Alex Lehr Staff writer

It was the story of Tidus and Yuna from the start, and it became the player’s story on a highly emotional level. “Final Fantasy X” was rereleased for the Playstation 3 in March. It’s a masterpiece. “Final Fantasy X” updated the series in gameplay elements and dialogue, and the rerelease has brought beautifully upgraded graphics to the story and holds up as well today as it did when it was first released on the Playstation 2, back in 2001. It was the first “Final Fantasy” game to incorporate voice acting, as well as the first game in the series to introduce complete three-dimensional locations versus the series’ traditional pre-rendering of areas and backgrounds. Compiled with this is the game’s sequel, “Final Fantasy X-2,” which historically marked the first game in the series to be a direct sequel to one that already existed. Originally released in 2003, X-2 continued the story established in X and delivered its own unique features. In addition to a new look, many gameplay options have been added to enhance the original. These include new optional bosses that can be fought (some of which are incredibly powerful, labeling them as “superbosses”), as well as new abilities that the player can use in battle. The superbosses to me were incredulous, giving me hours of frustration as I scoured through walkthrough after walkthrough to beat them. “Final Fantasy” underlines what an impossibly difficult boss can be, but the challenge is always rewarding when beaten and thus the fighting is fun. “Final Fantasy X-2” added the ability to capture enemies and train them to use in future battles. Can you spell Pokemon? Now, I am a self-classified “music whore.” Music from video games are a part of my soul, and Final Fantasy has always been at its core. “Final Fantasy X” is the core of the core. The music of both games redefines beauty. Anytime you see the name Nobuo Uematsu on a video game, you know that you are in for a treat. From “To Zanarkand” to “Yuna’s Theme,” the beautiful scores created by Uematsu keep your heart swelling strong. Equally, “Final Fantasy X-2” delivers an astounding, heart-touching song called, “1,000 Words,” performed by member of the German group Sweetbox Jade Villalon. The story of “Final Fantasy X” is dynamic. In the world of Spira, an entity of great destruction known as Sin terrorizes the world, killing endlessly and installing fear into the hearts of the citizens of Spira. Gameplay in “Final Fantasy X” is done through turn-based action. Allies stand opposite the enemies on the field, and each one will have a turn to take. While it is one of your allies’ turns, no other ally and enemy will be able to make a move. The player is given plenty of time to make a decision and make a move before the enemy’s turn. Isn’t it nice that a death dragon is kind enough to let you throw fireballs in its eyes before doing anything? Some enemies have elemental weaknesses, with water and lightning opposing each other as fire and ice does. Eventually characters can learn magic from abilities received on their Sphere Grid. The Sphere Grid is how characters in the game are leveled. Every few battles won, characters will receive sphere points, which are steps that can be taken on a levelling grid. One fun feature is the option of playing blitzball, a mini-game that allows you to participate in the underwater football-like fun. Winning blitzball tournaments gives the player useful items and weapons. The enemies in the game, save for bosses and a few other exceptions, will randomly appear when out in the field, but it is always satisfying to hear that epic battle music start. “Final Fantasy X” is a story of false doctrine versus moral sensibilities. It is a story of death, humor and romance. And it is my all time favorite video game. After years of playing it, I still love this game as much as I did back when I first started it. The re-mastering is essentially the international versions of both “Final Fantasy X” and Final Fantasy X-2,” including a 30 minute audio drama which tells a bit more about the events after “Final Fantasy X-2,” as well as two smaller side stories. The re-mastering was definitely worth getting, especially since it was released for the PS3 and PS Vita. No PS4s required to enjoy this masterpiece of storytelling and emotional carnage. This is your story, as Auron the legendary guardian would say.