Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles updates the classic game for new audiences. After getting hands-on with the game myself, that statement couldn’t be more true.
The Ivalice Chronicles is a remake of the classic strategy RPG from Square Enix, originally released in 1998. I played it not long after my mind was blown in Final Fantasy VII a year earlier. And while Final Fantasy VII told a deeply personal story about individuals saving the world, Final Fantasy Tactics throws caution to the wind and tells a political story about a kingdom in chaos.
First impressions? Spectacular. Final Fantasy Tactics had these amazing cutscenes that looked (and probably were) hand-drawn. Updating them to modern displays makes them pop like the day I first saw them. Similarly, getting into the game, the updated visuals look great on modern displays.
The demo I played featured the first combat from the original game, where you’re controlling the hero Ramza in a fight to protect the princess from a group of mercenaries. This remake includes a bunch of quality-of-life improvements that make the game shine on modern hardware. These include updated controls, reworked overlays, and, of course, updated textures and visuals.
It all serves to bring Final Fantasy Tactics up to a modern standard. It’s not a remake in the way Final Fantasy VII Remake is, but it’s a good step.
READ MORE: Review | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PlayStation 5)
The biggest upgrade is full voice acting for the entire campaign — this was surreal at first. When the introductory narration began, the voiceover was exactly what it had been in my head all those years ago.
Following that first fight, I jumped into a later battle, highlighting more of the job system and tactical strategy elements. These are great introductions, taking you from fighting as your hero to controlling a larger squad. Final Fantasy Tactics always focused a lot of attention on the Job system, and this remake is no different. The first fights introduce the soldier and magic jobs, as well as build on the more than 20 jobs in the final game.
The Ivalice Chronicles aims to bring a classic back into the eyes of a modern audience. From what I experienced, it looks and sounds like a modern game. For anyone who hasn’t played the original, keep an eye on this one.
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to release on 30th September for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Nathanael went hands-on with Final Fantasy Tactics – The Invalice Chronicles with thanks to Square Enix.
