Final Fantasy X will be the first Final Fantasy to hit the PlayStation2.

 May 8th, 2000 - Although previously rumoured to be only supported with DVD movies on the PlayStation2, Square Sound, the department of Square that handles all the sound effects in Final Fantasy, have found a way to support Dolby Digital and DTS in the upcoming Final Fantasy X for PlayStation2.

The idea of having a videogame with 'full 5.1-channel surround sound' was until now only a pipe-dream; the sound produced was of such high quality that no platform before the PlayStation2 has had the raw processing-power required to cope with Dolby Digital technology. All movie watchers that have had the fortune to have had experienced Dolby Digital (or DTS) will agree that the extra effort is extremely rewarding in regards to viewing pleasure; indeed, the difference can even be quite apparent when compared with the ample Dolby Surround.

What does this mean for Final Fantasy X? Basically, the game's FMV sequences (they are most likey to be streaming movies) will be supported with full 5.1 channel surround sound, making the experience of playing the already technologically advanced Final Fantasy X even more exhilarating.

Utilising Dolby Digital will take the player to a new level.

At the moment however, all the sound effects will only be prepared in 5.1 and then converted to regular two-channel stereo. This is because the processors of the PlayStation2 are not yet quite powerful enough to cope with the 'real-time changing of sound' necessary to get the full 5.1 effect during actual gameplay. Don't count your chicken's before they've hatched, though, because knowing Square they will most likely come up with a special technique to overcome this problem.

If you have that extra cash and intend to hook up your PlayStation2 to take advantage of this revolutionary feature, you'll need the following setup:

• Dolby Digital or DTS receiver
  
• Two front channel speakers & two rear channel speakers
  
• One centre channel speaker
  
• One subwoofer
  
• Digital Optical Cable (PlayStation2 to Dolby Digital Receiver).