It's been a long time coming and even longer for those checking websites everyday for the latest news about their favorite RPG series, but the first direct sequel in the Final Fantasy saga has finally arrived. FFX-2, the sequel to FFX which was released two years ago, features the return of the enchanting and charming Yuna along with the cute and spunky Rikku. Added to round out the Charlie's Angels-esque party is a girl named Paine who brings the dark mood and sarcasm to contrast the other girls' cheerful and jovial attitudes. No longer needed as a summoner since the evil in the land was dispatched in the previous game, Yuna has taken up residence on an enormous airship called the Celsius with Paine, Rikku and some other colorful characters. All of which are now searching the land of Spira for spheres as Sphere Hunters.

Final Fantasy games have always been known for two things, phenomenal graphics and amazing storylines. FFX-2 is no exception in the graphics department as the cut scenes and voice over acting is for sure some of the best in any PS2 game I have ever seen. The facial movements of each character are perfect and the dialogue is believable and at times quirky enough to make you laugh out loud. Although previous FF games have had very long and complicated stories that were explained in even longer cut scenes, FFX-2 did have a good number of scenes but the scenes weren't as lengthy as expected.

Right off the bat I will tell you that this game will appeal to different people in different ways, mainly those who have played FFX and those who haven't. If you have played the first game then many of the areas and monsters in this game will seem all too familiar and you may be disappointed at the lack of new content. The game takes place in Spira, the same land as before and you will return to many of the same areas you explored previously but it is good to see your old friends and see what they have been up to. Although the mood is much lighter and more fun this time around, it is unfortunately, still very identical of the first game. On the other hand, if you haven't played FFX then all the characters and locations will be new to you but you will always feel as though you are missing some part of the story even though it is explained in the manual.

Albeit many things are the similar, not everything is. The battle system is very different and the Garment Grid system adds a whole new depth to the gameplay that isn't apparent from the start. Instead of purchasing weapons and armor, you equip dress spheres that are acquired throughout the game. These equip you with certain types of spells and attacks that match the costume you change into such as the White Mage dress sphere is all health and healing spells and the Dark Knight Dress sphere has violent sword attacks and dark spells. While changing costumes during battle is a spectacular show for the first few times, you can be assured that you will be turning off the long dress changes in no time flat, especially when you start changing dress sphere more than once each battle. As you use each sphere more and more, you will unlock new abilities for that particular sphere until you master it and have every ability unlocked. The battle system is turn based in real time and features the ATB gauge (active time battle) which allows for some interesting battle strategies. If timed right by watching the charge meter or wait meter, you can interrupt an enemy's attack or spell, chain together you own attacks and you can even chain your attacks with other party members together for some crucial damage.

The duration of the main storyline in the game is not what you would come to expect from a Final Fantasy game. Seeing as how you can finish the entire storyline of FFX-2 with the completion meter under 50 percent, there is a lot more to this game that can be explored away from the main storyline and will keep you busy for a very long time. There are countless side quests and mini-games that can reward you with treasures and more dress spheres and even special dress spheres to aid you in battle. The map of Spira holds 15 destinations for you to explore and only those marked as hotspots, which is about 3 or four in each of the five chapters, will further the story line. The rest are up to you to voluntarily explore. Running through each region on the map has a new feature added which allows you to jump over gaps and climb up ledges. Although this feature is pretty useless since you can't actually fall off a ledge or platform and you just need to hold down the jump button and Yuna will do the necessary actions herself, it does break up the monotony of flat out running from point A to point B.

The only real problem that I had with FFX-2 was that the game seems to flow at a very leisurely pace and not a rush to hurry and stop the villain. As you progress through the game, that their really doesn't seem to be an urgency to stop the bad guy. You go through the game wondering who is behind the grand scheme of things but when it is revealed there is no "oooh" or "ahhhh". Final Fantasy X-2 is a must for fans of the series but I'm not to sure how a new comer to the series will take this game as it seems lately the Final Fantasy line is trying to re-invent itself with each new game. The dress sphere battle system does add a new element to the battles but it doesn't seem to pack the same punch that the previous games had. With the half hearted storyline aside, the stunning graphics, excellent voice over acting and the strategic new dress sphere battle system make this game fresh and exciting. Those who are new to the Final Fantasy world and Final Fantasy veterans alike should definitely have this game in their collection.