I rather enjoy playing things like bravely default and octopath, and even if i dont like playing FFXV i don't "hate" it... I dont know i made myself clear... anyway, the same thing is related to FFX-2. Maybe even in a worse way that FFXII, considering the latter has had a recent post-time appreciation
Agreed with your comments. To me, X-2 ties the original game together with Spira's past and Tidus and Yuna with their past incarnations. Yes, they belong together.
It just wraps everything up really nicely
Such an amazing analysis!
Seeing the "I don't like your plan, it sucks" scene, it makes me think that Yuna is still experiencing some degree of grief and survivor's guilt.
It's possible, which would explain why she's so against it happening again
Adding to the idea that yuna deliberately tries to channel Tidus' energy in X-2, the warrior dressphere is just her using his exact battle animations and sword.
Thank you, Bobthepetferret! Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into making this video. I absolutely loved it!
Final Fantasy X-2 was the very first Final Fantasy game I ever played. Yes, I was confused for most of the game until I realized it was a sequel. 😄
I appreciate your perspective. Both games are indeed important for the overall story and for the world we all fell in love with. Watching some of the clips in your video made me cry. It was nostalgic, sad, and a beautiful release of emotions.
I never could accept most of the criticism that Final Fantasy X-2 received. As you stated, this game did carry the past events and the trauma of Final Fantasy X with it. Only now, the circumstances have changed and the characters we once knew have grown up.
Final Fantasy X-2 is so well thought out when you take a closer look. Even the lyrics during the opening song echo Yuna’s journey in the first game and hints and what awaits her in this one: "I hear your voice calling out to me, "You'll never be alone"" None of this was done by accident. It’s all connected.
Thank you for being here and for sharing your thoughts with us. I appreciate you. 💜
X-2 was my first FF game, and as a bright eyed 10 year old it was the catalyst to my fantasy RPG/MMO addiction. It would be years before I realised it was a sequel, but when I went and played X and the whole story clicked, I'll die on this hill X and X-2 are the best FF installments. It's stuck with me even mow in my late 20's as someone who was naive and more subdued in their youth, Yuna's story of coming-of-age and self discovery really hits home, finding your own identity, challenging beliefs you previously held because you were told to. That said, I play X-2 more when I replay because X makes me cry.
You completely left out how Yuna set out because there is a glimmer of hope that Tidus is alive somewhere. And ofc the true ending where he comes back.
Honestly (and I'm aware this is potentially an unpopular opinion), I'd have preferred it if they didn't reunite. That the story could be entirely about her growth and learning to move on and grow. Fits the themes of the rest of the game better imo
I agree with pretty much everything you said while the first game was about tragedy the second was about recovery from it not only Yuna but ENTIRE SPIRA most games only focus on the heroes story and the world is completely aside FFX is easily the best world made in FFs becase SPIRA is actually a WORLD in X2 is amazing seeing how Yuna interacts with the world. Helping people with their personal problems.
Her speech before Vegnagun fight shows how incredible Yuna grown is.
X2 has multiple endings I personally desagree with the true ending where she brings Tidus back this goes against her development. Honestly the most correct ending should be the one that she refuses the faith offer this makes more sense after seeing Shuin and Lene story. But let's be honest nobody has the courage to choose to refuse the faith offer in the game and in real life I mean if you had the chance to bring someone you love back to life would anyone refuse this offer?
It was kinda sad that we couldn't play with Wakka, Lulu and Kimahri they where there but at same time aren't there but again they moved forward with their lives pretty much the theme of the story.
In the end the most important aspect is while X is about freeing the world from Sin and Yevon darkness X2 is about how SPIRA moved forward so everything that happens in X becomes worth when you play X2.
I think you’re the first person who’s ever admitted that Yuna lost her virginity in that lake 😆
On a more serious note, I absolutely love how eloquent and articulate you were summing up both games. X (and X-2) is definitely very much about Yuna despite the fact the narration is done by Tidus. We as viewers see everything through his eyes, but the journey is really all about Yuna. And yes, I too have always felt FFX was incomplete and unfinished somehow. When FFX-2 came out, I was extremely excited but admittedly the game did felt a bit jarring considering the tone was vastly different from the previous game. But in hindsight, as you stated, X-2 gives us a world that is free of Sin and allows us to see what had become of Yuna’s success and Tidus’ sacrifice. They definitely complement and complete each other.
This a great and well done video. And I do love that end bit 😂
Thank you for making this video. I always found the battle system in this game to be the most enjoyable, but also I love how there's depth to the story, but only if you seek it.
Hey, Bob--I'm sure you don't remember me because _I_ don't even remember the name of my original TH-cam account, but you were one of the first people I ever watched let's plays from, as well as my first exposure to _Final Fantasy_ through your X-2 playthrough. I fell in love with how much _you_ loved it, and I've been a fan of the series ever since.
Thank you for the thoughtful analysis video--both because it's a fantastically well-written piece and because it enabled me to find your channel again after so many years. I hope you're doing well.
Oh wow, this is great to hear! I'm honestly surprised that my Let's Plays back in the day got anyone into the games I played, but it's cool that you did! Glad you're back and I'm glad you enjoyed this video! Thank you!
@@Bobthepetferret Well, I was young and appreciated your relative calm while playing, I recall. But your videos left quite the impression. As far as my brain is concerned, your voice for Issun from _Okami_ is the canon character voice. I replayed recently, and over a decade later, I still hear the voice _you_ made in my head when he talks.
Really, though. Your channel had a huge impact on the kinds of games I liked and decided I wanted to play when I really got into gaming. Some of my favorites to this day were games I first heard about on your channel. _Fatal Frame, Uncharted, Beyond Good & Evil, Okami..._ and of course, FFX(-2). So, yes. Maybe the LPs are old, but they were really enjoyable. I'm having a lot of fun with the video essays you're making now, too. I hope you don't mind the inundation of comments.
I have no objection to all the comments. It's always good to know folks are enjoying what I put out there!
Always makes me happy to see others that enjoyed or even loved this game. Too many just call it a fan service game and walk away.
It definitely has some elements of fan service, I can't deny that, but there's so much more to it underneath that
@@Bobthepetferret Exactly, I don't argue that either and from now on I might just link your video. Albeit a few choice words like "space whale" hahaha, you say exactly what I try to tell people.
love this vid. it perfectly encapsulates why i love this game~! id LOVE a follow up delving more into your thoughts about the plot with shuyin/lenne, what it reveals about the old war and also your thoughts on the ending/how it goes about reviving Tidus. Most vids are from a ff x-2 non-enjoyer so all the points are negative, but id love to hear a take from an enjoyer like myself~!
I don't know if I have a lot to contribute on most of those, except maybe the ending with Tidus. But that is more likely to show up as an additional point in a different video, I'd say
Thank you so much for this video! I absolutely love it! It's so great to see more people speaking out on behalf of X-2. It's always been my favourite Final Fantasy. I've just subscribed to your channel. It would be very interesting to see an up-to-date tier list of your favourite Final Fantasy's :)
My tier list is basically 6-10 = good, 12, 13, 15 = bad, 16 = good again, haven't played anything prior to 6 or the MMOs
Not sure if I'd ever turn that into a video tbh but who knows!
This video should have more views!! Really great perspective on the game. Final Fantasy X-2 was a defining moment of my childhood.
Yuna's arc in X is a change from sacrificing herself so that the world can be happy into sacrificing (in a roundabout way) the person with whom she's come to find happiness in order to make the world happy, whereas Tidus wants to save Yuna and the world from being pierced on one of the two horns of a false dilemma. To me, the world of the story of X seems built on an ethic of stoic pragmatism; namely, since death is so inevitable, what's the best trade-off a person can make? If people are going to die anyway, how can we bring happiness to the greatest number of people? Also, is there any nobility of spirit in willing sacrifice? (And then, of course, it also shows that there are people who will use and abuse that same rhetoric for their own exploitative, self-serving ends.)
X-2 is about people struggling to find happiness (struggling within themselves and with one another) now that the imminent threat of death by Sin has been removed. When life is no longer "nasty, brutish, and short," what do we live for? And not everybody is going to agree on what that answer is when it's left to individual choice to determine, but some folks will clearly be like-minded, as well as clash with those who disagree with them. When there is no longer a common threat that unites people, and everyone's version of happiness is different (and sometimes at odds with one another), how is peace achieved and enjoyed?
I think you made a good point about the people of Spira "going a little nuts" in X-2. When just surviving is no longer the biggest constraint on life and people become free of the threat of immanent death (or sometimes other forms of extreme privation and/or self-discipline), we do tend to go a little wild and live in a more unrestrained manner. Sometimes it's just nice to do something that makes you feel good after living under an external threat for so long. Wasn't this one of the main criticisms against youth after World War II, namely that they lacked self-discipline, restraint, and the sense of duty which their parents demonstrated when those parents made the sacrifices that helped to win WW2? At least, that's how I remember it going in Harlan Ellison's novel Starship Troopers. I think that him perceiving that social problem is one of the reasons why he wrote the book.
It's been years when I had finished X and X-2 back in the PS2 era, and not many people I knew liked the sequel. They say it was too girly, lacks the drama of the other long RPGs at the time, all while giving praise to the first story for being a heart-wrenching tale.
Hearing the said commentary of onlookers watching my playthroughs (at a game centre back then when I saved lunch money to rent a console for 8-hour RPG marathons during weekends, and during study breaks and when cutting classes...), I blurted out how great it was to see Yuna grow and enjoy the life she and her party had strived hard for, embark on an adventure where she won't perish at the journey's end, and after being in the state of the grim cycle of death, mentioned that it would be nice to have Spirans live their lives without the fear of the impending doom when the 10 years or so of the Calm is about to end. They got the Eternal Calm, so why not rest, rebuild and live e.g. watch concerts and perhaps enjoy blitzball games for enjoyment and not a temporary reprieve/escape from reality?
...then some of them left me alone with comments that let the gay boy play girly games, while some were like that makes sense (the business owner and mostly the more older peeps). At least they're right about the gay boy part lol.
Much appreciate the analysis! I felt the same way many years back; Yuna deserved to let loose, be a bit selfish and more, all while the world was figuring out what do when the crisis has been averted, and some of the societal norms had been challenged and crumbled.
Now, I still have the remaster in my PC when I feel like reliving the past with a better looking Tidus and the still slightly chubby Wakka, and I still feel the same way about the game. Even if some parts of X-2 are cringe (but it's on-brand as they're young, and they're just adorable lol) and idyllic, I believe X-2 portrays a world of opportunities post-crisis, which is interesting to observe.
PS. I love this game's ATB version - more powerful abilities take longer to prep/cast so I enjoyed the complexity. The battle quips for the dressphere outfits are quite fitting and can be downright hilariously on-point lol
Great video! Oh, and you were wrong about one thing, Final Fantasy X-2: Eternal Calm did get released in Europe (well here in the UK anyway). It was bundled in with the Unlimited Saga II PS2 game.
The first game is Tidus's story. The second game is her story.
You've missed the whole part of the father-son relationship in FFX. A massive overlook of the actual point of the game.
You're looking through X through the lense of X-2, but X came first.
As someone who loves FFX, X-2 was a bit of a shock when it first came out, but I totally felt it was a great direction for a sequel. To me, it's the sadder moments in X-2 that really stick out, which people don't give it credit for. Maybe I'm sappy, but everytime Yuna's lost in her memories and Yuna's Ballad starts playing, I can't help but shed a tear.
The main theme is about what to do with our past - perfect them for a sequel. Do we move on or to preserve the past? Do we forgive or get revenge? Yuna, Paine, and Spira as a whole struggle with these questions. As someone who's very nostalgic, I really relate to Yuna having a hard time letting go. Ultimately, I prefer the sad ending where she says goodbye to Tidus in the farplane, since I think it makes more sense for the themes of the story (but I can't help but enjoy the good/perfect endings too)
I think people might like it better if the first scene and mission was a bit more down to earth. It's really jaring and hard to take it seriously. But the story gets more and more serious and something a FFX lover can enjoy. Some great stuff is easy to miss without a 100% guide too unfortunately.
X-2 has my fave combat system in the series, just a shame it's a bit too easy; I absolutely abhor what they did to the YRP team in Last Mission though, they outright tell you after the whole story that the girls grew apart and no longer even like each other, and that's with the perfect ending.
Final Fantasy 10/X-2 videos randomly pop up for me. FF10 and FF10-2 just really resonated with me. FFX and FFX-2 were just a pure joy for me from start to finish. X-2 easily was my favorite purely because of the combat system. Switch classes mid combat was just fun and each one was so unique.
I wouldn’t say Tidus isn’t the main character of FFX because he’s the audience surrogate. Both Yuna and Tidus fulfill that role.
Right. He is the main character and she is the protagonist.
Well, remember Teresa are dual protagonist rolls in film and theater. I would say that FFX Always was Us(tidus) and Yuna. Both have their stories. I love it!!!!
Despite my massive hype pre-launch, I didn't enjoy X-2 very much. I found most of the missions tedious and inconsequential. That said, it did seem like there was an interesting story buried somewhere in there. I appreciate this video for bringing the strengths of X-2's storytelling to light. X is probably my favourite game of all time, so X-2 has sometimes felt like an aberration, but this video is persuading me that the sequel was not a mistake.
Glad to see the video's doing its job!
You know a realization I just had was if Tidus wasn't shunted through time and just a man out of time like I thought before watching all these lore videos, than the ending of the dream in FFX was the death of millions in Alt Zanarkand all at once. I mean isn't that also kinda F'ed up, considering they all had lives as valid as those in Spira, and they didn't have any control over what Yu Yevon did or didn't do past Alt Zanarkands creation. Weird food for thought.
Guy, wonderful video!! Best analysis of this game that i ever see. I hated the game when it was released, but then i discover that it was very good actually. 🙌🙌
I had to drop FFX a few years ago because it was too depressing in tone and story for me personally, although I did love it. I'm tempted to pick it back up and/or play X2 now though because it seems like pure joyful catharsis.
Wtf at the audio drama though....
We don't speak about the audio drama.
I didn't drop the game originally, but I was left feeling numb towards it for years, for that exact reason. I finally replayed it since after playing through X-2 multiple times and gained a new appreciation for it, and when replaying both simultaneously for this video, alternating between the two with each recording session, I appreciated it even more as I was more directly seeing the contrasts. So I'd definitely give it another try, especially if you can play X-2 as well
I just beat X-2 today and I loved it. I only played it because it came with X as an HD remaster, and I beat X for the first time and figured "Why Not?" And I was surprised at how much I liked it. The combat system was much faster and more interesting than X. Hell I'd say X-2 was one of the top 3 most difficult FF's I've played (which is all except 13 at this point)
So glad to meet someone else who agrees with this. I swear I always tear up when i listen to 1000 Words, this is a beautiful direct sequel X)!!!
A genius overview of these two games. I liked X-2, but never took it really seriously. And also, my PS2-CD crashes when Yuna is singing for everyone which... I get it, that second song is like her bad album. However, you managed to bring X and X-2 together and show everyone that they complement each other perfectly. Yuna's character development is like a spiritual journey through our own development.
You’re 100% correct, the stories of FFX/X-2 must be shared as a collective whole to enjoy both in their totality. It’s truly a masterful experience that I feel is missing from most (not all) of today’s games. Literary and thematic elements were included in smart and compelling threads throughout the story and it wasn’t afraid of “losing itself” in the plot. And it shows.
The world building, characterization, and overall POINT of the themes of the story between FFX/X-2 is simply brilliant, no other way to put it. It wasn’t serendipitous, but majorly intentional. And it worked.
I love X because it shows that every good action may help everyone else but will always come at great cost to yourself.
Great video, my first experience with X2 gave me such whiplash I played it for about an hour and stopped. This has me wanting to give it another go, X and X2 back to back. Now that I am expecting the tonal shift (and am older, let's be real) it should be a good time.
Final fantasy x-2 was my first final fantasy, and to this day is one of my most beloved, right next ffv, ff xii and ff xiii-2, these games are perfect and fun, and i get extremely annoyed at how most people like to shit on them, most often than not, withouth even having any actual critiscism, they just keep parroting the same one or two "points" that youtubers keep vomiting as if its gospel.
I'm glad to see someone can actually give the game an actual, fair critiscim.
This is such an amazing and beautifully said video!!! I appreciate how well you explained why it deserves so much love. The story is so emotional but also really fun and we are allowed to have fun for funs sake! Another point I want to add is, as a young girl playing this game for the first time was the literal coolest thing ever! I have loved this game so much since and have been chasing for something that gives me the same feeling. We also have to consider that having games for girls is really important! Having not one but THREE female main characters was everything to me. The pop diva entrance (not even really Yuna tbh), the magical girl transformations and ability to multiclass, the fighting system, the story. Its just all so cool and my young mind was blown. The characters are so relatable and loveable too. This game was so needed for someone like me. It feels like it was MADE for someone like me. We always have to remember like hey, maybe this wasn't made for me and that is okay! :) Thank you for this video
I loved X-2 just as much as X! Great to see others who agree.
Actually really like the story of this game and I think it’s easier to relate to as you get older and understand how people and the world function more.
Also I don't know why, the last scene when she speaks from her heart was very beautiful, convincing and full of emotion on her face. Somehow the remastered version kinda messed up her facial expression, she left me a speechless feeling after that speech lmao....
May be off topic but does anyone know the title of the song playing at 29:33 ?
Yuna's Ballad (from X-2)
X-2 will always be a guilty pleasure. And overall, I appreciate where they took the story. Although at times it felt like a comedy sketch. I really appreciate your analysis. Real Emotion does open indeed open the game with a direct sense of freedom for Spira which I understood. Jarring for some but also completely logical. X2 is ultimately a game about going out into the world to find yourself without the restrictions of past status quos.
There are definitely bits that are a bit too silly, but it weirdly works for me regardless because of its themes justifying that
I listened to all your points and can understand why people might like this game however it is still not a game I enjoy personally as I like more serious stories/characters. I know you said FFX felt incomplete because we didn't get to see the hard earned victory but I honestly felt like this could have been solved with something akin to the end of Act 2 in DQXI. Not to spoil anything in DQXI but after you beat the game you are able to go around the world and see all the people rebuilding and celebrate with the heroes. I would say FFX was a complete story just was lacking in the homecoming portion of the heroes journey. FFX-2 felt unnecessary to me as FFX didn't really feel like it needed a sequel. The story was finished with a bow on it with no real open looming questions that needed to be answered.
@Bobthepetferret
This video is excellent! Good job! I daresay it should be mandatory to watch this after playing FFX, especially for those continuing with Eternal Calm -> X-2 -> Novella -> Will
Some people just don't take the time to study and process things - simply taking this at face value - and that's OK. The problem, the way I see it, lies with PRESENTATION. Again, I agree with your points in the video, BUT: the intro/start of the game has such power over a game that it CAN'T be messed up.
My points to go along with this video:
- Yuna character development could/should have been more gradual. The polar opposite argument is sound, if executed somewhat poorly in-game. The 2 year timeskip is jarring, and a little lazy.
- X-2's ending, the 'perfect' ending as it were; it robs FFX of its impact and lessons. Letting go, moving on, building a future, continuing without lies and false hope - time for Yuna to practice what she preaches (pun slightly intended). Having Yuna saying farewell to Tidus permanently is not only more fitting, it’s healthier as well. Both for her, and in real life scenario. The 100% aspect of the game, to me, seems like an unhealthy person’s obsession.
- The cringe aspects of X-2; they're 50/50 if you ask me. And all arguments are valid. Many arguments say that FFX-2 was a cash-grab due to FF-X’s popularity and Square’s financial issues. Take that as you will, I won’t tell people what’s wrong or right.
Other points:
- The untold stories of FFX's world; side characters, old-world history (speaking about the concept art and loose translations)
- 33:25 Old-world history; the conflicts
- See the past and learn about it gradually throughout the game
- Yuna/Tidus relationship feels forced in FFX (referencing a video essay I saw on TH-cam, I can’t remember the name. If anyone knows about it, please post a reply with info for thers to see!). They're (more or less) only together because the narrative required it. Also, because of their fathers’ connection. Tidus is a nobody (how ’fitting’ that he is essentially a ghost, huh?).
- Technical limitations. FFX is grindy, in the same way that FFX-2’s missions are seemingly inconsequential
- FFX is good, even today. BUT it suffers here and there (walking/running animations ar clunky. The field camera is actively trying to give the player a heart-attack!
A lot of points to address there, but I'll focus on one - your point about the good ending of X-2. Because I actually agree, and that point almost made it into the video, I just couldn't make it flow well enough. I would have preferred a story where Yuna gets to process her grief, find strength in her friends and move on, since I feel it fits with the themes quite well. Maybe have a good ending where she gets to see Tidus once more at the Farplane and gets to have a more heartfelt goodbye as a way to close that chapter of her life.
But I also know a lot of people would look at that as "but they should be together" and that's probably why we got what we got. Which is a shame.
Also, your point about exploring the Machine War in a third game, I would love to see a prequel instead of a sequel. Something that shows what led to Sin and provides more context. Although with Square Enix being what it is lately, I don't have much faith in them pulling that off well.
@@Bobthepetferret Thanks for the reply! Yes, the 2nd best ending of FFX-2 (where Yuna says goodbye) is the 'correct' one in my opinion.
And yes, I understand that T/Y NOT being together would be a hard pill to swallow for many... Sorry kiddos, life ain't fair. Message of the game(s) right there :/
About your last paragraph;
The sequel, FFX-3, could take place in the new setting. However, featuring flashbacks via spheres and such (hence my reference to Horizon, Guerilla Games).
As for faith in SE... I understand your thoughts. After SquareSoft became Square-Enix it hasn't been what it used to be.
I've always had the opinion that the core of the company was lost after Sakaguchi and a few other key personnel left...
You have remnants like Nomura still, but they are
- overworked
- have too much responsibility placed on them
- 'specialists' instead of being overseers.
Frankly, I'm surprised Nomura hasn't left Square considering how he's been treated (by fans as well, mind you). Versus XIII could have been his Magnum Opus, but that chance was lost to him (unless you count KH 4, but Rating issues and IP conflicts with The Mouse only holds him back).
If Square REALLY wants to make a full worthy FFX, then they MUST get their shit together!
I'd have them hire Yoko Taro for this game (Drakengard, Nier, Voice of Cards), along with Ember Lab (Kena: BoS). Taro has stated that he's willing to consider just about any job for the right amount of money.
It's a pipe dream, but these are my thoughts.
A game based on what we have gleaned from Will and the novella... I don't want it, to be honest :(
I always liked both X and X-2, the latter feeling like the well needed rest and fun after centuries of Sin's terror.
Honestly the only thing that kept me from playing this game was the quest layout.
I never liked the fact that you had to get a certain percentage to get the perfect ending, AND that it was so easy to miss important plot points is just a deal breaker for me =(
Damn I love FFX but this game has some SUPER good things as well.
Combat and the songs are fantastic
I went out and bought hot pants when i didnt feel weak and voiceless anymore haha.
Didnt even notice I did the same until now.
I think it's a normal thing for sheltered woman.
I loved FFX and it was my first RPG. I loved FFX2 as well, and I got the "bad" ending but I appreciated it as a goodbye, the game has a vibe of attempting to be cheerful through a crushing sense of loss throughout.
I actually prefer the "bad" ending, as it fits the wider theme of the game better. It's about Yuna learning to live and move on with her friends beside her, and that just makes more sense to me.
Thank you! The amount of times I've had to respond to a disparaging comment with "The dichotomy of just about every component of X and X-2 is DELIBERATE and each differing aspect serves to support the narrative. In this essay I will...." is frankly ridiculous. I won't stop doing it, but in the future, I might drop a link to this video as well.
Excellent analysis of X-2's story, tone, and characters.
Honestly, critics would likely complain if any other Final Fantasy titles had been given sequels with similar tonal shifts.
People love their conflicts, what can you do?
When you start Final Fantasy X-2 and Memories of Lightwaves starts playing, you understand that there is something way more deep under all the goofiness of this game. Yuna is trying really hard to get over her pain and suffering. That intro music alone always reminded me to look past the "cringe" and see that strugle.
you deserve waayyyy more sub and audience
Regarding the availability of Eternal Calm for PAL regions, we did actually have access to it long before the release of the HD Remasters, though that meant purchasing Unlimited Saga for PS2 which the DVD came bundled with
Huh. You've changed my mind about this game. Also I watched someone play through FFX-2 for the first time recently, and the cringe is definitely still as strong as I remember, but I do have to admit I enjoyed watching. I guess it just went over my head when I gave up on it all those years ago. I couldn't tell you how far I got, but I wasn't even close to beating it.
That said, I think I still would have played through it though if I enjoyed the process of playing it. I just don't think I did. But that may have also been because I was undergoing a shift in my preferred style of game at the time toward computer-style RPGS and strategy RPGS. KOTOR came out a few months after FFX-2 and consumed my life for some time after. In fact I haven't played all the way through any FF game newer than FFX.
Anyway, good stuff!
I love the battle system. The music was also very good.
I liked it alot. The gameplay was amazing!
yes i aggre with a lot your point, i never see yuna change her personality in X-2, yuna is always goofy character but covered it up really good, in FFX theres a funny rare battle line with yuna copying wakka accent and lulu reprimind her lol.
Thank you for this video, x-2 means a lot to me and I'm tired of people saying it's stupid and doesn't make sense
I respect the conviction. FFX-2 made me stop that I even skipped XII. I went back for XIII and that was not as memorable. I like this video.
I remember seeing the trailer in on G4TV. I was so hyped for this game when I was in high school. I still have the free poster I got from GameStop with my preorder.
Thank you for this. I love FF X-2 and totally don't understand the hate it gets.