Azurephile gives this an astounding "Must Play" on the Ghost Scale
This achieves something special, and it would be a shame to miss it.
Azurephile gives this a "Must Play" on the Ghost Scale
This achieves something special, and it would be a shame to miss it.
Review

  • Recommended :+1

  • Updated graphics

  • It is the International version which includes optional arranged soundtrack, Expert Sphere Grid, and Dark Aeons

  • Includes a cheat tool and Steam achievements
I've played almost every FF game there is, with only a few exceptions. I have almost every one of them and I even multiple copies of some of them since they were released on different systems. So a while ago, I decided to start getting them on Steam. What I love about the Steam versions is that they've received graphical upgrades and have a variety of new features.

It wasn't long after I finished FFIX on Steam that FFX/X-2 HD Remaster came out, which was much sooner than I had expected. I jumped at it and into it right away. I've played both games a few times on the PS2 and really enjoyed them.

Steam says I've spent 157 hours playing it and that's just on FFX. I remember how easy it was to spend 100 hours on the original version. This time, there was more to do, since this is the International version. That means you can choose between the Original and ā€œArrangedā€ soundtrack. I've heard the Original plenty of times, so I thought I'd try out the Arranged. It definitely seemed to have a much higher quality to it.

You can also choose between the Normal and Expert Sphere Grids. From what I read, it's easier to max out your stats on the normal one. So, I went with what I was familiar with. I did try out the expert one when I created a new game to go back and get some Al Bhed Primers I missed out on the first time. It definitely seemed smaller.

The International version also includes Dark Aeons. These are super versions of Aeons, which are very difficult to beat without Yojimbo's Zanmato move or a completely filled in Sphere Grid. After defeating all of them, a new super boss appears, which is very difficult even with a completely filled in Sphere Grid and using the cheat features.

New features also include tools to cheat like giving yourself maximum Gil, unlocking all skills, enabling ā€œsuper chargedā€ characters, changing the frequency of encounters and more. While I hesitated to use these at all, I found a lot of the extra end-game things extremely difficult to do without using them. They did make things easier and more fun.

FFX is the only game I have on Steam that I've unlocked every achievement for, which is quite a task, but I enjoyed it.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 05/31/2016 at 03:06am

All the achievements? That's awesome! How many achievements is that?

So how many Final Fantasy games do you have on Steam now?

I know sometimes replays don't always compare to your original time playing a game but do you generally enjoy playing them on PC more? I like playing FF games with a controller and have really enjoyed playing FFVI on my handheld during my recent play through.

Azurephile   Super Member   Post Author wrote on 05/31/2016 at 04:01am

Yes, sir! There are 34 of them for FFX, 69 in total, so the rest should be for FFX-2.

I have FFV, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X/X-2 on Steam. I haven't bought FFIV yet, obviously, but I want it. I don't know that I'll get FFXIII. I already have those games on the PS3. It's tempting though, since I enjoy playing these games on my PC.

My original enjoyment of playing them was fantastic. Replaying their PC versions has been just as wonderful, if not more so. I love that I've been able to use the XBox 360 controller that I bought specifically for PC gaming. I've also enjoyed updated graphics and those new "cheaty" tools. :)

I think I may wait for FFXV to come out on Steam along with FFVII: Remake, assuming they're both coming, instead of buying a PS4 for them.

There are still a few Squaresoft/Square-Enix games I can think of that I want to come to Steam, Chrono Cross is one of them.

Oh and I didn't really notice the graphical update for FFX. I thought it looked great, like the original, but then I found that video I shared in this post and realized how bad the original is in comparison.

JaBo wrote on 05/31/2016 at 06:58pm

I have the ffx remastered version for ps3 but didn't really get into it. I've beaten everything on the ps2 version which was a feat I don't think I'll repeat. I don't remember what it's called, bit the arena monster generator thing took a long time to collect all the kills and the final boss from that was a pain! Definitely a challenge comparable to the ffvii weapons.

I'd love a chrono cross hd remake tho!!

Also, I'm probably going to pre-order ffxv soon, it looks pretty solid

Azurephile   Super Member   Post Author wrote on 05/31/2016 at 08:32pm

Yeah, I thought about getting it for the PS3, but I hesitated. I did the monster arena this time, including fighting all of them. It was tough, I ended up using the cheat features in the Steam version to help. But yeah, some of the sidequests, especially for collecting what you need for the ultimate weapons, are very difficult and frustrating.

I haven't beaten any of FFVII's optional Weapon bosses. That game on Steam also has cheat tools. I'm tempted to go back to one of my saved games and try to get some more of those achievements as well.

Yeah FFXV looks awesome from what I've seen and read about it.

jdodson   Admin wrote on 06/01/2016 at 03:20am

> My original enjoyment of playing them was fantastic. Replaying their PC versions has been just as wonderful, if not more so. I love that I've been able to use the XBox 360 controller that I bought specifically for PC gaming. I've also enjoyed updated graphics and those new "cheaty" tools. :)

Mods, cheats and the like are what make PC gaming shine. Also having access to your games when you upgrade is also magic.

Thanks Greg, glad you are enjoying playing these games again. I wonder how much money Square is making off these remakes, they seem crazy popular.

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