Final Fantasy X Official Strategy Guide Review 
by the Badger

"Do Not Give a Man a Fish... Teach Him How to Fish"

Somehow I found it ironic that these words of wisdom were to be found within my fortune cookie. After all, I was just taking a break from my obsessive Final Fantasy X play, and this was only hours after adding BradyGames' Final Fantasy X Official Strategy Guide (FFXOSG) into the mix. For those familiar with the Final Fantasy series, you'll know that while you can complete the game by following only the core storyline, missing out on the numerous side-quests and mini-games not only nearly halves your gameplay time, but can also make the game significantly more difficult. Thusly, I cannot think of another game that I've felt so warranted a strategy guide for both novice players who need the help, as well as the experienced gamer whose goal is more than just to "win." 

Much like the proverb mentioned at the beginning of this review, the FFXOSG does not give, it forces you to learn the "strategy (hence the name strategy guide)" of the game. This rendition of Final Fantast Strategy Guide continues in the BradyGames tradition - giving you the freedom to indulge in varying degrees of assistance- but certainly serves neither as a complete cheat guide, nor a remedial tell-all that gives you all the answers to each and every facet of the game. 

The FFXOSG, written by Dan Birlew, includes many things you may have come to recognize in previous guides: Basics, character profiles, ability charts, weapons/items guides, bestiary, side-quests, secrets -- ah the list goes on and on. In addition to these staples, the FFXOSG guide includes some bonus materials as part of  the BradyGames "Signature Series" Edition. 

In the name of coherency, I'll address the chapters, one by one, and discuss some of the bonuses this edition includes:

1 - RPG Basics: As in previous editions, the RPG Basics section of the FFXOSG is sort of a supplemental addition to what gamers receive as a handbook with their game purchase. It does serve as a very handy quick reference for game basics for newcomers to the series.

2 - A Summoner and her Guardians: This section is a brief summary of each character, their special abilities, overdrives, possible sphere grid directions, and it includes some mild suggestions on how to use or shape the characters. The simplicity in this section should not fool you however, there are plenty of in-depth charts to be studied. 

3 - Aeons - The Aeons section gives you a short summary on the purpose of aeons, the commands they may acquire, information on their unique attacks and overdrives, and also gives the location where they may be found and their elemental attributes (if any apply). Very much like the character descriptions, this seems much shorter and more succinct than you might be used to.

4 - Abilities and the Sphere Grid - Probably the most unique addition to the Final Fantasy series brought by FFX is the Sphere Grid. Luckily, this interesting new experience ability system is not only easy to use, but the FFXOSG can give you the complete listing of different abilities, sphere attributes, and even some guidance on which abilities are suited better to different types of characters. The charts included for these different abilities include helpful references for each ability name, the mana they require and the results they produce. This is one of the first places those gamers who like to be led through a game by the hand will start of experience what the "strategy" in strategy guide really means.

5 - Weapons and Armor - Weapons and armor can be collected and/or purchased on your journey through Spira, and in addition, these items can also be modified. This section includes a complete listing of the weapons available to each character and the abilities that they are either imbued with initially, or what they may be customized to include when they contain an empty slot. While most of this information is readily available when you pick up the weapon, or consider a possible customization, it is a quick reminder, helping you to see the abilities you might not have thought of putting into a weapon.

6 - Items and Key Items - This section lists the attributes of any other items in the game - whether they be spheres, restoratives, or other items such as those related to the side quests. Once again, while most of these items will be explained when you highlight them in the game, it might serve as a guide to acquiring or searching for some items which might be helpful on a particular quest.

7- Shops List - The shops list will give you a bird's eye view of what items you will be able to purchase on your journeys, as well as estimated buy and sell prices. It also lists O'Aka's inventory depending on what location he's at when you find him. Due to the fact that his prices may vary depending on how much money you lend him earlier in the game, his prices will vary, and therefore cannot be listed. 

8 - Walkthrough - The FFXOSG epitomizes the theme of my review. In some areas, it serves as a direct walkthrough (such as in some of the "trials" sections), sometimes it serves up possible approaches and advice for defeating bosses, and sometimes it guides you to items in the area. However, DO NOT follow this walkthrough as scripture, as many times you will be better off exploring your own possibilities and alternatives. Doing so many waste some of your time, items, and lives. Every experience tends to be different, and sometimes the brief directions provided to finding items can be more misleading than helpful. This is not to say the creators are at fault - this is only to say that you must remember what "strategy means" and if you're following what the guide says and you're not getting results - don't continue banging your head against a brick wall. I ran into this more than once, and if you don't do a little improv, you may get frustrated. Learn from the advice it gives; but done expect things to be handed to you.

9 - Side Quests - To the delight of side-questers everywhere, Final Fantasy X includes the standard array of side quests, including, for example, hints and tips on chocobo training,  monster arena stats, and a guide to a side-quest which features the infamous cactaurs. Use these hints if you're looking to just reach the distance between point A and B only to obtain the rewards. Otherwise, have some fun with these, as many side-questers do. 

10 - Secrets - Here is the section which describes where to find all those hidden little goodies which will help you not only kill your enemies, but more sufficiently annihilate them. The hints in this section of the guide you will not only help you find  wonderful bonus items, but also the most powerful weapons each character can posses (including hidden Aeons). Keep in mind, these secrets will not always just hand the items over - but they will give you a great head start.

11 - Blitzball - The sacred sport of Blitzball is explained in it's entirety in this section, justifiably a game on it's own. It conveniently lists all the facts included in the lengthy screen-tutorial, as well as giving tips on how to build a stronger and better team. There is also an extensive stats listing for each player for every team. This section gets an incredible amount of detailed info, and if you do get into this mini-game, you will be impressed at the amount of detail that went into the gameplay, and the guide for it!

12 - Bestiary - Here it is, in all it's glory: The secrets of the foes you will encounter. Amongst the detailed break down of each monster are HP, MP, special attacks, resistances, equipment,  items that will be dropped, and can be stolen. There are plenty more facts to be discovered and the listings are conveniently arranged in alphabetical order, by beast name. This is an invaluable resource, and you'll use it often.

13 - Interviews - Amongst the bonuses included in the FFXOSG are brief interviews with several development team members. Find out their challenges, achievements, favorite characters, scenes, and more.

Bonuses - Charts are a strong point of the FFXOSG and this is accentuated further by the (really cool) 2-sided pullout poster which includes a complete sphere grid layout on one side, and Rikku's Overdrive "Mix" combinations. The very appearance of the guide is also conducive to being more of a "keep on the bookshelf" title with silver gilt accents and thicker, more high quality paper.

Overall, I feel Dan Birlew and the rest of the FFXOSG team put together a valuable, and "wise" strategy guide for FFX. With my forewarnings about not expecting things to be handed to you in mind, I believe most gamers will find this resource a useful (and quite pleasant to behold) addition to their strategy guide (or Final Fantasy) collection. With the detailed charts, interesting bonuses, and great value (only $14.99 retail), BradyGames continues to not only set, but rise above the standards for strategy guides with their Signature Series Final Fantasy X Official Strategy Guide.