The rumors were true, sort of: Final Fantasy Tactics is getting remastered for modern platforms. The incredible PlayStation 1 strategy RPG will be graphically overhauled so new audiences can fall in love with its meaty combat systems and tragic storytelling all over again on September 30 when arrives on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC and last-gen consoles.
Square Enix revealed the latest addition to its growing library of ports, remasters and remakes from its golden age during the latest PlayStation State of Play on Wednesday. The news follows years of rumor and speculation dating back to a now infamous Nvidia leak that ended up providing early teases for all sorts of projects fans might have once thought were pure copium. A remake of a 1997 tactics game? In this economy?
Apparently not. Square Enix is calling Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles an “enhanced” edition. It’s nowhere near the tribute some fans had hoped for but appears to go a bit farther than the Tactics Ogre: Reborn remaster released three years ago. This new version will include both the classic RPG and a graphically updated version that includes new graphics and voice acting. Here’s the trailer for this long-rumored port.
Final Fantasy Tactics, directed by the famed Yasumi Matsuno, follows the story of Ramza Beoulve. He’s the bastard son of a respected general, who becomes a mercenary after his faith in the nobility is shattered in the face of how their petty power grabs lead to ruin for the people they were supposed to be serving. Eventually things go sideways and a tale of war, tragedy, and political intrigue gives way to a mystical showdown with evil demons. It also features a top-notch job system, gripping unit customization, lovely battlefield dioramas, and an amazing soundtrack.
The game was previously revised in a 2007 PlayStation Portable port called Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions that featured some additional end-game elements and a much improved translation. It was the definitive way to play the game, outside of an awful slow-down bug during some battle animations. That version is also available on mobile and PC, but has never been playable on newer consoles.
Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Tactics remaster comes as several other games have either been remastered in HD or given HD-2D glow-ups, like Star Ocean: Second Story and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Only Final Fantasy VII has gotten the full-blown hyper-realistic 3D remake treatment. While some fans might prefer a sequel or new franchise to the publisher fiddling with its old games, I’m fine with it, especially in Final Fantasy Tactics’ case. One of the best of all time deserves to make a comeback in style and get official support for running the game at 2X speed.
Update 6/5/2025 9:04 a.m. ET: Adjusted language to clarify that Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles is more of a remaster than a remake.
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