Final Fantasy X Community Playthrough
- Thread starter Jason Tandro
- Start date
Flare
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Flare
I've finished chapter 1 now! 
Ermagerd this game. It's so fun playing it again. I've had several moments where I'm playing and I get some nostalgia/flashbacks of my own to when I first saw scenes and played the game.
It's also got one of my favorite intros ever, hands down. Idk even all of what it is, but when I'm listening to that
song and that Blitzball match starts in Zanarkand, I'm all up in that and totally mezmerized by my tv.
Ermagerd this game. It's so fun playing it again. I've had several moments where I'm playing and I get some nostalgia/flashbacks of my own to when I first saw scenes and played the game. It's also got one of my favorite intros ever, hands down. Idk even all of what it is, but when I'm listening to that
Nothing more epic than watching Sin converge on that city, the people totally unawares as they just watch their favorite sport, Auron walking through the streets, holy fuck it's so gooooood. Pulled me into this game immediately when I first saw it.
Discussion:
What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?
I'm currently playing the original PS2 version because I can play it anytime, but now that I've started I really want to play the PS3 Remaster, which I also own. Problem is PS3 is my parent's and in their room so I'd only be able to play when they're basically out of their room. Tl;dr living situations means they're often in that room when they're home, so
I did have an early save on it. I forget where but if I catch up to it today I might try a jump over and see how it works... if I can have time to play during the day most days, it might be worth it. Otherwise I'll have to stick with the PS2 version and do the Remaster another day.
If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?
Either version I'd still be playing the original Sphere Grid. I'll try the other one some other day.
I always liked the Sphere Grid; it's fun to make your own characters level up and knowing that eventually, if you want to/play long enough, you can give each character all the abilities. It's pretty to look at too, especially once you really progress in it and pathways are lit up.
I always felt that XIII tried to mimic the Sphere Grid but it just wasn't fun at all. The Sphere Grid is fairly simple, kinda fun, and works good I think as a leveling mechanic.
What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?
Ask me again once I've finished them all
Well I remember being both anxious and puzzled by them as a kid, a couple were definitely on the tough (or annoying) side for me to figure out.
Nowadays though, they're easier to do and I also remember parts of them. That helps. Just need to remember to get the destruction sphere treasures. (I remember once I went through Djose and missed the treasure. I was devastated. I think I restarted my save)
As a whole I think they're pretty cool tbh. I like the idea of these puzzles being implemented into the game and also as part of the story. I guess if you're stupid you can't be a summoner. But they're unique puzzles and I'd rather have them in the game than not.
What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?
I love the CTB system. I never had an issue with ATB but I actually really like this one. It's one of the reasons X is a favorite FF of all time for me. I love how it switches battles from being reflexive in how you plan things in the ATB system, into a strategy where you can analyze each attack and check the Act List to see how it affects the flow of battle. Swapping party members in the fight is also amazing. I basically have nothing but praise for the system, it's so fun. XD I like to say, this is my favorite FF battle system in a game where random battles on the map where still a thing.
What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?
I'm currently playing the original PS2 version because I can play it anytime, but now that I've started I really want to play the PS3 Remaster, which I also own. Problem is PS3 is my parent's and in their room so I'd only be able to play when they're basically out of their room. Tl;dr living situations means they're often in that room when they're home, so
I did have an early save on it. I forget where but if I catch up to it today I might try a jump over and see how it works... if I can have time to play during the day most days, it might be worth it. Otherwise I'll have to stick with the PS2 version and do the Remaster another day.
If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?
Either version I'd still be playing the original Sphere Grid. I'll try the other one some other day.
I always liked the Sphere Grid; it's fun to make your own characters level up and knowing that eventually, if you want to/play long enough, you can give each character all the abilities. It's pretty to look at too, especially once you really progress in it and pathways are lit up.
I always felt that XIII tried to mimic the Sphere Grid but it just wasn't fun at all. The Sphere Grid is fairly simple, kinda fun, and works good I think as a leveling mechanic.
What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?
Ask me again once I've finished them all
Well I remember being both anxious and puzzled by them as a kid, a couple were definitely on the tough (or annoying) side for me to figure out. Nowadays though, they're easier to do and I also remember parts of them. That helps. Just need to remember to get the destruction sphere treasures. (I remember once I went through Djose and missed the treasure. I was devastated. I think I restarted my save
)As a whole I think they're pretty cool tbh. I like the idea of these puzzles being implemented into the game and also as part of the story. I guess if you're stupid you can't be a summoner.
But they're unique puzzles and I'd rather have them in the game than not. What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?
I love the CTB system. I never had an issue with ATB but I actually really like this one.
It's one of the reasons X is a favorite FF of all time for me. I love how it switches battles from being reflexive in how you plan things in the ATB system, into a strategy where you can analyze each attack and check the Act List to see how it affects the flow of battle. Swapping party members in the fight is also amazing. I basically have nothing but praise for the system, it's so fun. XD I like to say, this is my favorite FF battle system in a game where random battles on the map where still a thing.
Joker
We have come to terms
- AKA
- Godot
tldr ffx's is better because it requires actual thought, x-2's had the potential to involve party member movement which would have been innovative and fucking amazing and dropped the ball so hard that it's ex post facto responsible for the travesty that is blitzball
but I'm from the turn-based side of the tracks
but I'm from the turn-based side of the tracks
Jason Tandro
Banned
- AKA
- Jason Tandro, Doc Brown, Santa Christ, FearAddict, Thibault Stormrunner, RN: Micah Rodney
^ I counter this argument with, again, the rock-paper-scissors argument. What is hard about putting a round peg in a round hole? There are moments where it shines but 90% of the game is like that. But that 's the way it's designed to be. It's designed to be easy for newcomers to the series but offer enough challenge in the endgame to please hardcore fans.
FFX-2 meanwhile tried to improve on an old formula and succeeded. Job management, even with the free switching, was solid and again the ATB charge time made you consider each movement. Thief is weak but it's attacks and chains are lightning fast. Meanwhile Dark Knights and Samurai are slow but powerful. Songstress doesn't deal direct damage of any kind but is great for buffs and debuffs making some fights way easier. Lady Luck is great when you are level grinding. There's a job for every scenario and the various Garment Grids also add an extra layer of strategy. Admittedly you can use Unerring Path to cheese your super moves but even those have some limitations and weaknesses (and besides every FF game has cheesability).
You know Kimble, and anybody else listening, this might be a good editorial or debate article of some kind. Perhaps we can get two people to dish it out. Really I'd like to start a series of these "deadlock" style debates on the front-page some how. I feel it'd be good content I'm just not sure how to go about it. But I digress.
FFX-2 meanwhile tried to improve on an old formula and succeeded. Job management, even with the free switching, was solid and again the ATB charge time made you consider each movement. Thief is weak but it's attacks and chains are lightning fast. Meanwhile Dark Knights and Samurai are slow but powerful. Songstress doesn't deal direct damage of any kind but is great for buffs and debuffs making some fights way easier. Lady Luck is great when you are level grinding. There's a job for every scenario and the various Garment Grids also add an extra layer of strategy. Admittedly you can use Unerring Path to cheese your super moves but even those have some limitations and weaknesses (and besides every FF game has cheesability).
You know Kimble, and anybody else listening, this might be a good editorial or debate article of some kind. Perhaps we can get two people to dish it out. Really I'd like to start a series of these "deadlock" style debates on the front-page some how. I feel it'd be good content I'm just not sure how to go about it. But I digress.
Whoo boy. All caught up to chapter 2 now. @_@
Mega post incoming!
Chapter one
{ What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?}
PS3 version. My PS2 is far away in another land. That aside, I'm pretty happy with the PS3 version, give or take some of Tidus's funkier models.
[ If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?]
The Expert Grid terrifies me, so I'm going with the classic. It's kind of mindless at the begining; There's no reason to give it any other thought than plugging in every node as appropriate. I remember being a little frustrated early on that a lack of ability spheres could freeze you in your tracks if you're not careful. I find it baffling that a lot of people get confused by it.
I find it nice though, a very visual way of understanding how your characters are growing, even if it becomes something of an automatic process after a while.
[ What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?]
I've played this game so many times that it's pretty much route by now. I remember as a kid having no idea about the destruction spheres till I got the BradyGames guide. I also got stuck for a long time in Djose's puzzle for some reason, and nearly quitting the game in frustration. But again, that's old me. It's a little clunky, but I bare with it.
[ What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?]
This is what I've always wanted. It always irked me when some of the FF games would put so much emphasis on learning a bunch of skills and jobs, and only allow you a tiny fraction of that arsenal per battle. Especially when you go into a new area having no idea what to expect from enemies. It does become a little 1-2-3 pat at times, but it's great busy work for the hands while listening to a podcast. I find that I also dearly miss how epic the battles feel, with every skill, spell, and finishing strike having it's own special moment. Compared to the static feel of XII, or the helterskelter everything-at-once style of XIII, I feel like the FF franchise has lost something recently.
Chapter 2
[ What did you think of the Sending sequence? How does it hold up today?]
Fucking gorgeous man. I still get teary eyed. This was also the first time I noticed that the caskets all float towards her, which gives it a kind of creepy element I never considered. The special effects for the pyreflies were ahead of their time.
[ Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?]
I did, because I'm a glutton for loot as early as possible. Haste+Lulu: BBQ'd Ochu salad with a side of ranch dressing.
[How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?]
I can't stand blitzball. It isn't fun, it isn't rewarding, and the Luca Goers are unfair as fuck. I'm going to attempt to go through it all for the loot, but I ain't gonna be happy about it for one second.
[ Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?]
I usually teach Kimahri Steal/Use later on, and use him alongside similarly for Yuna as a big old steal raid to maximize my item horde. Otherwise he's useless as anything except a becan for other characters to get around the grid faster.
Chapter 3
[ Given the major revelation we get about Tidus's relationship with Sin, what are your thoughts? How do you think it works as a story element?]
I find it interesting, if a little on the melodramatic side. Mind you the entire game is one big marshmelllodrama dessert. I don't quite get Tidus's reaction to it initially. If anything, with as angry as he is, I'd expect him to be gung fo for killing Sin even more, but there seems to be some part of him the loves the stupid old drunk.
[Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?]
It is what it is: A little moment of insanity to break the bigger insanity. It's awkward as fuck, and its meant to be. The cast even calls them out on it right after. It makes it hurt even more after a certain revalation later on.
[ Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?]
Already said it before, but I find it weird as fuck that a game that has such a huge emphasis on a balanced elemental system skips right over the water aeon. Especially when it would have been so freaking usefull for the Thunderplanes. I'm toying with coming up with a what-if concept, since Aeon's are very systemic in how they're built (One special strength, one special attack, and an overdrive that comes in two specific parts. )
[Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?]
I had to reset and grind so many times because I wasn't able to push him over faster than he could right himself. I wasn't in any danger of being pushed off, but it was basically a stalemate that could only have ended in killing him, and losing out on the loot.
[Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?]
It was completely foolish. 1,000 years of no change, and this idea was going to be the thing that killed Sin, something known for coming back for some reason nobody could explain? This was doomed to failure on so many levels, and the atmosphere leading up to it made it clear this was a suicide mission based on misguided intentions. I really wanted to bitch slap Kinnoc for being so smug about it.
[What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?]
Ixion is interesting, especially as a speed-type monster. His special abiity is really handy lader on when enemies start loading themselves down with buffs. He's certainly better than Quetzal-whatsitsface, a thing that I still can't identify as anything more than a blob of electric waggliness. I feel like he's been cemented into the FF summon hall of fame, now that his head is part of Ramuh's staff in FFXV.
Pheeeew! All caught up indeed!
Mega post incoming!
Chapter one
{ What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?}
PS3 version. My PS2 is far away in another land. That aside, I'm pretty happy with the PS3 version, give or take some of Tidus's funkier models.
[ If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?]
The Expert Grid terrifies me, so I'm going with the classic. It's kind of mindless at the begining; There's no reason to give it any other thought than plugging in every node as appropriate. I remember being a little frustrated early on that a lack of ability spheres could freeze you in your tracks if you're not careful. I find it baffling that a lot of people get confused by it.
I find it nice though, a very visual way of understanding how your characters are growing, even if it becomes something of an automatic process after a while.
[ What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?]
I've played this game so many times that it's pretty much route by now. I remember as a kid having no idea about the destruction spheres till I got the BradyGames guide. I also got stuck for a long time in Djose's puzzle for some reason, and nearly quitting the game in frustration. But again, that's old me. It's a little clunky, but I bare with it.
[ What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?]
This is what I've always wanted. It always irked me when some of the FF games would put so much emphasis on learning a bunch of skills and jobs, and only allow you a tiny fraction of that arsenal per battle. Especially when you go into a new area having no idea what to expect from enemies. It does become a little 1-2-3 pat at times, but it's great busy work for the hands while listening to a podcast. I find that I also dearly miss how epic the battles feel, with every skill, spell, and finishing strike having it's own special moment. Compared to the static feel of XII, or the helterskelter everything-at-once style of XIII, I feel like the FF franchise has lost something recently.
Chapter 2
[ What did you think of the Sending sequence? How does it hold up today?]
Fucking gorgeous man. I still get teary eyed. This was also the first time I noticed that the caskets all float towards her, which gives it a kind of creepy element I never considered. The special effects for the pyreflies were ahead of their time.
[ Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?]
I did, because I'm a glutton for loot as early as possible. Haste+Lulu: BBQ'd Ochu salad with a side of ranch dressing.
[How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?]
I can't stand blitzball. It isn't fun, it isn't rewarding, and the Luca Goers are unfair as fuck. I'm going to attempt to go through it all for the loot, but I ain't gonna be happy about it for one second.
[ Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?]
I usually teach Kimahri Steal/Use later on, and use him alongside similarly for Yuna as a big old steal raid to maximize my item horde. Otherwise he's useless as anything except a becan for other characters to get around the grid faster.
Chapter 3
[ Given the major revelation we get about Tidus's relationship with Sin, what are your thoughts? How do you think it works as a story element?]
I find it interesting, if a little on the melodramatic side. Mind you the entire game is one big marshmelllodrama dessert. I don't quite get Tidus's reaction to it initially. If anything, with as angry as he is, I'd expect him to be gung fo for killing Sin even more, but there seems to be some part of him the loves the stupid old drunk.
[Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?]
It is what it is: A little moment of insanity to break the bigger insanity. It's awkward as fuck, and its meant to be. The cast even calls them out on it right after. It makes it hurt even more after a certain revalation later on.
[ Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?]
Already said it before, but I find it weird as fuck that a game that has such a huge emphasis on a balanced elemental system skips right over the water aeon. Especially when it would have been so freaking usefull for the Thunderplanes. I'm toying with coming up with a what-if concept, since Aeon's are very systemic in how they're built (One special strength, one special attack, and an overdrive that comes in two specific parts. )
[Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?]
I had to reset and grind so many times because I wasn't able to push him over faster than he could right himself. I wasn't in any danger of being pushed off, but it was basically a stalemate that could only have ended in killing him, and losing out on the loot.
[Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?]
It was completely foolish. 1,000 years of no change, and this idea was going to be the thing that killed Sin, something known for coming back for some reason nobody could explain? This was doomed to failure on so many levels, and the atmosphere leading up to it made it clear this was a suicide mission based on misguided intentions. I really wanted to bitch slap Kinnoc for being so smug about it.
[What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?]
Ixion is interesting, especially as a speed-type monster. His special abiity is really handy lader on when enemies start loading themselves down with buffs. He's certainly better than Quetzal-whatsitsface, a thing that I still can't identify as anything more than a blob of electric waggliness. I feel like he's been cemented into the FF summon hall of fame, now that his head is part of Ramuh's staff in FFXV.
Pheeeew! All caught up indeed!
Clement Rage
Pro Adventurer
Sup guys. I didn't join the LP because I'd be grumbling too much, but just while you're talking about the battle system, I found it extremely boring up until Macalania, (which is what, 2/3 of the game?) because it's mostly about the same four enemies (Flan, Flying one, Armour, and Dog) and tagging in the appropriate character. It starts to shine thereafter, though.
Joe
I KEEP MY IDEALS
- AKA
- Joe, Arcana
All caught up to the end of Chapter 3. Even went ahead and got Attack Reels for good measure. VICTORY.
{ What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?}
PS4 remaster. This is more or less because I wanted to play in eternal comfort and the PS4 and TV are at the end of my bed
[ If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?]
This will be my first time doing a full play through with the Expert grid. I wanted at least one thing to be a new experience for me. I've no interest in min/maxing and just want to play the characters a different way than usual. I currently have both Lulu & Yuna with basic White and Black magic. Tidus is more or less the same but I took a detour to get Steal & Use for him too, for some early game thievery.
Along with the license board of XII, the sphere grid is my favourite levelling device in FF.
[ What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?]
So far there's nothing I can't do by memory. Tbh I just get a little excited when I'm ready to do a cloister. I know that the great destruction sphere will lead me to sick loot. The puzzles are just trial and error really. Combined with the finicky nature of pushing pedestals, I guess it can be annoying sometimes.
[ What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?]
It's turned-based combat, with a little variation in that you can affect the turn order constantly with various moves and stat buffs. I like it. It's solid. It's not overly exciting but it does allow you to take your time for those fights where strategy is important. That's what I want from any turn-based game.
Switching characters freely is totally necessary for the dull rock-paper-scissors combat present in the early stages of the game.
[ Given the major revelation we get about Tidus's relationship with Sin, what are your thoughts? How do you think it works as a story element?]
I love the revelation but I hate Auron. The long and short of it is that Auron holds all the cards but doesn't share them all with his teammates cos he's an arsehole. He even laughs like a maniac at Tidus' very genuine frustration in Luca. I'd love these story revelations more if they came from somewhere other than 'Auron decided to reveal this information'
[Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?]
Love it. It makes you cringe because yeah Tidus is acting like a lunatic. He's essential shouting/screaming in frustration while forcing out this fake laughter. He tells Yuna he doesn't think screaming will help, but once he starts this feigned laughter he just can't stop until he's out of breath.
This scene is everything it needs to be after Tidus' gets his none-too-pleasant revelations about Sin, Jecht and Zanarkand.
[ Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?]
Yeah tbh it's pretty strange. Both because of the big elemental system and because of the theme of the game being water. I feel like a water aeon would have fit nicely in either Besaid or Kilika instead of what we got. That said I love all the aeons.
[Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?]
Killed him dead. Walked the old road anyhow to go lend Oaka the last bit of dough.
[Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?]
It was an admirable plan. Imagine living in a world tormented by some great power that kills your family and destroys homes. Not everyone can sit back and wait for the chosen summoner to have their pilgrimage and bring the calm. Sin kills many without opposition. At least those of operation mi'hen willingly put their life on the line to see if they were capable of doing something too.
[What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?]
FF needs its staples but it needs to inject new stuff in amongst that too. FFXs mix of summons new and old is the perfect balance for me.
{ What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?}
PS4 remaster. This is more or less because I wanted to play in eternal comfort and the PS4 and TV are at the end of my bed
[ If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?]
This will be my first time doing a full play through with the Expert grid. I wanted at least one thing to be a new experience for me. I've no interest in min/maxing and just want to play the characters a different way than usual. I currently have both Lulu & Yuna with basic White and Black magic. Tidus is more or less the same but I took a detour to get Steal & Use for him too, for some early game thievery.
Along with the license board of XII, the sphere grid is my favourite levelling device in FF.
[ What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?]
So far there's nothing I can't do by memory. Tbh I just get a little excited when I'm ready to do a cloister. I know that the great destruction sphere will lead me to sick loot. The puzzles are just trial and error really. Combined with the finicky nature of pushing pedestals, I guess it can be annoying sometimes.
[ What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?]
It's turned-based combat, with a little variation in that you can affect the turn order constantly with various moves and stat buffs. I like it. It's solid. It's not overly exciting but it does allow you to take your time for those fights where strategy is important. That's what I want from any turn-based game.
Switching characters freely is totally necessary for the dull rock-paper-scissors combat present in the early stages of the game.
[ What did you think of the Sending sequence? How does it hold up today?]
Man I just love pyreflies and what they represent in this game. Any of the FMV sequences with pyreflies is loved by me. The FF series needs more pyreflies.
[ Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?]
I ignored it at Kimble's behest.
[How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?]
Yeah walked all over the goers. Just got some decent levels in the first half and dominated the second. Kept posession when Wakka came on. I love playing Blitzball. As previously mentioned, I already have the Attack Reels for Wakka.
[ Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?]
I'm planning on taking him down Tidus' path. Though he'll be further along since I took a detour for Tidus.
Man I just love pyreflies and what they represent in this game. Any of the FMV sequences with pyreflies is loved by me. The FF series needs more pyreflies.
[ Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?]
I ignored it at Kimble's behest.
[How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?]
Yeah walked all over the goers. Just got some decent levels in the first half and dominated the second. Kept posession when Wakka came on. I love playing Blitzball. As previously mentioned, I already have the Attack Reels for Wakka.
[ Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?]
I'm planning on taking him down Tidus' path. Though he'll be further along since I took a detour for Tidus.
[ Given the major revelation we get about Tidus's relationship with Sin, what are your thoughts? How do you think it works as a story element?]
I love the revelation but I hate Auron. The long and short of it is that Auron holds all the cards but doesn't share them all with his teammates cos he's an arsehole. He even laughs like a maniac at Tidus' very genuine frustration in Luca. I'd love these story revelations more if they came from somewhere other than 'Auron decided to reveal this information'
[Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?]
Love it. It makes you cringe because yeah Tidus is acting like a lunatic. He's essential shouting/screaming in frustration while forcing out this fake laughter. He tells Yuna he doesn't think screaming will help, but once he starts this feigned laughter he just can't stop until he's out of breath.
This scene is everything it needs to be after Tidus' gets his none-too-pleasant revelations about Sin, Jecht and Zanarkand.
[ Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?]
Yeah tbh it's pretty strange. Both because of the big elemental system and because of the theme of the game being water. I feel like a water aeon would have fit nicely in either Besaid or Kilika instead of what we got. That said I love all the aeons.
[Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?]
Killed him dead. Walked the old road anyhow to go lend Oaka the last bit of dough.
[Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?]
It was an admirable plan. Imagine living in a world tormented by some great power that kills your family and destroys homes. Not everyone can sit back and wait for the chosen summoner to have their pilgrimage and bring the calm. Sin kills many without opposition. At least those of operation mi'hen willingly put their life on the line to see if they were capable of doing something too.
[What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?]
FF needs its staples but it needs to inject new stuff in amongst that too. FFXs mix of summons new and old is the perfect balance for me.
Teioh
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Teiocho
Chapter Three
I remember not being surprised by it back when I first played the game. I do like it as story elements go as I’m a sucker for
dysfunctional family drama
Until I joined this forum I didn’t even know that people had a problem with it. I never really gave the scene much thought. Seeing as we’ve just got the previous question’s major revelation I think it was a pretty normal scene to occur. Cute even, how Yuna tries to cheer him up.
I always did want there to be more Aeons in this game. I did expect to come across a water Aeon once you reach that part in Mt. Gagazet where you do a little swimming. Too many of the Aeons are non-elemental so it would have been nice to have another elemental to complete the set.
(Also why no Earth or Wind, I mean as an elemental weakness/resistance thing? It wouldn’t have made the game any harder but it would have been nice to maybe have Valefor as Wind or something to cut down on all those non-elementals. Don't mind me and my non-elemental grumbling)
I beat him and then read ChipNoir’s post. Didn’t know you could push the Chocobo Eater off the ledge and be rewarded with Lv. 1 Key Spheres! Luckily I had a save file at the beginning of the Mi’ihen Highroad which I loaded up and took him on again. Chucked him over with the help of Lulu and Yuna (to keep his health up, he’d have died again if I didn’t heal him).
After 1000 years of fighting Sin and knowing that Sin was responsible for the destruction of the Machina cities, it does kinda come across as foolish. The Al Bhed are only using what they’ve scavenged and not anything new that they may have created themselves. So I don’t really see how they thought they could do any better by using the same weaponry as the cities of old seeing as they were ultimately destroyed by Sin.
I have no strong opinion for either. I rarely summon Ixion but I do like the design. When I first played X I had only played from VII onwards where Ramuh appears in two of the games and Quetzalcoatl in the other, so I wasn’t really expecting to see Ramuh anyway. If they had replaced Shiva or Ifrit with something else I would have been shocked
- I friggin’ love Auron. Just everything about him, but mainly because he is an arsehole
my Kimarhi is stronger than him at this stage but I think that’s down to what weapons I have equipped. Have yet to find a nice one for Auron - I usually always keep Auron, Wakka and Tidus in my start up line so that my weaker characters are protected from ambush attacks. But this playthrough I’ve not swapped the formation after battle. As a result I’m hearing little bits of dialogue I’ve never heard before which is really nice
- Restarted my fight with the boss you fight during the Operation Mi’ihen just because I didn’t get an overkill. I really want those key spheres lol
- Tried to save Luzzu this time but because of the above, I forgot to talk to Gatta again. Have never had Luzzu be the one to survive but since it doesn’t really impact anything much I decided to carry on as is
- Heh. Only just noticed that Seymour gets AP from the fight too, like the game is teasing you with the possibility that he’ll become a permanent member of your team
- I don't like Djose's Cloister of Trials. It's too damn dark and I can never see the sphere slots in the walls and two of the pedestals are hidden because of the camera angle, sigh
- I did want Kimarhi to learn Yuna’s nul-element abilities but there’s a lv. 2 key sphere in the way. Going to grab Tidus’s Haste, Rikku’s Steal etc. and then just take him down Auron’s path. Curse you standard grid!
Ami
Playing All The Stuff!
- AKA
- Amizon, Commander Shepard, Ellie, Rinoa Heartilly, Xena, Clara Oswald, Gamora, Lana Kane, Tifa Lockhart, Jodie Holmes, Chloe Price.
It's still shocking to hear the revelation that Sin is Jecht, but the hints have always been there right from the beginning. I hink it's a very unique story element when compared to other Final Fantasies, even other games.
Mostly a hater, but I can see why the scene is so important now that I'm older. You can see how much the party needs moments of relief when they're on such an important and emotional journey.
Probably backtracking to another post here, but I agree that Sin's the water aeon itself. And if there was one, then maybe Sin just... destroyed it once upon a time?
Can proudly say I owned and overkilled that mothertrucker.
It was really admirable. It takes me back to the scene where Tidus and Yuna are looking at the sunset, where Yuna says she never questioned stuff. With the Operation, it's almost as if the Crusaders were questioning everything and trying something new to see if Sin could be beaten without the need for summoners. In the end, it was a huge loss and even though it may have looked foolish at the time, it was incredibly brave to even just try.
It's a unicorn with a lightning horn. Say no more...
Jason Tandro
Banned
- AKA
- Jason Tandro, Doc Brown, Santa Christ, FearAddict, Thibault Stormrunner, RN: Micah Rodney
Chaper 2
The Sending is actually awesome even to this day. It remains one of those iconic cutscenes in the franchise and no matter how many times I've played this game I always get really invested in watching this scene. There's so much emotion packed into a minute long scene.
Heh, by accident. I was levelling in Kilika and backtracked the wrong way and ran into him. Didn't even trigger the first Crusader warning. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound - I slaughtered him using Valefor to trigger the overkill. Also used Wakka's Extract Ability and walked away with a whopping 4 Ability Spheres.
I fuckin' love Blitzball as I've said before now. I used to keep excel sheets loaded with player stats and being able to play again is the most exciting thing for me at this point (though I've dropped most of my gil onto O'aka so I'm going to have to spam some monster hunting to get gil before I recruit my star players Jumal and Wedge.
As far as the Luca Goers battle it was tough, I mean shit this is a trial by fire for Blitzball and if you can beat it you can venom tackle any challenge up ahead. I think this starting fight is what turned off a lot of new players. I personally remembered a longstanding vendetta I had against fucking Balgerda. Ignore her stats. If she is within 2 points of any check she will win it. She is a dirty rotten RNG whore. She got so tubby sucking off Satan.
But I managed to win anyways. Went into halftime 0-1 to the Goers, Halftime came and I was able to break out a 1-1 with the Jecht Shot but it was looking like I was gonna lose the match (and of course restart the game because mama didn't raise a god damned quitter). The shit went to Overtime and I employed my Tidus Midfielder strategy - except it was Wakka instead of Tidus. He didn't get the ball first but was positioned out of the way so that after Bickson's blocked shot I was able to daisy chain the ball back to him. Now here's where shit gets interesting. Wakka is inches from the goal. Balgerda is on Defense. Her block is so high that I know I will never make the goal if I try to pass her. So I rolled that die - I broke to her. She uses Drain Tackle but against all odds she does NOT steal the ball. Wakka's Venom Shot goes in and lands us the win 2-1. What a fucking way to go man, I can't imagine a better ending.
I have been taking him around his own sphere for now but will eventually follow my usual tactics of making him a substitute Rikku. It's really handy in Bevelle when the party is split in two among other things, plus having two Al Bhed Potion users are great.
The Sending is actually awesome even to this day. It remains one of those iconic cutscenes in the franchise and no matter how many times I've played this game I always get really invested in watching this scene. There's so much emotion packed into a minute long scene.
Heh, by accident. I was levelling in Kilika and backtracked the wrong way and ran into him. Didn't even trigger the first Crusader warning. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound - I slaughtered him using Valefor to trigger the overkill. Also used Wakka's Extract Ability and walked away with a whopping 4 Ability Spheres.
I fuckin' love Blitzball as I've said before now. I used to keep excel sheets loaded with player stats and being able to play again is the most exciting thing for me at this point (though I've dropped most of my gil onto O'aka so I'm going to have to spam some monster hunting to get gil before I recruit my star players Jumal and Wedge.
As far as the Luca Goers battle it was tough, I mean shit this is a trial by fire for Blitzball and if you can beat it you can venom tackle any challenge up ahead. I think this starting fight is what turned off a lot of new players. I personally remembered a longstanding vendetta I had against fucking Balgerda. Ignore her stats. If she is within 2 points of any check she will win it. She is a dirty rotten RNG whore. She got so tubby sucking off Satan.
But I managed to win anyways. Went into halftime 0-1 to the Goers, Halftime came and I was able to break out a 1-1 with the Jecht Shot but it was looking like I was gonna lose the match (and of course restart the game because mama didn't raise a god damned quitter). The shit went to Overtime and I employed my Tidus Midfielder strategy - except it was Wakka instead of Tidus. He didn't get the ball first but was positioned out of the way so that after Bickson's blocked shot I was able to daisy chain the ball back to him. Now here's where shit gets interesting. Wakka is inches from the goal. Balgerda is on Defense. Her block is so high that I know I will never make the goal if I try to pass her. So I rolled that die - I broke to her. She uses Drain Tackle but against all odds she does NOT steal the ball. Wakka's Venom Shot goes in and lands us the win 2-1. What a fucking way to go man, I can't imagine a better ending.
I have been taking him around his own sphere for now but will eventually follow my usual tactics of making him a substitute Rikku. It's really handy in Bevelle when the party is split in two among other things, plus having two Al Bhed Potion users are great.
Jason Tandro
Banned
- AKA
- Jason Tandro, Doc Brown, Santa Christ, FearAddict, Thibault Stormrunner, RN: Micah Rodney
Chapter 4: Memories Are Nice, But That's All They Are.
(aka "RIDE ZE SHOOPUF?")
(aka aka "Macarena Temple... Uaaahahh?")
Time: Sunday July 16th to Friday July 21st
Target: After this touching cutscene in Maclania Woods.
Oh boy there is a lot of meat on this one too. A lot of story content but only two bosses if you can believe it. First we travel down the road to the Moonflow where we RIDE ZE SHOOPUF. To those inclined you can find some decent Blitzballers on the north bank, but during the crossing we have another machina to disassemble.
We then meet up with Rikku, the last member of our team and we should be spending the remainder of the trip getting her some Sphere levels so she can catch up with us. Her Steal and Use abilities are going to come in especially handy now as she also teaches us Customization in Guadosalam. In Guadosalam we visit the Farplane, have an audience with Maester Seymour - and a proposal! There's also an opportunity to lean your interest towards Yuna, Rikku or Lulu. Regardless the choice the answer is hilarious but I think Lulu's is the funniest.
Then a trek across the destroyer of thumbs the Thunder Plains where we help Rikku overcome a fear of hers and then through the deceptively short Macalania Woods - just don't faff about with the butterflies it's not worth it unless you really want to get Kimahri's ultimate weapon. Death to the butterflies. And finally a Hein-esque boss who likes to change his elemental resistances who can be a bit of a challenge to an underleveled party.
Phew, sounds daunting no? Well I think you're up to the task and I think 5 days is a good choice for time limit here. And here are your questions.
Discussion:
Good luck everybody!
(aka "RIDE ZE SHOOPUF?")
(aka aka "Macarena Temple... Uaaahahh?")
Time: Sunday July 16th to Friday July 21st
Target: After this touching cutscene in Maclania Woods.
Oh boy there is a lot of meat on this one too. A lot of story content but only two bosses if you can believe it. First we travel down the road to the Moonflow where we RIDE ZE SHOOPUF. To those inclined you can find some decent Blitzballers on the north bank, but during the crossing we have another machina to disassemble.
We then meet up with Rikku, the last member of our team and we should be spending the remainder of the trip getting her some Sphere levels so she can catch up with us. Her Steal and Use abilities are going to come in especially handy now as she also teaches us Customization in Guadosalam. In Guadosalam we visit the Farplane, have an audience with Maester Seymour - and a proposal! There's also an opportunity to lean your interest towards Yuna, Rikku or Lulu. Regardless the choice the answer is hilarious but I think Lulu's is the funniest.
Then a trek across the destroyer of thumbs the Thunder Plains where we help Rikku overcome a fear of hers and then through the deceptively short Macalania Woods - just don't faff about with the butterflies it's not worth it unless you really want to get Kimahri's ultimate weapon. Death to the butterflies. And finally a Hein-esque boss who likes to change his elemental resistances who can be a bit of a challenge to an underleveled party.
Phew, sounds daunting no? Well I think you're up to the task and I think 5 days is a good choice for time limit here. And here are your questions.
Discussion:
- On the Moonflow we can benefit from O'aka's charity if we've been donating to him. So... have you been funding our friend O'aka?
- Now that Rikku is in the party, do you have any plans for special Customizations you've been looking forward to?
- The Farplane is a bit iffy in the lore - the Al Bhed state that the pyreflies just create the vision of the dead, whereas the Yevonites believe it's truly the souls. It'd be easy to dismiss this if it weren't for other events later in the game and in FFX-2. What do you think?
- Do the Thunder Plains annoy the ever-loving shit out of you or do you not mind them so much?
- Did you go against my advice and face the butterflies? Do you enjoy that sidequest?
- Given the last cutscene we see this chapter it's time to open up the Jecht can of worms. Do you think his feelings being expressed later make up for how he treated Tidus as a kid? Do you think there is more for him to repent for?
Good luck everybody!
fancy
pants
- AKA
- Fancy
LEEEE-EEEEEY-YUUUUUU-EEEEEEEEE aka the hymn of the faith is the sounds my stomach makes when I'm HELLA HUNGRY FOR SOME DELICIOUS FIXINS' 
Sad Panda-ing that I've missed this playthrough!
and I'm sure I won't be able to catch up because of life n' shit but I'mma be creepin' over everyone's shoulder so to speak and watching everyone play and SPEAKING UP AT MY FAVOURITE MOMENTS if that's cool 
Sad Panda-ing that I've missed this playthrough!
and I'm sure I won't be able to catch up because of life n' shit but I'mma be creepin' over everyone's shoulder so to speak and watching everyone play and SPEAKING UP AT MY FAVOURITE MOMENTS if that's cool
Flare
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Flare
Finished chapter 2 this morning! Uggggaaaaa so fun
Discussion:
It's absolutely gorgeous, sad, mysterious, mesmerizing... I remember being blown away by X's graphics when I first played it. The CG movie scenes still look amazing today, and I'm still playing the PS2 version.
I like how Tidus says it's also somehow horrifying. I think that's a word that one wouldn't immediately think of to describe it, but I like that he feels it is a bit horrifying in a way, and how he never wants to see Yuna dance like that again. The meaning behind it is sad.
Never done that before and I love trying things differently!
I was laughing to myself and was so happy
It was pretty damn amazing. Double pressure because I didn't save it right before the match! Forgot that talking to Wakka started it.
I did browse the tutorials for a quick refresher on some things, but that was it. I do plan on playing more, I've come to love Blitzball. The only annoying thing about it sometimes is how things can be randomized. So just because your EN is 11 and the opponent's AT is 10 doesn't mean you're going to withstand it every time. Harumph. :|
I remember not playing Blitzball until a few years ago during my last playthrough. As a kid I found it to be too complex and couldn't grasp the rules, and indeed, didn't delve into it. o.o
I'm thinking Yuna, Lulu, or Rikku's path for him!
I've always loved the Sending sequence and think it very much holds up today.
It's absolutely gorgeous, sad, mysterious, mesmerizing... I remember being blown away by X's graphics when I first played it. The CG movie scenes still look amazing today, and I'm still playing the PS2 version. I like how Tidus says it's also somehow horrifying. I think that's a word that one wouldn't immediately think of to describe it, but I like that he feels it is a bit horrifying in a way, and how he never wants to see Yuna dance like that again. The meaning behind it is sad.
I usually do and I almost did this time, but upon learning that you can bribe him later, I want to give that a go.
Never done that before and I love trying things differently! I FUCKING BEAT THEM IN OVERTIME OH MY GODDDDD
I was laughing to myself and was so happy
It was pretty damn amazing. Double pressure because I didn't save it right before the match! Forgot that talking to Wakka started it. I did browse the tutorials for a quick refresher on some things, but that was it. I do plan on playing more, I've come to love Blitzball. The only annoying thing about it sometimes is how things can be randomized. So just because your EN is 11 and the opponent's AT is 10 doesn't mean you're going to withstand it every time. Harumph. :|
I remember not playing Blitzball until a few years ago during my last playthrough. As a kid I found it to be too complex and couldn't grasp the rules, and indeed, didn't delve into it. o.o
I'm not positive yet... I usually take him down Tidus's path so this time I want to be different. Auron is another likely option because Kimahri has piercing weapons too, but ehh I think I want to subvert that.
I'm thinking Yuna, Lulu, or Rikku's path for him!
Kionae
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Desha
Wooo!
Chapter 4
I always donate to O'oka. Poor guy needs a hand competing with all those other merchants.
I think I probably under-utilize Rikku when I play this game. Mostly I just use her Steal and Use abilities (Al-Bhed potions FTW!), and otherwise ignore her because her physical attacks are shit, and I never manage to get her HP real high. But yeah... the customizations are a nice touch with her. I'm working collecting enough Purifying Salts to get the No Encounters ability on my armor. Getting hit by a random encounter every 5 seconds when you're trying to do a sidequest is a pain in the ass. Especially catching those goddamn butterflies.
I don't think that pyreflies are individual souls (particularly since people and creatures seems to be made up of multiple pyreflies. I think they're more a physical manifestation of memory created by a soul.
I'm terrible at dodging lightning. Thunder Plains suck. They are kind of a nice place to grind before Macalania, though, if you stick close to the exit..
Not yet. Doing it without No Encounters is just an exercise in frustration.
I think Jecht was a douche when Tidus was a kid, plain and simple. He grew up a lot in his time in Spira, but... he was kind of a shit father, overall.
Chapter 4
I always donate to O'oka. Poor guy needs a hand competing with all those other merchants.
I think I probably under-utilize Rikku when I play this game. Mostly I just use her Steal and Use abilities (Al-Bhed potions FTW!), and otherwise ignore her because her physical attacks are shit, and I never manage to get her HP real high. But yeah... the customizations are a nice touch with her. I'm working collecting enough Purifying Salts to get the No Encounters ability on my armor. Getting hit by a random encounter every 5 seconds when you're trying to do a sidequest is a pain in the ass. Especially catching those goddamn butterflies.
I don't think that pyreflies are individual souls (particularly since people and creatures seems to be made up of multiple pyreflies. I think they're more a physical manifestation of memory created by a soul.
I'm terrible at dodging lightning. Thunder Plains suck. They are kind of a nice place to grind before Macalania, though, if you stick close to the exit..
Not yet. Doing it without No Encounters is just an exercise in frustration.
I think Jecht was a douche when Tidus was a kid, plain and simple. He grew up a lot in his time in Spira, but... he was kind of a shit father, overall.
Joker
We have come to terms
- AKA
- Godot
her grid is essentially nothing but speed and HP
Kionae
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Desha
her grid is essentially nothing but speed and HP
Yeah, but I don't use her enough to get her sphere levels up.
Teioh
Pro Adventurer
- AKA
- Teiocho
Chapter Four
Yep. That grinding I did in Chapter 2 has set me up quite nicely gil wise and I funded O’aka early on. I don’t touch the weapons/armour side of what he sells but have been taking advantage of the discounted items.
When I get my hands on empty four slot armour I’ll customise the element eater for everyone. Then there’s the end game customisations with Auto-Haste and Auto-Phoenix I like to make. In the meantime I’ll play it by ear and customise if I’m struggling with a particular enemy.
Can it maybe be a bit of both? In the Farplane they do come across as just being visions based on memories. iirc there was something about pyreflies and spheres so there is that reaction to memories and being able to create images. Then there’s the whole unsent - people like Lord Jyscal and
the whole Shuyin coming back/possessing people ordeal
I grinded here for a while, got struck by approx 20 bolts and managed to dodge... 4 (2 consecutively... woo). My low reaction time is the number 1 reason I don’t play many platformers
I tried to leave the butterflies well enough alone. Still managed to bump into one though whilst grinding my own business. I don’t really care about the treasure rewards at this point and want to spare what little enthusiasm I have for this sidequest for Kimarhi.
Eh, as a kid to emotionally abusive parents who has heard the whole ‘love you, just don’t know how to express it’ line, I’m probably a little too biased in my opinion. Maybe if they’d had time to sit down as adults and discuss things and got to have a relationship at that stage of their lives. Maybe. To me there’s no satisfactory resolution but life’s like that sometimes.
I didn't use Rikku much either until my last playthrough where I found out that her celestial weapon is one of three I can easily get my hands on. She's currently my third strongest character on that save file. Second if Auron is at full health (Yuna is in first place lol).
- I beat the second contest of Aeons with just Ifrit’s overdrive. I think I may be seriously over-levelled lol
- Yay! Rikku. Time to stock up on items! I usually talk to Lulu all the time but decided to chat with Rikku and was rewarded with cute dialogue about marriage etc. If only our choices had a real effect on the story. Macalania scene with Tidus and Rikku
- Speaking of marriage. Wanted to see how far the rumour of Yuna’s marriage had spread so as soon as I entered the Thunder Plains I went on a journey. The answer was – all the way back to Besaid! That’s some fast travelling gossip.
- Finally got Lv. 2 Key Spheres! Just in time to nip over to Yuna then back to Tidus before cutting through to Auron. Kimarhi is lagging behind a bit now in strength but has got Steal, Use and the lower black magic to keep him useful.
- It’s taken me all this time and several playthroughs to find out you can defend in battle with triangle?! I’ve been struggling to get everyone to have a go in battle, especially those without a special ability like pray/cheer etc. And I could have just let them defend? Ugh.
Ite
Save your valediction (she/her)
- AKA
- Ite
Okay so I've actually been filming my playthrough with OBS and started editing a commentary that me and my fiance Sarah were making. I wanted to upload those videos as we went, but obviously that's a LOT more work than just writing my general thoughts. I may still do it one day but for now that secret side project is on hold for two major reasons:
1. It quickly devolved into snark, because unfortunately I still hate this game, and...
2. As soon as I hit Luca, I was completely swallowed by Blitzball and all of the time I set aside for editing has been spent building my team.
SO! I suppose I will let the video idea go and join the playthrough like a not-insanely-overachieving mess
What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?
I'm playing the remaster on Steam. Fun fact: the default language is Japanese! Didn't learn that until I'd already started a new game. You can change the settings in the launch menu... the launch menu is also in Japanese, but you can guess your way to the english version.
I'm also using the Remastered Soundtrack. So far, I don't notice a difference! (to what I heard 10+ years ago.)
If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?
I'm playing the original Sphere grid, because I don't remember it well enough to need an advance set. I remember really liking it, and so far I'm enjoying it. It doesn't help that you continue having tutorial fights until well into Chapter 3, and they don't really give you control of the sphere grid until Chapter 2.
I did remember to farm Ability Spheres under the lake in Besaid, when you first meet Wakka. That's the only time you can get them until the Mi'hen Highroad, and I'm a "grind the shit out of every dungeon you come across" kind of guy.
What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?
Love these puzzles! Yes yes yesssss
What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?
I love both of these aspects, particularly because the initiative order is on the top right side of the screen. All the best fun in the game is trying to manipulate the initiative order and the party in play. One of the things I gave FFX credit for was "a really great battle system" completely forgetting that it is, as many have said, a nice-looking Rock Paper Scissors (although even Rock Paper Scissors has an element of chance.)
It's worth noting that my thoughts on this issue come while playing Chapter 4, and that you only have two or three fights at the end of Chapter 1 to experiment with either of these. As far as railroading goes, FFX is one of the worst offenders in an already linear series. The first several hours of the game strip the player of all control, literally casting them adrift several times only to wake up to more tutorial battles and cloying narration. Er, but I digress.
My questions, comments, and rants from Chapter 1:
1. Why didn't they give this game a proper dub? Of all the ways in which this game has poorly aged, the inexusable localization is the worst. It's on par with VII in terms of laziness, and at least with VII, you could read the inane dialogue at a pace that made it seem like people talking to each other. FFX has the kind of silent lip-flapping that you see bad comedians do when they're making fun of kung fu movies, and every line begins and ends with 1 to 3 seconds of it. I tried closing my eyes to avoid the creepy uncanny valley faces (another of the game's sour notes) but it's like listening to an audio book where your iPod interrupts every few seconds to tell you that the battery is low. It doesn't help that the first half of the game is stupidly slow paced to begin with.
2. If Rikku explained the Sphere Grid to Tidus, and they go on an adventure together, why is he surprised when she can understand him??
3. I love that the Aeons actually appear in the world. Valefor flying in to Besaid really got me, especially on this second playthrough -- it's the same animation as you see a billion times in the battle screen, except s/he is flying into town square to meet with his/her summoner for the first time. I've never really been a fan of FF's battle-is-abstraction technique, I much prefer in-world explanations or (better yet) in-world application of battle mechanics. This does both brilliantly.
4. Why is Yuna apologizing all the time? I don't remember her being this annoying.
5. Everyone is amphibious! That's not a question, I just like that bit of unexplained worldbuilding. Everyone is amphibious, no need to worry about it. Salt water, fresh water, you pour it we breathe it!
1. It quickly devolved into snark, because unfortunately I still hate this game, and...
2. As soon as I hit Luca, I was completely swallowed by Blitzball and all of the time I set aside for editing has been spent building my team.
SO! I suppose I will let the video idea go and join the playthrough like a not-insanely-overachieving mess
What version of the game are you playing: the original or one of the remasters?
I'm playing the remaster on Steam. Fun fact: the default language is Japanese! Didn't learn that until I'd already started a new game. You can change the settings in the launch menu... the launch menu is also in Japanese, but you can guess your way to the english version.
I'm also using the Remastered Soundtrack. So far, I don't notice a difference! (to what I heard 10+ years ago.)
If you are playing a remaster, which version of the Sphere Grid are you using? How are you finding its progression? If you are playing the original, what do you think about the Sphere Grid in general as a leveling system?
I'm playing the original Sphere grid, because I don't remember it well enough to need an advance set. I remember really liking it, and so far I'm enjoying it. It doesn't help that you continue having tutorial fights until well into Chapter 3, and they don't really give you control of the sphere grid until Chapter 2.
I did remember to farm Ability Spheres under the lake in Besaid, when you first meet Wakka. That's the only time you can get them until the Mi'hen Highroad, and I'm a "grind the shit out of every dungeon you come across" kind of guy.
What do you think about the Cloister of Trial puzzles as a recurring puzzle? Are they too tricky? Too Easy? Just plain annoying?
Love these puzzles! Yes yes yesssss
What do you think about the drastic shift from the ATB to the CTB system for battles? What about the ability to switch party members on the fly?
I love both of these aspects, particularly because the initiative order is on the top right side of the screen. All the best fun in the game is trying to manipulate the initiative order and the party in play. One of the things I gave FFX credit for was "a really great battle system" completely forgetting that it is, as many have said, a nice-looking Rock Paper Scissors (although even Rock Paper Scissors has an element of chance.)
It's worth noting that my thoughts on this issue come while playing Chapter 4, and that you only have two or three fights at the end of Chapter 1 to experiment with either of these. As far as railroading goes, FFX is one of the worst offenders in an already linear series. The first several hours of the game strip the player of all control, literally casting them adrift several times only to wake up to more tutorial battles and cloying narration. Er, but I digress.
My questions, comments, and rants from Chapter 1:
1. Why didn't they give this game a proper dub? Of all the ways in which this game has poorly aged, the inexusable localization is the worst. It's on par with VII in terms of laziness, and at least with VII, you could read the inane dialogue at a pace that made it seem like people talking to each other. FFX has the kind of silent lip-flapping that you see bad comedians do when they're making fun of kung fu movies, and every line begins and ends with 1 to 3 seconds of it. I tried closing my eyes to avoid the creepy uncanny valley faces (another of the game's sour notes) but it's like listening to an audio book where your iPod interrupts every few seconds to tell you that the battery is low. It doesn't help that the first half of the game is stupidly slow paced to begin with.
2. If Rikku explained the Sphere Grid to Tidus, and they go on an adventure together, why is he surprised when she can understand him??
3. I love that the Aeons actually appear in the world. Valefor flying in to Besaid really got me, especially on this second playthrough -- it's the same animation as you see a billion times in the battle screen, except s/he is flying into town square to meet with his/her summoner for the first time. I've never really been a fan of FF's battle-is-abstraction technique, I much prefer in-world explanations or (better yet) in-world application of battle mechanics. This does both brilliantly.
4. Why is Yuna apologizing all the time? I don't remember her being this annoying.
5. Everyone is amphibious! That's not a question, I just like that bit of unexplained worldbuilding. Everyone is amphibious, no need to worry about it. Salt water, fresh water, you pour it we breathe it!
I didn't learn the Jecht shot 
What did you think of the Sending sequence? How does it hold up today?
This is a very pretty sequence and it still holds up. Aside from the in-game faces, the hair and costume design, FFX is gorgeous.
Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?
I did not face Lord Ochu, on Godot's advice. I did spend about four hours grinding in Kilika Woods.
How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?
This is where my fiance Sarah really got into the game. She actually hates the main plot more than I do (I think it's mostly because the story actually hooked me around the time you get Shiva, and we aren't there yet). We lost against the Goers once, then tried again and won.
Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?
How will you be developing him.
I've sent Kimahri down towards the Thief path, although the stealing achievement on Steam can't be done with Kimahri so I may regret this option.
Questions from Chapter 2:
1. After Kilika is destroyed there is an emotional shot where a blitzball floats along the water, among the wreckage... but... blitzball is an underwater sport. If the ball floats to the top like that, how could they possibly pass or shoot underwater?
2. So the machina used in Blitzball stadiums, and in the cafes where people watch TV - that's all kosher?
3. Okay so Kimahri is approached by two thugs, and Tidus eggs him on telling him to fight them. Kimahri punches one out. Then Tidus watches the blitzball game on TV while Kimahri gets suckerpunched by the other Ronso. This scene never has a resolution.
What did you think of the Sending sequence? How does it hold up today?
This is a very pretty sequence and it still holds up. Aside from the in-game faces, the hair and costume design, FFX is gorgeous.
Did you face the optional boss Lord Ochu? How did you handle him?
I did not face Lord Ochu, on Godot's advice. I did spend about four hours grinding in Kilika Woods.
How was Blitzball for you this time around? Do you plan on playing it regularly? Were you able to beat the Luca Goers?
This is where my fiance Sarah really got into the game. She actually hates the main plot more than I do (I think it's mostly because the story actually hooked me around the time you get Shiva, and we aren't there yet). We lost against the Goers once, then tried again and won.
Now that you've got some levels on you, what are your plans for Kimahri?
How will you be developing him.
I've sent Kimahri down towards the Thief path, although the stealing achievement on Steam can't be done with Kimahri so I may regret this option.
Questions from Chapter 2:
1. After Kilika is destroyed there is an emotional shot where a blitzball floats along the water, among the wreckage... but... blitzball is an underwater sport. If the ball floats to the top like that, how could they possibly pass or shoot underwater?
2. So the machina used in Blitzball stadiums, and in the cafes where people watch TV - that's all kosher?
3. Okay so Kimahri is approached by two thugs, and Tidus eggs him on telling him to fight them. Kimahri punches one out. Then Tidus watches the blitzball game on TV while Kimahri gets suckerpunched by the other Ronso. This scene never has a resolution.
Given the major revelation we get about Tidus's relationship with Sin, what are your thoughts? How do you think it works as a story element?
Clumsily executed, terribly directed, faces deep in the uncanny valley. The kill-your-dad plot isn't exactly untilled soil. Hell, in FFIX they put a spin on it TWICE, once by making it a kill-your-mom plot and the other time it's Garland, which is... unusual. In FFX, they do manage to take this plot device in a good direction but we're many hours away from this game doing anything but annoying me.
Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?
I'll defend the "HA HA HA HA" it's actually one of the better moments in the terrible voice acting - of both the character and the game at large. Obviously, this is a conflicted kid who is doing this fake laugh at a cute girl's behest, and there's enough frustration and anger in those "HA HA"s to make it quite touching, but you need the context of the scene to appreciate it.
Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?
Because when you summoned it in the desert, it would flop around and die?
Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?
I kicked it's buttocks.
Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?
Good question. This game makes me super nihilistic, not just about Spira but about life in general. I suppose my answer is, who cares? Nothing matters. Do what you want, no matter what you will lose everything you love to the void, either that or die too soon and make your loved ones suffer. There are no other options. So do what you want, I guess.
What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?
I like Ixion! If it were Ramuh, I would be wondering why he and Yuna don't talk - especially since Ramuh was featured nicely in FFIX. Like Joe said, I like mixing familiar with original.
My questions etc. from Chapter 3.
1. Okay so this is where Blitzball really consumed my household. Sarah has a playbook where she keeps our team's stats and techniques - she's like our manager. We began by making plays together but now we're both in sync so saying the right play out loud would be redundant. Better to just skunk the opposing team and high five. At JT's recommendation I got Wedge and Jumal. Wedge is second scorer in the league (Tidus is first) and the Aurochs are just above the Psyches in the League. The last tournament came down to the Aurochs vs. the Goers (again!) with the Aurochs holding the title. I have Tidus as LF, Wedge as RF, Letty as MF, Jassu as LD, Botta as RD, and Jumal on Net. Botta knows more techniques than I think anyone in the league, but his stats are such shit that I have a hard time keeping him from the bench. I haven't let Datto or Keepa go, they're stuck at Lv 2 or 3. My forwards are nearing Lv. 20 and my Ds are Lv. 11 or 12.
2. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Blitzball. As far as the other teams, the Psyches give us the hardest time, followed by the Glories and the Fangs. Nimrook is an absolute monster, there is nothing except a shot to the face that even stands a chance. One of the Al Bhed signed with the Guado Glories, which is fun, and Bickson (the leader of the Luca Goers in the plot) was traded for a woman in striped pants. I really love watching the other teams re-sign and trade their players.
3. I let Sarah decide what to tell Gatta. I much prefer it if Luzzu lived, except I actually wouldn't. Luzzu is the more interesting character to me, and I think his voice is sexy. But his breakdown if Gatta dies (I youtubed it) is, well, more of the same FFX garbage, whereas Gatta's breakdown is Saving Private Ryan levels of upsetting. "What's going on!? WHAT's GOING ON!?" Ouch.
4. The Temple at Djose really stumped me my first time. It was the first time I've ever looked up the answer to a video game puzzle on the internet, and that was after several hours of failing. This time, I remembered more or less what the components were, and I even got the destruction treasure! Go me. Time to reward myself with some Blitzball.
5. Seriously, our blitzball habit is so bad that we now have a one-game-per-save-sphere rule.
Clumsily executed, terribly directed, faces deep in the uncanny valley. The kill-your-dad plot isn't exactly untilled soil. Hell, in FFIX they put a spin on it TWICE, once by making it a kill-your-mom plot and the other time it's Garland, which is... unusual. In FFX, they do manage to take this plot device in a good direction but we're many hours away from this game doing anything but annoying me.
Dear god we're bringing it up again: What did you think about the laughing scene? You a hater or defender?
I'll defend the "HA HA HA HA" it's actually one of the better moments in the terrible voice acting - of both the character and the game at large. Obviously, this is a conflicted kid who is doing this fake laugh at a cute girl's behest, and there's enough frustration and anger in those "HA HA"s to make it quite touching, but you need the context of the scene to appreciate it.
Question from ChipNoir that I wanted to add: What do you think about the lack of a water-based Aeon in a game surrounded by water? Why no Leviathan, Bismarck etc?
Because when you summoned it in the desert, it would flop around and die?
Were you able to beat the Chocobo Eater or did you have to walk the Old Road of Shame?
I kicked it's buttocks.
Knowing what we know about Yevon, do you think Operation Mi'ihen was worth doing still or was is it a mistake? Not in terms of confirmation bias, do you think the plan itself was foolish or still admirable?
Good question. This game makes me super nihilistic, not just about Spira but about life in general. I suppose my answer is, who cares? Nothing matters. Do what you want, no matter what you will lose everything you love to the void, either that or die too soon and make your loved ones suffer. There are no other options. So do what you want, I guess.
What do you think about the use of Ixion instead of the traditional Ramuh for our lightning themed summon this time around?
I like Ixion! If it were Ramuh, I would be wondering why he and Yuna don't talk - especially since Ramuh was featured nicely in FFIX. Like Joe said, I like mixing familiar with original.
My questions etc. from Chapter 3.
1. Okay so this is where Blitzball really consumed my household. Sarah has a playbook where she keeps our team's stats and techniques - she's like our manager. We began by making plays together but now we're both in sync so saying the right play out loud would be redundant. Better to just skunk the opposing team and high five. At JT's recommendation I got Wedge and Jumal. Wedge is second scorer in the league (Tidus is first) and the Aurochs are just above the Psyches in the League. The last tournament came down to the Aurochs vs. the Goers (again!) with the Aurochs holding the title. I have Tidus as LF, Wedge as RF, Letty as MF, Jassu as LD, Botta as RD, and Jumal on Net. Botta knows more techniques than I think anyone in the league, but his stats are such shit that I have a hard time keeping him from the bench. I haven't let Datto or Keepa go, they're stuck at Lv 2 or 3. My forwards are nearing Lv. 20 and my Ds are Lv. 11 or 12.
2. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, Blitzball. As far as the other teams, the Psyches give us the hardest time, followed by the Glories and the Fangs. Nimrook is an absolute monster, there is nothing except a shot to the face that even stands a chance. One of the Al Bhed signed with the Guado Glories, which is fun, and Bickson (the leader of the Luca Goers in the plot) was traded for a woman in striped pants. I really love watching the other teams re-sign and trade their players.
3. I let Sarah decide what to tell Gatta. I much prefer it if Luzzu lived, except I actually wouldn't. Luzzu is the more interesting character to me, and I think his voice is sexy. But his breakdown if Gatta dies (I youtubed it) is, well, more of the same FFX garbage, whereas Gatta's breakdown is Saving Private Ryan levels of upsetting. "What's going on!? WHAT's GOING ON!?" Ouch.
4. The Temple at Djose really stumped me my first time. It was the first time I've ever looked up the answer to a video game puzzle on the internet, and that was after several hours of failing. This time, I remembered more or less what the components were, and I even got the destruction treasure! Go me. Time to reward myself with some Blitzball.
5. Seriously, our blitzball habit is so bad that we now have a one-game-per-save-sphere rule.
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Jason Tandro
Banned
- AKA
- Jason Tandro, Doc Brown, Santa Christ, FearAddict, Thibault Stormrunner, RN: Micah Rodney
Since only Teioh and Kionae have beaten Chapter 4 at this point I am going to wait to post Chapter 5 until Monday. Happy weekend all!
Ami
Playing All The Stuff!
- AKA
- Amizon, Commander Shepard, Ellie, Rinoa Heartilly, Xena, Clara Oswald, Gamora, Lana Kane, Tifa Lockhart, Jodie Holmes, Chloe Price.
Thanks! I can only really play/stream on a Saturday, so I knew at least I was going to be behind. Could we not make this a weekly thing instead, or is that too far between chapters?