Square Enix has released a new comparison video detailing just how improved Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster will be over its progenitors.
If you weren’t madly in love with this game–which happens to be my second-favorite JRPG of all time, thanks to Persona 4 Golden–you might not notice the changes between Part 1 and Part 2 of this video. The first minute-and-a-half shows standard definition gameplay from the original 2001 release. We’re treated to a few battles, several Overdrive moves, and one super-nostalgic Valefor summon.
Then, we do the whole thing again, except it’s OMG gorgeous. A myriad of subtle changes to things like health bars, damage numbers, character faces, environment textures, and effect details make for stark contrast, but the biggest change is the music. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster features over 60 remastered music tracks with live lead instruments. Here, the result is a revised battle theme that comes across louder, crisper, and carrying some subtle rock undertones.
The visual tweaks have me stoked, sure, but what’s exciting about remastered music is that nearly EVERY area of the game will sound a little different than you remember. That means constant surprises as you play through the 60-hour journey, even after you stop noticing the vibrant 1080p resolution.
For more on Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster, including its release date on PS3 and PS Vita later this year, stay glued to PSU.
Kyle Prahl is PSU’s Editor-in-chief and a Communications student at the University of Minnesota. Follow him on Twitter.