Final Fantasy Game From PS1 Era Gets Fully Remastered With New Story & Gameplay

Square Enix’s golden era was during the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 days. These consoles saw some of the best JRPGs in history, including Final Fantasy VII, which changed the way the genre was viewed forever. These games were praised for their engaging gameplay, gripping narratives, incredible soundtracks, and groundbreaking technology. Square Enix has no shortage of titles that fit this bill and some of these RPGs have seen rereleases and remakes. But one of the most highly requested titles is finally getting a remaster on September 30th. This is a return of one of the best RPGs in history, and a chance for new players to discover why it is so loved.

Final Fantasy Tactics was first released in the United States for the PlayStation in 1998. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved strategy RPGs and one of my favorite narratives in gaming. The Lion War gave us some of Square Enix’s best characters, and I cannot wait to revisit this title with the upcoming remake, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles.

The Legacy of Final Fantasy Tactics on PS1

Final Fantasy Tactics was unlike anything else in the series. While other Final Fantasy titles focused on smaller casts, used turn-based battles, and world-spanning narratives, Square Enix took a different route here. Final Fantasy Tactics thrust players into the kingdom of Ivalice and delivered a deep tactical experience. Instead of managing a party of adventurers, they were charged with the command of armies across grid-based battlefields. Planning each move and attack was crucial to victory like never before.

But it wasn’t just the mechanics that made Final Fantasy Tactics stand out to me and so many others. The narrative was full of political intrigue, betrayal, and a moral complexity that was ahead of its time. Ramza Beoulve’s journey and the corruption of Ivalice stick with me today. It was a world of ambiguity where villains and heroes were never what they seemed and those caught in between had to make impossible choices.

Square Enix rounded out the game with challenging difficulty, an intricately layered job system, and branching story paths. For many, myself included, Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the most treasured titles in the series and part of the reason so many want to revisit it. Finally, after nearly three decades, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles will give players that chance.

Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles – A True Remaster

The highly anticipated remaster will launch on September 30th. Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles isn’t just a simple visual upgrade, but a comprehensive project that aims to reintroduce the tactical masterpiece to modern audiences with updated gameplay systems and new quality-of-life features. But what may be most exciting is the addition of new story content to expand on the classic’s narrative.

The visual overhaul is the most noticeable aspect. This improves not only the combat, but also the UI, level textures, menus, and more. These enhance the game while maintaining the original’s identity, but also making it feel natural on modern hardware. Akihiko Yoshida’s iconic designs looks better than ever thanks to the painterly aesthetic, and look distinct compared to HD-2D games like Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy, and the upcoming The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.

Gameplay has seen numerous enhancements as well, especially with combat. Square Enix has streamlined it in this remaster with faster pacing and more information displayed on screen. Turn order, unit height, and more will be revealed, allowing players to better optimize their strategy and make more informed decisions. But the core gameplay that endeared Final Fantasy Tactics to so many players remained untouched.

Final Fantasy Tactics and the Path Forward

The release of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is more than just the return of a beloved classic. It could mark a new era of Final Fantasy games, possibly even a return to Square Enix’s turn-based games for good. While there are numerous Final Fantasy games, Tactics has largely been relegated to the spin-off category and has had a few sequels. The reception to the remaster could lead to more games being produced in this genre, maybe even a proper sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics or Triangle Strategy.

What’s more, Square Enix may even revisit other older titles. The underrated Vagrant Story has subtle references to Final Fantasy Tactics, and Final Fantasy XII is set within the same world. Either game could see a revitalization thanks to Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. Or, the story of Ivalice could continue in a completely new game. Or Square Enix could remaster one of Final Fantasy Tactics existing sequels.

This remaster is a long-overdue chance to experience one of the most acclaimed tactical games. Veterans will appreciate the eye-popping new additions, while newcomers can finally see what the hype is all about. Final Fantasy Tactics is still spoken about today, even before the remaster was announced. September 30th could be the beginning of a new success for the game and Square Enix, and I truly hope Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles gets the love it deserves.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!