Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Review – A Masterpiece Refined

In 1997, SquareSoft (later known by its current-day designation as Square Enix), released a game that fundamentally changed the perception of the tactical role-playing genre. Final Fantasy Tactics was not merely a spin-off; it was a devastatingly dark, politically-charged epic that used the framework of turn-based combat to tell one of the franchise’s most compelling narratives. Over two decades later, its complex, grid-based battle system and mature, morally ambiguous storytelling not only hold up but still serve as the high-water mark for the genre.

To call Final Fantasy Tactics a mere fantasy tale would be a severe disservice. This is not a story about saving the world from a celestial menace; it is deep dive into political corruption, religious manipulation, and the erasure of historical truth. Set in the kingdom of Ivalice during the tumultuous War of the Lions, the narrative centers not on kings or heroes, but on Ramza Beoulve, a noble of House Beoulve, forced to watch his family and friends succumb to the ploys of power. The parallel journeys of the amiable Ramza and the ruthless Delita, a commoner raised by nobles, display a duality that adds dramatic weight to the proceedings. It’s a relentlessly cynical tale with biting commentary on class warfare, and evaluating the price of unacknowledged heroism. Needless to say, Final Fantasy Tactics achieved a narrative depth rarely seen in a video game of its era, and it still remains impactful in its modern-day re-release.

Stupendous Strategic Structure

While the narrative provides the soul of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, the tactical combat provides the brilliant, addictive structure. Built on an isometric, grid-based 3D environment, the battles are pure, punishing puzzles. Unlike flatter tactical games, Final Fantasy Tactics masterfully utilizes verticality. Positioning a powerful Archer on a high cliff grants devastating range and damage bonuses, while standing in a deep river bed can hinder movement and open a unit up to enemy fire. Every map is a unique terrain challenge that requires careful planning before the first turn is even committed. The core combat mechanic is the Charge Time (CT) system. Instead of strictly alternating turns, units build CT based on their speed stat. Once a unit’s CT reaches 100, they act. This system adds a layer of tension, turning the battle into a fast-moving, scramble. A slow White Mage might get two turns to heal the team for every three turns a fast Thief can take. More crucially, powerful abilities—like the devastating spells of a Black Mage—require a specific charge time after the command is issued, creating a window of vulnerability that opponents can exploit.

The need for constant calculating adds to Final Fantasy Tactics legendary difficulty. Difficulty spikes are brutal, especially in the first half—the exact brutality is dictated by the chosen difficulty, of which there are now three: Squire, Knight, and Tactician. The notable challenge forces the player to engage deeply with the game’s most outstanding feature: the Job System. The true genius of Final Fantasy Tactics lies not just in its combat system, but in the sprawling, non-linear progression tree that defines every character. Where previous Final Fantasy games offered set classes, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles allows for unprecedented customization and strategic depth. Every unit—from Ramza to a generic recruit—can switch between dozens of primary Jobs, ranging from the fundamental Squire and Chemist to the advanced Monk, Knight, Time Mage, and Summoner. Each Job grants unique stat growth and, more importantly, a set of abilities learned by spending Job Points (JP) earned in battle.

What About Second Job?

The magic happens when a unit adopts a secondary Job ability set. A unit set as a primary Knight, benefiting from high HP and heavy armor, can equip the abilities of a secondary Time Mage, allowing them to cast Haste or Teleport. A high-speed Thief can become a deadly healer by equipping the White Magic command set. The permutations are nearly endless and allow the player to create devastating builds. This system creates a powerful feedback loop. The player is constantly encouraged to grind in optional battles, unlocking new Jobs to experiment with newly unlocked builds. This grinding is not a chore but a compelling investment, as progression means a more customized strategy. This level of control over unit development elevates the tactical planning. And it’s all scored by Hitoshi Sakimoto’s magnum opus, an exceptionally memorable soundtrack.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles does come packed with changes, too; what has been laid out thus far is essentially what existed upwards of two decades ago (barring the difficulty options). Expected updates, such as HD graphics, enhance the already captivating sprite visuals. And there’s more of said visuals to be seen at once, courtesy of a tactical view. Additionally, full English and Japanese voice acting, as well as all-new in-battle conversations, amend and enrich the narrative delivery. These improvements, ranging from major additions to welcome quality of life changes, make this remake the definitive form of a timeless classic.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Review Verdict

[Editor’s Note: Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles was reviewed on PS5, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.]