The idea of choosing the best Final Fantasy game in the franchise out of the sheer number of the titles present in the franchise is a tall order. After all, there are simply too many excellent games in this series for a person to make an absolute decision, with most preferring to either list out numerous titles or not mention anything outright.
However, it must be said that Final Fantasy X is one of the best names one can take in this regard. The first Final Fantasy game on the PlayStation 2 was also one of the very best titles in the franchise, integrating modern nuances with classic Final Fantasy tropes and elements to create something truly magical.
Of course, nothing is perfect, and the same goes for Final Fantasy X. However, there are several strong points that one can make when it comes to announcing this title as the best Final Fantasy title, along with certain negative aspects that make it fall short of this goal. Here are five points each to solidify both sides of the argument.
10 IT'S THE BEST: A Fast-Paced Combat System
One of the biggest reasons why Final Fantasy X made such a huge impact upon release was its combat system, allowing players to switch out party members on the fly — a first for a Final Fantasy game.
This, coupled with the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system allowed for a new level of strategy that entertained both old fans of the series and newcomers to no end. Of course, not everything was great when it came to the combat system...
9 NOT THE BEST: The Combat Might Still Be Considered Slow By Modern Standards
There are still several aspects of turn-based battles that don't sit well with most players. The length of every battle is certainly one thing, but that's just touching the cusp of the many annoyances people can face with this game.
The fact that you could switch out fighters on the fly also compelled players to constantly let all their fighters fight on the battlefield so that no one missed out on any Ability Points (AP) — a system that becomes quite annoying over time.
8 IT'S THE BEST: The Summoning System Is Wildly Entertaining
Final Fantasy X was the first game that allowed players to directly control the actions of summons on the battlefield — a minor innovation with a major impact on the gameplay. Summons weren't just a waste of MP anymore but functioned more like a trump card that the party could whip out in a tight situation.
Using the special abilities of the summons before unlocking their Overdrive is incredibly entertaining and makes for a whole new battle experience.
7 NOT THE BEST: Random Encounters Are Still A Thing
Random encounters are the bane of most JRPGs, and Final Fantasy X also suffers from this problem. While the modern releases of this game have given the option of cancelling random encounters altogether, it's still a cheap fix for a deeply ingrained problem.
The fact this title was the last main entry in the Final Fantasy series to feature random encounters is indicative of just how old this mechanic has become.
6 IT'S THE BEST: Surprising Variety When It Comes To The Leveling System
The Sphere Grid in Final Fantasy X is an excellent way to develop your characters, allowing for a level of customization and variety that wasn't possible in any title up to that point.
A player could choose to jump around to different spheres — provided they had the means to do so — and craft a character that would adhere as per their views of how the character should develop.
5 NOT THE BEST: The Sphere Grid Homogenizes Everything Over Time
Unfortunately, having a common Sphere Grid can be both a boon and a curse. In the short run, the Sphere Grid allows for the creation of unique characters — if you don't stray from the beaten path, that is.
However, as you progress throughout the game, pretty much everyone in the party will be able to unlock every spell, ability, and anything else along the same lines without any drawbacks.
While it will admittedly take a very long time to reach this point, it's still something to be wary about nevertheless — especially if you wish to tackle the superbosses.
4 IT'S THE BEST: The Story Is Excellent
The story of Final Fantasy X is one of the best stories ever told in the franchise, if not the entirety of gaming. The story takes several twists and turns that somehow make sense in the context of the game's world — something that can't be said for the majority of Final Fantasy games.
The overarching theme of loss contrasts perfectly with the love story of Tidus and Yuna, with the melancholic ending being the perfect cherry on top of this absolutely brilliant treat of a storyline.
3 NOT THE BEST: The Tone Of The Game Clashes With The Bleakness Of Its Story
You'd think that a world that is constantly on the brink of annihilation would be more depressed about their fate... but try saying that after looking at just how jovial the residents of Spira are.
Comedic undertones are prevalent throughout the series, along with a hefty dose of tomfoolery that seems completely out of place in a world where the apocalypse can come at any second.
2 IT'S THE BEST: The Music Is One Of The Very Best OSTs In Final Fantasy History
Final Fantasy games are generally known for sporting excellent music, with the legendary Nobuo Uematsu contributing to some of the most iconic scores in video game history. Final Fantasy X is no exception to this rule, with everything from bombastic battle themes to calming tunes omnipresent throughout one's journey through Spira.
Watching the touching scene between Tidus and Yuna while Suteki Da Ne is playing in the background is truly one of the most moving sequences in video game history.
1 NOT THE BEST: The Final Boss Fight Is Incredibly Disappointing
While Final Fantasy X admittedly has one of the best endings in any Final Fantasy game, it must be said that the final boss fight that precedes this sequence of events sports absolutely no challenge at all.
Without spoiling too much, let's just say that your party simply cannot die, no matter how hard Yu Yevon might hit with its attacks. It's because of this reason that most people consider Braska's Final Aeon to be the last fight of the game... but that's hardly any consolation.