Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles brings one of the most beloved tactical RPGs back into the spotlight for PlayStation 5, and it’s a reminder of just how influential the original was. While this edition is faithful to its roots, it doesn’t settle for being a simple remaster – it expands and modernizes without losing the political intrigue and strategic depth that defined the original. From the opening moments, the game makes it clear that it isn’t just telling a fantasy tale of knights and monsters, but weaving a complex narrative about loyalty, ambition, and betrayal that remains engaging decades after its debut.
The story of Ramza Beoulve and Delita Heiral unfolds against the backdrop of the War of the Lions, a conflict driven as much by personal ambition as it is by politics. This mix of historical drama and personal tragedy gives the narrative a timeless quality. For newcomers, the game includes the now-classic War of the Lions translation, which enhances the dramatic weight of the dialogue, while voice acting further deepens the presentation. Some of the old pacing issues remain, and cutscenes can feel dense and lore-heavy, but that’s also part of the charm of a narrative that refuses to oversimplify its world.
Gameplay remains the heart of The Ivalice Chronicles, and it is here that the game shows its enduring brilliance. The job system is as flexible as ever, offering over 20 classes and hundreds of abilities that can be combined to create powerful synergies. Experimenting with different setups feels endlessly rewarding, and battles remain tense and strategic thanks to mechanics that emphasize positioning and timing. Square Enix has introduced refinements to make the experience more accessible, such as the new Squire difficulty, which lowers the entry barrier for players intimidated by the game’s notorious challenge. Still, veterans can rest assured that the tactical depth and punishing difficulty on higher settings remain intact.
Controls and interface benefit from thoughtful modernization. Navigating menus is smoother and clearer than in older versions, and while the sheer number of options can still overwhelm at first, quality-of-life adjustments keep the learning curve from feeling as steep as it once did. The game does not radically reinvent its controls – it doesn’t need to – but small tweaks in speed and clarity help keep the flow of battle intact. Camera handling is also improved, making it easier to appreciate the 3D battlefields and keep track of units during larger-scale fights.
Visually, The Ivalice Chronicles strikes a careful balance between modernization and authenticity. The environments are sharper and more detailed, bringing Ivalice to life in a way that still feels faithful to the original design. Character models and effects have been given a facelift, and battles play out with more flair thanks to updated animations. Purists might find some of the new polish takes away from the pixel charm of the original, but overall the remaster feels respectful rather than intrusive. The soundtrack, meanwhile, is nothing short of stellar, with reorchestrated tracks that highlight Hitoshi Sakimoto’s already legendary compositions. Combined with strong voice work, the audio elevates the atmosphere and adds new emotional depth.
Despite its refinements, the game isn’t without its drawbacks. The pacing of battles can still feel slow to modern players used to faster strategy RPGs, and certain difficulty spikes – especially if you experiment less with the job system – remain frustrating. Additionally, while the new difficulty mode makes the game more accessible, some players may feel it dilutes the original’s unforgiving identity. Still, these issues don’t overshadow the fact that Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles succeeds in bringing one of the genre’s greats into a new era without compromising its legacy.
In the end, this is both a love letter to long-time fans and an invitation for newcomers to experience a classic that shaped tactical RPGs as we know them. The political drama, layered gameplay, and rich world of Ivalice remain as captivating as ever, and the improvements make it easier than ever to dive in. It’s not a reinvention, but rather a careful preservation and refinement of something special. For anyone who values strategy, storytelling, or the history of the genre, The Ivalice Chronicles is more than worth the return trip.
Score: 8.6/10
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