25 years later, Final Fantasy X's Suteki Da Ne remains an emotional masterpiece

Last month marked the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy X — a milestone that, according to the author, has profoundly shaken their perception of time. Despite the fact that PC gamers only have access to the HD remaster with its notably different, plastic-like character models, the game remains one of the author's favorite JRPGs of all time. The romance, the distinctive belt-heavy costume design, the turn-based combat, and the cinematic cutscenes all still hold up remarkably well after two and a half decades, in the author's admittedly biased opinion.

However, one aspect of Final Fantasy X that has endured above all others is its soundtrack. It represents an immaculate blend of genres — a creative direction that would later be explored further in titles like Final Fantasy XIII-2. The soundtrack ranges from the all-out rock energy of "Otherworld," which blasts during the introduction of Blitzball star Tidus, to the wonderfully ethereal tones of "Besaid." The game's overarching theme, "To Zanarkand," serves as the perfect musical embodiment of its melancholic narrative.

When the author thinks about Final Fantasy X, one song consistently comes to mind: "Suteki Da Ne." This piece plays during a hugely pivotal moment in the story. Yuna has become increasingly conflicted over her role as a summoner — a path destined to end in her death. Her desire to abandon this duty is ultimately outweighed by her commitment to her responsibilities. The song, which has not lost any of its emotional weight since its 2001 release, captures the heart-wrenching tension between personal desire and sacrificial obligation. It remains, in the author's view, one of the greatest songs ever to grace a JRPG.