Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – A Classic That Shines, but Doesn’t Dazzle
CyberBoxTV 3 min read
The Final Fantasy franchise has evolved over the years, exploring different genres and formulas. However, back in 1998, it surprised fans with a title that marked a turning point: Final Fantasy Tactics. This game moved the series beyond traditional turn-based battles, embracing tactical strategy and a narrative that leaned more toward politics than fantasy.
Nearly three decades later, it returns in remastered form as Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, giving both newcomers and longtime fans the chance to experience one of the cornerstones of the tactical RPG genre.
The story follows Ramza and Delita, who set out to uncover the truth behind the murder of Delita’s sister. Along the way, they join a band of mercenaries and become entangled in the War of the Lions, a conflict between two factions fighting for control of the Kingdom of Ivalice. The plot remains faithful to the original, though the dialogue has been updated with a more modern touch and expanded character development.
One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of voice acting. The performances add emotion and personality to the narrative, though not without issues: some voice choices, especially the protagonist’s, feel mismatched and break immersion. Interestingly, the Japanese voices provide a far more fitting and genuine representation.
Gameplay remains true to its tactical roots: battles unfold on grid-based maps where units move like chess pieces. Each encounter allows different approaches, with the option to finish more quickly by targeting the main enemy. This version introduces a speed system to reduce tedium, as well as difficulty modes that improve accessibility. The class system and the ability to recruit troops with unique skills remain central to the experience.
Visually, the sprites have been refined with more detail, shedding the polygonal look of the original and resembling the official artwork, while still retaining the nostalgic 90s aesthetic. The music stays faithful to the original compositions but has been reorchestrated to deliver a more modern and immersive soundscape.
However, the remaster isn’t without flaws. It does not include the extra content from War of the Lions, nor does it offer access to the pure original version, instead presenting a hybrid mix of past releases. Combined with the inconsistent voice acting, this keeps it from feeling like a definitive edition.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a good game, with a phenomenal story and solid gameplay, but it clearly shows its age. The improvements are welcome, yet not enough to bring the title up to today’s standards. With Square Enix having released other tactical RPGs in recent years with similar combat systems and storylines, it’s difficult to argue that this release is truly essential today.
Final Score: 4/5
About The Author