Following the release of the first Final Fantasy strategy guide box set last year (which contains the guides for Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX), Square Enix will be releasing a new bundle this year. Final Fantasy Box Set 2: Official Game Guide will cover Final Fantasy XII in addition to Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster. So is the upcoming bundle worth buying? Before you decide, let’s take a look at some factors, in addition to the content of the box set, below.
Pricing
Since it contains three big strategy guides, as well as other extras, the Final Fantasy Box Set 2: Official Game Guide (FF X, FF X-2 and FFXII) is priced higher than your normal official strategy guide. You can check out the current price for the bundle with this link on Amazon.
Official Final Fantasy XII Strategy Guide
The official Final Fantasy XII guide included in the bundle features a revised design, including replacing the old screenshots with HD ones that were captured in 720p using the PlayStation 2 version. In total, you can expect to read through 352 pages of content
Final Fantasy XII was first released in North America on October 31, 2006. The only way to play this game is with the original PS2 version although it is heavily rumored that Square Enix will eventually be releasing a HD Remaster of the JRPG.
XII is a radical departure when compared to the previous mainline Final Fantasy games. For example, players have to use a “gambit” system so that the party members can take appropriate actions under specific battle conditions. The License Board is also used to unlock new abilities, stats boosts and other enhancements for the characters. Last but not least, the game features a huge world to explore.
If you are planning to complete everything in Final Fantasy XII, then you should definitely check out the updated official Final Fantasy XII strategy guide from the Final Fantasy Box Set 2: Official Game Guide collection.
Official Final Fantasy X HD Remaster Strategy Guide
The updated version of the Final Fantasy X HD Remaster Strategy Guide also features a revised interior design while adding more maps and HD screenshots. There are 272 pages in total.
Final Fantasy X launched in North America on December 17, 2001. While the main campaign is fairly linear, the game does open up near the end, especially if you are planning find all the secrets. Not to mention that there are some tricky boss battles and puzzles that may stump you.
The HD remastered version adds trophy support in addition to the extras from the International version, which includes several optional boss battles.
While a strategy guide is not essential to Final Fantasy X HD Remaster, you should find plenty of usage with the official one if you are planning to do everything in the game.
Official Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster Strategy Guide
Last but not least is the official strategy guide for Final Fantasy X-2 HD Remaster. Just like the other books in the set, this version has been updated with a new interior design, additional maps as well as new HD screenshots. The guide for FF X-2 comes with 352 pages worth of content.
While Final Fantasy X-2, which originally launched November 18, 2003, is a direct sequel to Final Fantasy X, it has a radically different story (which is now mission based) and combat (as it now uses active time battle with a class system). Not to mention that the HD Remastered release also comes with Last Mission, a new chapter that has some radical gameplay changes when compared to the rest of the JRPG.
If you are planning on going for an 100 percent completion run (which will unlock the true ending) in addition to beating Last Mission, than a guide will be extremely helpful.
Other Extras
Of course, Prima Games will also be including some extras that will entice some collectors. Each of the three guides come in a hardcover design with a deluxe ribbon bookmark and double-sided poster. Also included are three high-quality lithographs secured inside a Final Fantasy theme envelope. All of the content are stored inside a collectible slipcase that is held together by a magnetic clasp.
So, even if you may not be too interested in the guides, the extras included in the box set are great if you are a hardcore fan of the series.
Recap
If you are planning on playing Final Fantasy X, X-2 and XII in the near future, then you should check out the Final Fantasy Box Set 2: Official Game Guide. While you can read free guides online, you will miss out on the extra bonuses from the official guides if you do so. If you are interested, you can purchase the box set with this link.
With that said, if you aren’t a hardcore fan and/or collector, you will get all the strategies, tips and walkthroughs for free online.
The Final Fantasy Box Set 2: Official Game Guide will be released in North America on the 3rd of November.
