![Sphere Grid and other progression systems are immaculate [Game Design]](https://preview.redd.it/ii7zoi0qcrjh1.jpeg?auto=webp&s=6826d23d12c22a3c63239b25637938a1a495c063)
Sphere Grid and other progression systems are immaculate [Game Design]
The entire system is very well constructed, I always enjoy flexible progression systems. FFX has always been one of my favorite games all around with all of its mechanics and systems to play around with. (FF2, 5 ,6, 7, 8 and tactics each did this quite well too)
The simple fact that it fits alongside the pilgrimage, you're choosing the journey of each party member's job/stats, gaining small benefits that acrue into a semi-personalized character for your playthrough is really fun. Its nice that there's also a more clear/intended path for each character to inheritly go down for a simplified streamlined experience
Its also nice that you can make several decisions early to midway through the game when you unlock lv1 & 2 key spheres and teleport/return spheres to either get additional stats on the main path, or branch into another character's path to create hybrid jobs
The game even giving you a designated grinding spot that rewards your combat exploration to lower the amount of unnecessary travel time between grinding, going an extra step and rewarding you for filling out the Pokedex along the way
Then there's Blitzball and other minigames, a way to step away from the core loop and still stay immersed in Spira, while getting additional benefits for your activities (Weapons, Spheres, Overdrives, etc..)
I could go on for days about all the small details from Monster's having unique qualities favoring party members, the encouragement to explore the 'linear' world, the available equipment grinding/customization, Aeon's having unique qualities
TLDR Final Fantasy 10's progression systems are masterclass and need to be re-explored, the game does everything to reward you for playing around