Few tactical RPGs carry the legendary status of Final Fantasy Tactics. Originally released for the PlayStation in 1997, the game marked a significant entry in the strategy RPG genre, combining complex turn-based combat with a rich, politically charged narrative. Over the years, it has been celebrated for its intricate job system, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay.
In 2007, Square Enix revisited this classic with Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), a definitive edition that enhances the original through a new translation, additional characters, animated cutscenes, and more. But does this remake successfully refine the masterpiece, or does it introduce new issues that hinder the experience?
Unlike traditional Final Fantasy games, which focus on grand adventures and mystical forces, Final Fantasy Tactics offers a grounded, morally complex narrative centred on war, betrayal, and political intrigue. Set in the medieval kingdom of Ivalice, the game unfolds in a land ravaged by the War of the Lions, a savage conflict between two noble factions competing for control of the throne.
The story follows Ramza Beoulve, a young nobleman from the illustrious Beoulve family, as he navigates the turmoil of war. Initially believing in the righteousness of the noble class, Ramza soon uncovers the corruption at the core of the conflict. His journey is contrasted with that of Delita Heiral, his childhood friend, whose ascent through the ranks of power acts as a tragic commentary on the costs of ambition and survival.
One of the most compelling aspects of Final Fantasy Tactics is its exploration of social hierarchy and power dynamics. Nobles and commoners are continually at odds, with the lower classes being used as pawns in the conflict. Despite his noble heritage, Ramza chooses to ally with the downtrodden, combating the injustices of the system.
Delita, in contrast, hails from a peasant background and aims to disrupt the status quo by engaging in political manoeuvring. While Ramza clings to his ideals, Delita manipulates those around him to secure his position. The juxtaposition between these two protagonists creates one of the most thought-provoking narratives in the Final Fantasy series.
The original PlayStation version of Final Fantasy Tactics suffered from a notoriously poor English translation, which was replete with awkward phrases, grammatical errors, and confusing dialogue. The War of the Lions rectifies this with a rewritten script that adopts a medieval, Shakespearean-inspired tone. This new localisation imparts depth and personality to the characters, making their motivations clearer and the political intrigue more engaging.
The War of the Lions also features beautifully animated cutscenes that enhance key story moments. These sequences, presented in a hand-drawn watercolour style, elevate the narrative's emotional impact. Whether it is Ramza and Delita parting ways or the tragic fate of certain characters, these cutscenes render pivotal scenes more immersive and memorable.
At its core, Final Fantasy Tactics is a turn-based strategy RPG in which battles occur on grid-based maps. Players direct a squad of characters, positioning them to strike enemies, cast spells, and assist allies.
The Charge Time (CT) system governs each unit's turn, which dictates when they can act based on their speed stat. Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs, where each character moves in a fixed order, Final Fantasy Tactics requires players to anticipate when allies and foes will take their turn. This adds a layer of strategy, as players must plan their movements and attacks several turns ahead.
The variety of battle scenarios ensures that no two encounters unfold in the same manner. Some fights occur in open fields, while others take place in confined cities or perilous mountains. Terrain and elevation significantly influence movement range and attack accuracy.
One of Final Fantasy Tactics' greatest strengths is its deep and flexible job system. Every character can be assigned a job, each featuring its own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. As characters gain experience, they unlock new jobs, enabling countless strategic combinations.
The job system features over 20 classes, ranging from standard fantasy archetypes like Knights and Wizards to more specialised roles like Oracles and Samurai. Players can mix and match abilities, creating hybrid classes such as Black Mages with healing abilities or thieves who can use powerful magic.
The War of the Lions introduces two new jobs:
- Dark Knight: A formidable class with devastating attacks that sacrifice HP to inflict high damage. Unlocking this job demands considerable dedication, but it is one of the most rewarding classes in the game.
- Onion Knight: A class that begins feeble but grows remarkably powerful once characters have mastered various other jobs.
Furthermore, the PSP version features guest characters from other Final Fantasy titles, including Balthier from Final Fantasy XII and Luso from Final Fantasy Tactics A2. Although their distinct abilities do not significantly affect the story, they introduce additional variety to the gameplay.
Final Fantasy Tactics is renowned for its difficulty. Enemies often employ advanced strategies, such as targeting vulnerable allies, interrupting spellcasting, and exploiting elemental weaknesses. Battles necessitate careful planning—one misstep can lead to disaster.
One of the most notorious battles is the duel against Wiegraf at Riovanes Castle, a confrontation that has vexed players for decades. This battle, along with other spikes in difficulty, renders Final Fantasy Tactics one of the more challenging entries in the series.
Nevertheless, the challenge is never unjust. Players who explore various job combinations and tactical strategies will discover methods to conquer even the most formidable encounters.
The PSP version maintains the original’s sprite-based visuals but includes slightly improved character portraits and polished environments. While the isometric graphics remain charming, some players may find them outdated compared to modern RPGs.
The most significant drawback is the slowdown that occurs during specific attacks and spells. This technical issue, unique to the PSP version, can render battles feel sluggish.
Ivalice is among the most intricately developed settings in the Final Fantasy series. The game's locations feel unique and immersive, from the vibrant city of Dorter to the snow-laden vistas of Fovoham Windflats.
Composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, the game’s orchestral soundtrack ranks among the finest in the genre. Tracks such as Trisection, Antipyretic, and Apoplexy amplify the intensity of battle, while melancholic pieces like Ovelia’s Theme lend emotional weight to the story. The PSP version introduces voice acting in the new cutscenes. The performances are skillfully executed, adding depth to key moments without becoming overdramatic.
Pros:
✔ Deep and engaging story with political intrigue
✔ Richly refined translation and new cutscenes
✔ Highly customizable gameplay with endless job combinations
✔ Challenging but fair difficulty
✔ One of the best soundtracks in gaming history
Cons:
✖ Slowdown issues during battles
✖ Steep learning curve for newcomers
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions remains the definitive tactical RPG despite its minor flaws. Whether you are a returning veteran or a newcomer, this title is a must-play masterpiece.