A New Era for Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is making a triumphant return this year with the release of The Ivalice Chronicles, a full remake of the original 1997 title. This new version offers two distinct modes to cater to different player preferences. The Classic Mode aims to preserve the original PlayStation experience while incorporating some quality-of-life improvements. On the other hand, the Enhanced Mode promises updated visuals, new content, and a rewritten script that accommodates new voice acting.
The mention of “new content” has sparked curiosity among fans. It’s important to note that this remake will not include the additional scenes and scenarios introduced in the 2007 PSP version, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions. So what exactly does this new content entail?
In an interview on the PlayStation Blog, director Kazutoyo Maehiro provided some insights into the features expected in the remake. He discussed the new script and voice acting, but also revealed that some of the previously teased dialogue stems from cut content in the original game. Maehiro expressed regret over the amount of dialogue that was removed from the original game and is excited about the opportunity to add new lines for unique party members like Mustadio and Agrias.
In the original game, these unique characters often disappeared from the story after being recruited. However, in The Ivalice Chronicles, if these characters are included in specific battles, they will have new lines that comment on the situation and highlight character drama. This adds depth to their roles and enhances the overall storytelling experience.
Another notable addition highlighted in the interview is the return of Errands, a feature from the original game. While Maehiro was vague about the details, he used the term “mini-games,” suggesting there may be more playability or unique gameplay mechanics in these events. In the original game, Errands were a few poorly translated text boxes that resulted in unique artwork and a journal entry that deepened the lore of the game.
For the Enhanced Mode of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Errands will be reworked. When describing them, Maehiro used the phrase “unit progression,” which implies that otherwise generic party members will have the chance to star in their own sidequests rather than just disappearing briefly before returning with a brief story.
Fans are eager to see what the new Errands stories have to offer, along with the new dialogue sequences and any other secrets that might be hidden in the remake. The game is set to release on September 30 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. This release marks a significant moment for fans of the series, offering both nostalgia and fresh experiences in a beloved classic.
