How Final Fantasy 12 Retconned One of the Greatest PS1 Games Ever Made

Square Enix is a master at crafting intricate and immersive worlds, and few series prove this point better than Final Fantasy. With 16 numbered entries, each one features a distinct world, introducing fans to new characters and narratives. Unforgettable atmospheres are one of the reasons the series has proved to be popular, and this extends into spin-off games as well. Occasionally, the two blend together, and Final Fantasy XII is a major example of this. Initially, fans believed it to be a standalone game, but a later revelation changed how one classic PlayStation game would be viewed.

Final Fantasy XII and Square Enix retconned another game, one on the PlayStation that was not originally a part of the Final Fantasy series. Vagrant Story was an underrated masterpiece, but it was its own entity. But years later, Yasumi Matsuno, the game’s lead developer, confirmed the PS1 game was set in Ivalice, the same world as Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics, primarily as fan service.

Fan Service Rewrote Vagrant Story

Square Enix is no stranger to pleasing longtime fans. Just look at the attention Final Fantasy VII receives. But this isn’t the only title to get this treatment. While developing Final Fantasy XII, the studio found a way to tie it back not just to Final Fantasy Tactics, but also to bring Vagrant Story into the fold. There were already hints in this PS1 game to Ivalice, but this change officially made it canonically in the same universe.

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Some fans were angered by this, claiming it took away from the unique identity established in Vagrant Story and that there wasn’t enough evidence to support this change. Others were fine with it, as it did not detract from the game overall, just tied it into another franchise. Ivalice was already a fan-favorite world thanks to Final Fantasy Tactics, and setting another game in a different time created a more in-depth narrative. Square Enix never identified when these games took place, but it’s presumed Final Fantasy XII is the latest title in Ivalice.

Why This Matters for the PS1 Classic

Vagrant Story is one of Square Enix’s most ambitious games. Fans were used to the turn-based tactics of Final Fantasy or the strategic movement of Final Fantasy Tactics. The real-time with pause system was a huge difference from what was expected, and it was before its time. While impressive, it did leave players confused due to the layered mechanics and poor tutorial. But this did not detract from the intricate narrative and engaging characters. These stood on their own, but by placing them in the same world as Final Fantasy XII, it enhanced the connection, especially in combat.

One could say Vagrant Story’s combat was a precursor to Final Fantasy XII’s Gambit System. What Square Enix began on PS1 would be elevated and expanded on PlayStation 2. Commanding characters and making selections to then see them play out in real-time feels so rewarding in FF12 after playing Vagrant Story. But not only this, the narrative has similar notes, combining micro stories with larger macro stories. The focus on religion, politics, and character growth can be seen in both titles and add interesting depth.

Vagrant Story’s Legacy

Vagrant Story may be forgotten by many, but its legacy influenced the Final Fantasy series and other Square Enix games long after its release. This legacy is why so many bristle at the idea of retconning it, fearing it will lose its identity. Some argue it is not a Final Fantasy game, but an Ivalice game, making it a part of yet distinct from the series. Ultimately, the change has little impact on the original title and can be largely ignored.

Vagrant Story has yet to receive an official sequel or remake, so fans will have to accept the fan service change if they wish for more of this world. While Final Fantasy Tactics has received a remaster, Final Fantasy XII is probably the closest game that can satisfy this PS1 classic itch. It makes changes that alter and enhance the experience without straying too far from the core identity. New hardware allows for the experience to be more impressive visually and mechanically, and it feels like a natural progression from Vagrant Story.

Square Enix has shown it’s not afraid to experiment with past titles, especially Final Fantasy. Many believe Final Fantasy VII is connected to another title, but there has been no official confirmation of this, unlike the connection between Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story. I hope this eventually leads to a remake of Vagrant Story, but Square Enix has not indicated this. Regardless, this nod is a neat way to broaden the game’s history and give it a second life.

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