Final Fantasy X-2 [PS2]

What do you do for an encore after selling more than 5 million copies of Final Fantasy X since 2001? If you're Square Enix, you begin work on a sequel, of course.

In fact, Final Fantasy X-2, which debuted in Japan earlier this year, is the first true Final Fantasy sequel, even though this coveted role-playing game series has spawned more than 20 individual titles to date.

The epic PlayStation 2 adventure will wash up on North American shores in early November, featuring the first female protagonist in the series, a revamped battle system, new mission-based game play objectives and an intertwining story of good and evil, love and hate.

But before we get into specifics, a bit of history on how this sequel came to be.

To commemorate the commercial and critical success of Final Fantasy X Square Enix released a Japanese-only special edition of the game, entitled Final Fantasy X International. This collection contained an enhanced version of the game along with a bonus DVD housing a music video for the theme song, promotional trailers, interviews with the voice cast and a never-before-seen scene. This 12-minute story, "The Eternal Calm," left gamers wanting more, prompting fans to dedicate Web sites to this tale. Hence the origins of Final Fantasy X-2.

Final Fantasy X-2 takes place roughly two years after Yuna's quest to conquer Sin in Final Fantasy X. Spira, the world once filled with chaos, is now in a period of "Eternal Calm," though Yuna still pines for her lost friends, especially Tidus. When she stumbles upon a magical sphere that contains imagery of what may be the hunky blitzball star from Final Fantasy X, Yuna is determined to find out what's behind the mysterious vision. The journey begins.

The 19-year-old Yuna begins to traverse across Spira in search of additional spheres, in the hopes they lead her to Tidus and company. She is joined by other female characters: her younger cousin Rikku, and the more mature Paine. Consider this trio the Charlie's Angels of the Final Fantasy universe, complete with high-fives after defeating enemies, plenty of humor and even some sexy scenes when the girls are caught in their panties. Oh, those wacky Japanese game designers.

Along with unraveling the story by engaging in conversations with locals and by watching beautiful cut-scene sequences (two Final Fantasy trademarks), a good chunk of this 40 to 50-hour adventure lies in party-based combat against those who stand in Yuna's way. It should be noted that Final Fantasy X-2 is more action-heavy than past games in the series.

Combat is still turn-based but the pace is sped up thanks to the "Active Time Battle" feature. Sure, the girls must rely on weapons, spells, accessories, spheres and new fighting techniques learned throughout the course of the game, but the most damage is inflicted by chaining attacks together within the allotted time per turn. As an interesting twist, characters can also toggle job classes (such as "Gunner" and "Berserker") in the heat of battle by using a newly implemented grid system. In short, there is a quite a bit of tactics and strategy involved.

Unlike past Final Fantasy games, this tale is less linear, which will be pleasing to many fans. It's possible to travel to various parts of the map at random to solve main missions or take on smaller sub-quests (completing these optional objectives are usually rewarded with new information and rare items). Simply chat with your airship's navigator and head off in the direction of your choosing.

Allegedly, Square Enix has designed the game to be replayable -- choosing different paths at main branching points will change the way the story unravels.

If its success in Japan is any indication -- selling 2 million units its first month of availability -- there is little doubt Final Fantasy X-2 will be a monster hit in North America too, and a must-have stocking stuffer for the holiday season.