Final Fantasy 10 recently marked its 25th anniversary, prompting a look back at the elements that defined the Square Enix title. Originally released on July 19, 2001, for the PlayStation 2, the game holds a 92 rating on Metacritic and remains a staple of the JRPG genre.
The Musical Legacy of Spira
While the game is known for its turn-based combat and character designs, its soundtrack is frequently cited for its blend of genres. Composer Nobuo Uematsu’s work ranges from the rock-focused Otherworld, which introduces the protagonist Tidus, to the ambient, ethereal tracks like Besaid.
The game’s overarching theme, To Zanarkand, is recognized for grounding the narrative's melancholic tone. However, it is the vocal track Suteki Da Ne that is often highlighted for its role in the game's emotional arc. Following the tradition of vocal tracks in the series—such as Eyes on Me in Final Fantasy 8—Suteki Da Ne accompanied the first moment of romantic intimacy between Tidus and Yuna, underscoring the character's internal conflict regarding her duty as a summoner.
Audio Design and Evolution
Final Fantasy 10 represented a technical shift for the series as its first entry on the PlayStation 2. This hardware jump allowed for a more complex integration of music and cinematic cutscenes. The composition of Suteki Da Ne has remained largely unchanged since its release, a rarity for tracks from that era of gaming.
In the current market, players on PC can access the game via the HD remaster. While this version features updated visuals, the original soundtrack remains a point of focus for players revisiting the title two and a half decades after its initial launch.