The previous console generation began the HD remaster trend and we saw a whole slew of PS2/Xbox/GameCube era games being released in droves. Considering that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 weren’t fully backwards compatible and that people love to play older games, the popularity of this trend made sense. This of course has carried over into the current-gen and several games that were released previously on last-gen are now finding yet another lease on life.
One of the most popular remastered games was Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster. How could it not be? Final Fantasy X was the first Final Fantasy game on the PlayStation 2 and one that still resonates with many gamers today. While Final Fantasy X-2 is also part of this package, most people who bought it did so for FFX. Considering how massively popular that game was and still is, this remaster finding a home on the PlayStation 4 was inevitable.
So what’s in this for those who already purchased it last-gen? To be honest? Not a whole lot. This collection features the international versions of both games and all of the assorted content that came with them. Both games come with two add-ons, and Final Fantasy X features a rearranged soundtrack that can be swapped for the original (why would anyone NOT choose the original though?). You can check out all of the collection’s features by reading our review of the original remaster.
What this game does feature is crisper and sharper graphics than its previous incarnation. While the last-gen version looked gorgeous compared to the original PS2 edition, it still retained some of the blurry textures and blocky background characters and enemies. Most of these issues have been fixed as there was hardly a muddy texture or polygonal looking character in sight. While this graphically isn’t on par with a proper current-gen game, it is pleasing to the eye. The original game was one of the most visually stunning titles of its time and that no doubt has a lot to do with how beautiful it still looks now. The minor PS4 graphical touches just make it look that much better.
The original PS2 game had many subtleties that are easier to notice now thanks to the 1080p resolution. In particular, you can more clearly see what characters do with their hands. It’s a small thing, but it is now more apparent what a character is feeling internally just by their body language. While some of their faces may not be as full of expression as we’re used to, the slight movements of their hands, shoulders, and legs tell us a lot and it’s easier to see that now.
There are also some other little details like extra lighting effects that come from spells or the environment. The fields now have raised grass that sway with the wind which give the world around you a more lifelike appearance. Even the NPCs have a certain amount of care put into them. No, they aren’t as detailed as the main characters, but they do look good on their own.
If you’re a fan of these games and missed out on buying this collection last-gen then you should definitely pick this up as it is the definitive edition of this remaster. If you already own this on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita however you don’t really need to double-dip since this is the same basic thing with some small graphical improvements. Either way, whether it be on last-gen or current-gen, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is a collection that every fan of JRPGs should own.
This review of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is based on a retail copy for the PlayStation 4 which was paid for out-of-pocket.
