The success of FFX didn't go unnoticed among the high-ups at Squaresoft. While the winning performance of Final Fantasy XI proved to be the most notable addition to the series this year, the company decided that perhaps the chart-topping sales of FFX were something to attempt to recreate. They've decided to bring back a lot of our old friends with a lot of new features this Fall in Final Fantasy X-2 for the Playstation 2.

Squaresoft's official press release says, "FINAL FANTASY?X-2 marks the first sequel in the famed series, which has sold over 44 million units worldwide. FINAL FANTASY X, which released in 2002, was a mega hit with sales topping 5 million and garnered numerous awards, winning gamers and media over with its gripping story, stunning graphics and stirring music. In January 2002, FINAL FANTASY X INTERNATIONAL, an enhanced version of the North America version was released in Japan. This adaptation incorporated several new features as well as a bonus DVD. The bonus disc featured a music video for the theme song, interviews with the voice cast from both the English and Japanese versions, a collection of promotional movies, previews of upcoming titles and a new scene. The 12-minute story titled 'The Eternal Calm' left fans yearning for a continuation of the story."

In other words, Squaresoft employed Hollywood style tactics to drum up interest in a new project. While teaser trailers are a common sight in the movie theaters, rarely is the viewer treated to one for the sequel of the movie for which they've bought a ticket. I honestly applaud the tactic, and I feel it's a great way for companies to keep franchises alive. What I don't applaud so much is a very particular part of the feature set in the sequel to FFX. The new range of motion will make moving about the world a lot more interesting, but the characters and ideas contained in the game are a little out of whack.

Most notable is the Garment Grid (yes, I'm serious), a brilliant idea with a very sexist twist. The Garment Grid lets players switch between classes in the middle of any battle. You can choose among Gunner, Lady Luck, Songstress (I'll get to that) and other typical Final Fantasy classes. The method by which these classes are represented is through various skimpy outfits being plastered on to the bodies of Rikku, Yuna and the new addition, Paine. Each change of clothes is accompanied by a full-fledged animation that threatens to rival the Aeon summons of FFX. Add to this the fact that the Songstress class commands include Sing and Dance, and you're primed to upset quite a few female gamers.

Few can argue that the key demographic of Final Fantasy games has been predominantly male, but Squaresoft has been marketing this title in a manner that suggests strong female lead characters. It's clear that they've tried very hard to win over both sexes with the title, but the combination of a strong female character with an unnecessarily revealing outfit seems a very strange choice.

The sexist nature of the title aside, I think most people will find it to be a viable addition to the Final Fantasy legacy. The ability to jump and climb while roaming about will prevent quite a few of the classic RPG jokes from cropping up (going through a dungeon filled with monsters used to be a much less daunting task than climbing over a chair). The Garment Grid will combine with an Active Time Battle feature, which means a lot more freedom in random battles than ever before. Toss in dynamic battle movements and you'll find yourself in very unfamiliar territory for a Final Fantasy game. The quick pace of the pseudo-turn based battles helps a lot to keep things fresh and entertaining

I was very worried that the decisions made by Squaresoft would mostly destroy the mere idea of my purchasing this title when it's released in Fall. Despite unjustifiable decisions made about the character designs and battle mechanics, I did find myself enjoying the classic simplicity of the Final Fantasy world. Fast battles, excellent graphics, fantastic sound and the continuance of a great storyline threaten to empty my wallet when Final Fantasy X-2 hits the shelves. If you became attached to any character in FFX, rest assured you'll find almost all of them at some point in this highly anticipated sequel. It's a good bet that you won't be disappointed.