Final Fantasy X and X-2 hit Steam this week with gameplay improvements

By Danny Cowan May 10, 2016

final fantasy x 2 upgraded for steam release hd remaster 20150225153430 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Square Enix announced that its classic PlayStation 2-era RPGs Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 will arrive on PC platforms this week with upgraded graphics and optional “game boosters” that eliminate random encounters, among other improvements.

Both games are bundled together in the upcoming Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster compilation on Steam, which launches on May 12.

Originally released in 2001, Final Fantasy X was a landmark entry for Square Enix’s long-running RPG franchise, introducing voice acting for the first time in series history alongside other innovations like the Conditional Turn-Based Battle system and Sphere Grid leveling mechanics. 2003’s Final Fantasy X-2 continued the original game’s storyline with a new starring cast of characters.

Final Fantasy X and X-2 were later remade for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita, and both games saw several additional improvements with the launch of a PlayStation 4 compilation in 2015. The upcoming Steam versions will build upon the foundation of last year’s upgraded PS4 release with even more enhancements, including remastered audio, an auto-save feature, and “5 game boosters including high speed and no encounter modes.”

Recent remakes of Final Fantasy VII, VIII, and IX boasted a similar set of expanded features, offering players optional party invincibility and the ability to fast-forward through slow gameplay segments. It’s not yet known which features specifically will make the jump to the upcoming Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster compilation.

Square Enix revealed that the PC remake of Final Fantasy X will also include all International Edition content, previously available exclusively in 2002’s Japan-only Final Fantasy X International for the PlayStation 2.

While a price for the PC version Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster has not been officially announced, Green Man Gaming revealed that the compilation will be available for at $30 at launch.

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