A Classic Reborn
It doesn’t seem two minutes since I was singing the praises of TRIANGLE STRATEGY, another tactical RPG from Square Enix. And now another one arrives on Xbox, but this one has a far better title.
A classic is reborn with the arrival of FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles on Xbox.
Despite never receiving a PAL release when it first launched in 1996, it eventually got a PSP port in 2007 for European players. This “War of the Lions” re-release helps form the basis for this remaster. In some areas at least, but the Ivalice Chronicles borrows elements from both versions.
Enhanced Classic
There are two versions of the game to choose from: Enhanced, which as the name suggests is the new version; and Classic, which isn’t quite the original version. Both of these use the revamped localisation from the PSP version, which by all accounts does a better job than the original Western localisation. Also of note is the Enhanced version features full voice-acting – done very well – and, perhaps more importantly to a section of gamers, is the only version that allows you to unlock Xbox Achievements. However, the additional content, such as new playable characters, cutscenes and even multiplayer, from the PSP version is not included.
Quite surprising though is that the soundtrack from the original version has been untouched. Normally there is a rearrangement or something along those lines, but not here. It doesn’t need it though; it isn’t quite top-tier like the majority of Final Fantasy soundtracks but it is still a great one.
Intrigue, Backstabbing, and Family Resemblances
Final Fantasy Tactics has often been praised as having one of the best stories in gaming, and by the end of the first chapter, I was eager to see where the story would go next. Then by the end of the second chapter I was fully invested. The plot centres around Ramza Beoulve, a highborn, and his place during a conflict known as The War of the Lions. There are more twists, turns and backstabbings than in an episode of Eastenders, and sometimes it can be difficult to keep up. Not least that many of the character portraits look a little bit too similar to one another. Understandable that many of the major players are all relatives of Ramza, but even those that aren’t have a slight resemblance to one another.
There is a handy tool though that feels ripped from Final Fantasy XVI. You can view a timeline of the events, read a plethora of supporting lore, see what artifacts you have found and so much more. This is a very detailed world, and this Chronicles section does an excellent job of presenting that information.
Job System Mastery
Like many other classic Final Fantasy games, Tactics employs a branching Job system. Each unit can start as either a Squire or a Chemist with only the most basic of abilities. Levelling these up opens up more opportunities, ranging from a variety of mage classes, to thieves, summoners, machinists and more. Major supporting characters usually come with their own unique jobs too.
What I love about this is that, due to the limited number of units you can deploy in a battle, almost every single skirmish will have you thinking of how you would do things differently with a different job.
And sticking with those units, you mustn’t get too attached to them. They can die, and be permanently removed from your roster. This goes the same for some NPCs that join you in battle, with consequences to be had later in the game if not in your party. Say, recruiting a certain Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII…
But it is entirely up to you how you play. The Job system is fully available after your first main battle. Whether you choose to have a healer in your party or, like me, go all out offensive with a black mage casting Firaga all over the shop, there is no right or wrong way, and makes for a compelling battle system.
The Achilles’ Heel of Isometric Battle
In the Enhanced version, you will see a turn tracker on the left-hand side. This details the upcoming turn order for the units on the field. In fact, overall, the HUD improvements between the Enhanced and Classic are noteworthy. As well as the turn order, you can now see beforehand the damage an attack will do, or if a ranged attack will miss completely. It has also been cleaned up and modernised.
One frustrating issue remains across both versions however. Due to the isometric nature of the battle dioramas, often there is one view that is ‘best’ and the remaining three when panned around 90 degrees just have too many obstacles in the way to see anything. Also, when the opposition is targeting and attacking, the camera cannot be moved around, so many times you are unable to see what is going on if a wall is in the way. This is doubly frustrating if a mage is attacking an area rather than an individual unit; you won’t be able to see where they are planning their attack (most magic attacks are on a bit of a delay in the turn-based battle) until it is too late and you’ve just moved a unit into the danger zone.
A Strategic Gem with a Stunning Art Style
But other than that, these arenas are all very well designed, with plenty of vantage points for ranged attackers, choke points on bridges and through corridors, and even environmental hazards for the unwary. Due to their smaller nature too, you will rarely find yourself spending too many turns moving to a square and not being able to attack. It makes the battles short and snappy; a refreshing change of pace from many other tactical RPGs.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is a remaster that has been well worth the wait. Square Enix have dipped their toes into tactical RPGs in the years since the first release, with more recent examples being TRIANGLE STRATEGY and The DioField Chronicles. But Tactics remains the daddy of them all, and this remaster improves upon the original with plenty of modern additions.
Another classic Final Fantasy game has made its way to Xbox, and it is one of the best ever.
Important Links
The Legendary FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles is AVAILABLE NOW! – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-legendary-final-fantasy-tactics-the-ivalice-chronicles-is-available-now/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/final-fantasy-tactics-the-ivalice-chronicles/9MZ2MC7T85T5/0010
There’s a Deluxe Edition – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/final-fantasy-tactics-the-ivalice-chronicles-deluxe-edition/9NGPCT94G2D4/0010
