“Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles” Review by Nick Navarro
Few games earn the label of genre-defining, but returning to ‘Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles’ reminded me why this series has carried that reputation for decades. Square Enix didn’t simply remaster the original; instead, the team modernized it in ways that make the game feel timeless while still preserving the identity that made it such a landmark in the genre. The first thing that stood out to me was how gorgeous the game looks. The new visual presentation breathes life into Ivalice, a kingdom rich with history and political intrigue. The sharper character models, improved textures, and more dynamic environments make the battles and story sequences look exactly as I remembered them in my head years ago, but better. It feels like the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernization, offering a clear upgrade without losing the original’s charm.
On top of the visuals, the fully voiced dialogue is a huge step forward. Hearing Ramza, Delita, and the rest of the cast speak adds a new level of personality to characters who were already layered and complex. The performances are strong across the board, and they elevate the storytelling to an even higher level of immersion. It surprised me just how much the voice acting helped pull me deeper into the unfolding drama, especially during some of the game’s pivotal political moments. The narrative itself remains as compelling as ever. Set in the aftermath of the Fifty Years’ War, the story drops players into a kingdom on the verge of collapse, with rival factions ready to seize control. The conflict between Duke Goltanna, the Black Lion, and Duke Larg, the White Lion, sets the stage for a brutal civil war that becomes known as the War of the Lions. Caught in the middle are Ramza Beoulve and his childhood friend Delita, two characters whose paths diverge as they navigate the chaos around them. Even after all these years, this tale of loyalty, betrayal, and social class struggles feels gripping, and I found myself just as invested in the twists and turns as I was the first time.
Of course, the gameplay remains the heart of the experience, and this is where “The Ivalice Chronicles” shines brightest. Battles play out on 3D, grid-based maps, where positioning and planning are crucial. Every move matters, from how you place your characters to how you manipulate the turn order. The strategic depth is still remarkable, and the variety of ways you can approach combat makes every encounter feel fresh. Whether I was luring enemies into a trap with clever placement or using terrain to my advantage, the game constantly rewarded careful thought and long-term planning. The job system is still one of the most satisfying in RPG history. With more than twenty different jobs to unlock, ranging from series staples like white mage and black mage to dragoons and beyond, there’s no shortage of possibilities when it comes to customizing your party. Abilities carry over even when you switch jobs, so experimenting with different combinations can be both rewarding and often addictive for me. I found myself constantly tinkering with my team, trying out new strategies and discovering unique synergies. On top of that, being able to tame or just be with chocobos is something I always love to see in a Final Fantasy game.
One of the things I appreciated most about this enhanced version is how it accommodates both veterans and newcomers. Longtime fans can dive straight into the classic version, which keeps the original 1997 presentation intact while still including the War of the Lions translation. At the same time, the enhanced version introduces a more accessible “Squire” difficulty option, which makes the game less intimidating for players who may be new to tactical RPGs. I think this was a smart addition that can broaden the game’s appeal without taking anything away from its core challenge. Square Enix also took the opportunity to fine-tune various battle mechanics and features, which I think resulted in smoother, more streamlined gameplay overall. These adjustments make the game easier to navigate without compromising its depth, and I appreciated the attention to detail in how these improvements were implemented.
It’s worth noting that some content from previous versions is missing here, which may disappoint a few die-hard fans. To be frank, I can hardly remember most of what is missing, showing it probably wasn’t even that consequential anyways. That said, the essential content is all present, and the package as a whole feels complete. In fact, I’d argue this is the definitive way to play “Final Fantasy Tactics.” It doesn’t just bring the game forward for a modern audience; it actually enhances it in nearly every meaningful way. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine improving on a classic of this caliber, but “The Ivalice Chronicles” proves it’s possible. The updated graphics, the voice acting, the gameplay refinements, and the ability to switch between classic and enhanced modes all come together to make this the ultimate version of a tactical RPG masterpiece. For me, it was a joy to once again lose myself in the land of Ivalice, to watch the tragic paths of Ramza and Delita unfold, and to command my party through battles that still feel as rewarding as ever.
This release serves as a reminder of why “Final Fantasy Tactics” holds such a special place in gaming history. It respects the original while giving players new reasons to fall in love with it all over again. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone experiencing it for the first time, “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles” is an experience not to be missed.
9.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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