Square Enix recently confirmed that the PS4 release of Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster won’t be a straight port from the PS3 and Vita versions as new improvements and content are being added. So is the PlayStation 4 port worth upgrading if you already bought and played through the previous iterations of the remastered collection? Let’s examine a few important factors.
What’s Included in All Versions
When it comes to in-game content, the PlayStation 4 version is basically the same as the PlayStation 3 and Vita releases. One of the games is Final Fantasy X International, which added some boss battles, an expert sphere grid as well as a video called “Eternal Calm” that connects the stories of the first and second game. These extras were never released in North America until the HD update.
The second part of the collection is Final Fantasy X-2 International + Last Mission, which also never came out outside of Japan until Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster. The definitive version of X-2 comes with two additional dress spheres as well as a Creature Creator feature and Last Mission chapter.
One final exclusive that weren’t found in the previous versions of Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 is Final Fantasy X: Will, an audio drama that takes place after the events of the second game. While fans believed that the new plot point may hint at a potential Final Fantasy X-3, Square Enix has denied claims that they are working on a direct sequel.
Better Graphics
One major advantage the PS4 version has over the others is graphics. Square Enix decided to use the extra horsepower of Sony’s current-gen console to improved the character models, lighting effects, texture work and more. In terms of graphics, the best-looking version should be on the PlayStation 4. You can compare the two console releases of Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster below.
Switchable Soundtracks
As with most games in the series, Final Fantasy X has an excellent soundtrack. Square Enix decided to remastered the tracks in Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster, which upset some purists who prefer hearing the original. Thankfully, the company is adding an exclusive feature for the upcoming PS4 version that will allow games to switch between the original and remastered tracks.
Cross-Save Compatibility
Of course, you don’t have to start completely over if you decide to upgrade from the PS3 and/or Vita to the PlayStation 4. Like the previous versions, you will be able to use cross-save, a feature that allows you to transfer your save files to another platform. So, if you are still playing Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster on the older systems, you will be able to start at where you left off when you play the PS4 release.
Remote Play
Last but not least, one neat little feature that the PS4 version has over the others is remote play. You will be able to stream both Final Fantasy X and X-2 through the PlayStation TV and/or Vita. If you don’t have enough time to sit in front of your main gaming television screen for hours on end for one reason or another, then remote play should be a god send. This is especially true for JRPGs that take dozens of hours to finish.
Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster Limited Edition Exclusive Calendar
If you do decide to upgrade to the PS4 release, you may want to preorder at participating retailers like Amazon if you want to get another bonus in the form of a free upgrade to the Limited Edition. Along with the special packaging, you will also receive an exclusive calendar featuring artwork done by the legendary Yoshitaka Amano.
Verdict
While the PS4 version of Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster has improved the graphics and added features, it offers the same amount of content from a gameplay standpoint as the PS3 and Vita versions. So, unless you really want the definitive version of the collection and/or the Limited Edition bonuses, you may want to wait until the price for the product drop to something you are more comfortable with if you still want to upgrade. You can find the current price for the PS4 release with this page on Amazon.
Final Fantasy X|X-2 Remaster was released on March 18, 2014, for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. The PlayStation 4 version is coming out on the 12th of May in 2015.