Summary
Final Fantasy 10-2had some fans mixed up when it first came out in 2003. Fans were confused to see Yuna, who was previously so introverted and insecure, suddenly lively and having the time of her life. It confused long-time fans as this came seemingly out of nowhere. However, there were things of note to happen betweenFinal Fantasy 10andFinal Fantasy 10-2ina short called “Eternal Calm.”
The most important thing to happen was that Yuna had left behind Besaid Island and spent some time with Rikku. And with this, cameFinal Fantasy 10-2,and it’s more vital than fans realized. This was the firstFinal Fantasygame with an all-female main cast. And though this isn’t to say that the other games in the series were lacking in representation, they did not center around just women likeFF10-2did. For young girls growing up playing video games, they could see themselves at the center of Spira as they played throughFF10-2. And these women, Yuna, Rikku, and Paine, had character depth - they weren’t just pretty faces for people to admire, but rather they had backgrounds, motivations, and unique personalities.
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How Yuna Was Written in Final Fantasy 10-2
First shown inFinal Fantasy 10,Yuna was originally a summonerand a quiet, reserved, and insecure girl. She saw her life purpose to be dying for the greater good and spent her days traveling alongside her companions from Aeon to Aeon. By gathering these Aeons, she would gather enough strength to fight off against Sin and die for Spira’s peace. This was what was expected of her, but it wasn’t howFF10ended. Spira was saved, but Yuna lived, and now she was given the chance to live the life she fought so hard for.
And under Rikku’s guidance, no less. When she ran into trouble, she was much more confident than in the previous game. Players got to see her become more self-assured and embrace the sillier sides of herself. A few players complained that the game felt awkward, but that was the point. It had only beentwo years since the events ofFF10, Yuna had come far, but she still had so much to work on. She was still human but still growing, and just like last time she had a group of friends to support her.
How Rikku Was Written in Final Fantasy 10-2
Also last seen inFinal Fantasy 10,Rikku makes her return in this new game with a slightly different charm than fans saw her last. She’s no longer hiding her identity as an Al Bhed since there’s no reason to in this new-and-improved Spira. Rikku is a little more like an older sister figure for Yuna in this game than she was in the last, which is fitting as she is her cousin. She’d always been protective of Yuna, but it’s shown in a much brighter light inFF10-2.
It’s always good to show young kids a healthy support system, and there’s none better thanFinal Fantasy'’s Rikku. She’s pushed Yuna out of her comfort zone and allowed her to grow her confidence. However, Yuna has never expressed discomfort with Rikku. If any problems arise, Rikku has helped her to dissolve and put her foot down. Her peppy personality makes it easy for players, new and old, to get attached to her.
How Paine Was Written in Final Fantasy 10-2
To completeFinal Fantasy 10-2’s trio is newcomer Paine. On surface value, for fans who didn’t dig too deep or pay too much attention, she seemed like the moody character thrown in for diversity. However, within the game, she was revealed to have had a position inThe Crimson Squad. She was a part of a much more serious team than the Gullwings are. It was only natural she ended up a little sarcastic, closed off, and private.
However, even if she had been the sarcastic and moody character to offset the happy and awkward vibes that Rikku and Yuna brought, she was a touch of reality young kids playing need. Without her, after all, the pair of happy-go-lucky girls would be all players had to refer to. But not everything or everyone can be so bright all the time. Paine’s moody and reserved behavior represented the slightly darker side of how people can act without being a jerk.
Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remasteris available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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