A New Era for Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics has long stood out in Square Enix’s rich history of RPGs. Its unique blend of political intrigue, a vast cast of characters, and an intricate turn-based combat system has made it a beloved title among fans. However, for many years, the game remained confined to older platforms like the PS1 and PSP, with no modern console version available. That is about to change with the upcoming release of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, a complete remake of the classic strategy RPG.
At PAX West, I had the opportunity to get a hands-on look at the game and speak with director Kazutoyo Maehiro and art director Hiroshi Minagawa. They shared insights into how they are modernizing the game while staying true to its roots.
The Return to Ivalice
The demo began with a recreation of the opening cutscene from the PSP version of Final Fantasy Tactics. As a knight on a Chocobo charges through the war-torn landscape of Ivalice, the visual style is a faithful yet refined reimagining of the original. Kamikaze Studios, which originally developed the game, was brought back after 15 years to recreate the iconic sketchbook art style.
Maehiro emphasized that getting this first impression right was crucial. “It really sets the stage for the grand story that’s about to happen,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that message was carried over into the Ivalice Chronicles as well, but with this new visual style.”
Inside the monastery, Princess Olevia Atkascha prays while her knight Agrias urges her to leave. The text dialogue boxes have been replaced with full voice acting, which adds a new layer of depth to the storytelling. According to Maehiro, adding voices will help the story reach new audiences while enhancing the experience for returning fans. “By adding voices, we can add so much more to the character, emotions, and conversations between different characters,” he explained.
A Battle for Ivalice
As the demo continued, the first battle took place on a grid-based battlefield. Players control Ramza, a young swordsman under Gaffgarion, and issue attack commands. The combat remains true to the original turn-based tactics system, with each character taking their own independent actions.
What stood out during the skirmish was the overall presentation. Characters look like high-quality models of the portraits and videos from the original game, rather than attempting stylized realism or HD-2D aesthetics. Minagawa explained that this choice was made to honor the original design while making it more refined for modern hardware.
The Politics of War
One of the most compelling aspects of Final Fantasy Tactics is its deep narrative, filled with political intrigue and character drama. Maehiro noted that the game’s story is unique within the Final Fantasy series. “We have politics throughout, and it’s unique even to the Final Fantasy series, in terms of the overall character drama that we’re painting.”
In one scene, a familiar face appears—Gaffgarion, who betrays the party to stop them. This moment highlights the game’s narrative ebb and flow, where alliances shift and loyalties are tested.
Tactical Challenges and Choices
Later in the demo, players face a tough battle against Gaffgarion and his forces. The pre-battle phase allows players to choose four units and position them strategically. Options include a White Mage for healing, a Summoner for powerful elemental attacks, and an Archer for ranged support.
During the fight, the summoner calls forth Shiva, unleashing a dazzling ice attack. The game offers multiple difficulty levels, including Knight (default), Tactician (harder), and Squire (for those focused on the story).
A Legacy That Endures
When asked why Final Fantasy Tactics has endured for nearly 30 years, Maehiro credited the original writer, Yasumi Matsuno. “He took all those things and put them within the Final Fantasy mold,” he said. “I just think it’s amazing how well he was able to integrate everything together, and we are releasing it again 28 years later, but this story is still going to be able to resonate with anyone who does play in this age.”
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to release on September 30 for PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
