More Final Fantasy X details emerge

[01.19.00] » This week's Famitsu reveals the game's theme, hints at the gameplay.

    The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu features the first interview with the team behind Final Fantasy X. Beyond the details already reported, the team also revealed the all-important theme of anticipated sequel. Scenario writer Kazunari Nojima claims the game will focus on "change" and "independence" as its thematic centerpiece, as the previous games focused on "life" or "love."

   The interview also provides a few clues as to the changes to expect in the new battle system. As previously reported, Toshiro Tsuchida, director of the Front Mission series, in heading up the battle design, and the new system is said to reflect his strategy game heritage. Our good friends at Gamers.com have translated a portion of the interview, which should give fans an idea of the extent of the changes.

   While the team wouldn't go so far as to say that the Active Time Battle system had gone the way of the mode 7 world map, it does seem this Final Fantasy may bring the biggest change in battle mechanics since the ATB system was introduced in Final Fantasy IV.

   The designers also expanded on how the game will generate facial expressions in real-time. Each character will have a set number of stock expressions, such as surprise or anger, and the game will combine them for an appropriate reaction to the moment. For important scenes, however, motion capture for specific expressions will be used.

   The game's new camera system will also be a first for the series. Though Final Fantasy has made the jump to full 3D, the designers thought a simple over-the-shoulder view would lose the "feel" of the past games. To this end, each scene of the game will employ pre-scripted camera angles and movements, which should maintain the presentation of the formerly prerendered backgrounds, while taking advantage of the new 3D environments.

   One last interesting item was revealed in the interview -- it seems the Blitzball, featured at the center of this screenshot, is the signature weapon of one of the game's characters. Since we already know Tidus will use a sword and Yuna a staff, the ball will likely be wielded by one of the game's as-yet unrevealed party members.