Final Fantasy X has a hidden affection point system that changes the final Overdrive for Tidus, allowing players to choose their favorite female character, before being railroaded to the conclusion of the story. FF8 was the first entry in the series to be centered around a love story, but FF10 also had a strong focus on romance, with the blossoming love between Tidus and Yuna becoming an important part of the story. The disappearance of Tidus at the end of FF10 then directly ties into the events of the sequel, with Yuna going on a quest to save him.
FF7 introduced an affection point system to the series, where the player's actions would determine which character Cloud would go on a date with at the Gold Saucer. The FF7 dating mechanics & romance system involved a points system, where the player's choices in dialogue would show their preference toward the characters. Once the story reaches the Gold Saucer, the character with the highest affection points will go on the date with Cloud, with the possible choices being Aerith, Tifa, Yuffie, and even Barret.
FF10 used a similar system to FF7, as it uses an affection point system with Tidus, the protagonist of the story, and the three female party : Yuna, Lulu, and Rikku. The player's responses can alter the affection of every party member, including the male ones, and the character with the highest affection will interact with Tidus during certain cutscenes. If the player manages to unlock a specific move for Tidus, then the three ladies of the party will have a chance to help him in combat. Tidus might be a great blitzball player, but he still needs help from his party.
Tidus' Romantic Interest Will Take Part In His Final Overdrive In FFX
Tidus' final Overdrive (the FF10 equivalent to the Limit Break) is called Blitz Ace and it involves him performing a series of sword slashes on the enemy, before leaping into the air, and booting a blitzball at the enemy for massive damage. The blitzball will be thrown by one of Tidus' three female party , or it will appear on its own if they are all incapacitated. The person who throws the blitzball to Tidus is the one with the highest affection points toward him, and if they are incapacitated, then it will go to the next one in line, with Yuna taking priority in a tie. Blitz Ace is not part of FF10's actual blitzball minigame, but Rikku can throw the ball during underwater battles.
It's odd that FF10 would include this system as it has no bearing on the overall story. The affection mechanic will alter some of the cutscenes, showing Tidus being closer to his chosen lady, but he will still fall in love with Yuna over the course of the story, and she will be able to save him in the sequel. The affection mechanic at least gives fans the chance to rattle their chains and show their appreciation toward their favorite character, even if they have to become entwined with Yuna at the end of the story. Yuna went on to become one of the Final Fantasy series' most popular characters, so it's clear that Final Fantasy X made a strong impression on a lot of fans, and Yuna likely threw a lot of blitzballs to Tidus.
