It’s a day that many RPG fans thought might never come. After years of being at the top of every fan-request list, the legendary tactical RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics, has made its triumphant return. Releasing today, September 30, 2025, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles brings the beloved 1997 classic to modern consoles with a wealth of new features and enhancements that make it the definitive way to experience the epic and tragic tale of Ramza Beoulve.
A True Classic, Reborn
For those who have never stepped into the war-torn Kingdom of Ivalice, Final Fantasy Tactics is more than just a game; it’s a genre-defining masterpiece. It blends a mature, politically charged story of betrayal and honor with deep, strategic turn-based combat and an incredibly robust Job System. This isn’t just a simple port; Square Enix has given the game a thoughtful and comprehensive overhaul, enhancing what made it great while smoothing out the rough edges of its 90s design.
What’s New in The Ivalice Chronicles?
This new edition is packed with meaningful upgrades that both veterans and newcomers will appreciate. Here are some of the biggest changes:
- Full Voice Acting: For the first time, the game’s powerful story is fully voiced in both English and Japanese. This adds a new layer of emotional depth to the already stellar script, which itself is based on the acclaimed translation from the War of the Lions PSP version.
- Updated Visuals: The iconic pixel art and 3D battlegrounds have been carefully reworked to look crisp and beautiful on modern displays, all while retaining the charming aesthetic of the original.
- Modernized UI: The game’s user interface has been completely redesigned. It’s now more intuitive and approachable, making it easier to manage your units and navigate the complex Job System without sacrificing any of its tactical depth.
- Quality-of-Life Features: This is where the remaster truly shines. Players can now speed up battles, view the battlefield from a new top-down Tactical View, and enjoy modern conveniences like autosaves and mid-battle saves. You can even undo a move if you realize it was a mistake, a huge improvement over the original’s unforgiving system.
- Adjustable Difficulty: Whether you’re here for the legendary tactical challenge or just want to experience the incredible story, new difficulty modes let you tailor the experience to your playstyle.
Respect for the Original
Perhaps the most thoughtful addition is the inclusion of a “Classic Version.” For the purists who want to relive the original 1997 experience, this mode offers just that, but with the benefit of the updated script and modern conveniences like autosave. It’s a brilliant move that shows a deep respect for the game’s legacy while still pushing it forward. Game director Kazutoyo Maehiro and his team have threaded the needle perfectly, enhancing the game without fundamentally changing what made it special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles?
It is an enhanced edition of the classic 1997 tactical RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics. It features updated graphics, full voice acting, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
What platforms is it available on?
It has been released for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
Is this a remake or a remaster?
It’s best described as an enhanced remaster. While it’s not a full remake from the ground up, the additions and changes are far more substantial than a simple HD port.
Do I need to have played other Final Fantasy games to understand the story?
No, the game features a standalone story set in the world of Ivalice. While it shares themes and names with other games in the Ivalice Alliance (like Final Fantasy XII), its narrative is completely self-contained.
What is the Job System?
The Job System is a deep character progression system that allows you to customize your party with over 20 unique jobs, from classic Black Mages and Knights to more obscure classes like Geomancer, Arithmetician, and a Summoner who can call Moogles into battle.
Conclusion
The release of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is a landmark moment for RPG fans. It brings one of the most revered games of all time to a new generation, presented in what is undoubtedly its best possible form. The care and thoughtfulness put into this edition are evident in every change, big and small. It’s a masterclass in how to modernize a classic. Whether you’re a returning veteran ready to once again navigate the treacherous politics of Ivalice or a newcomer about to discover its genius for the first time, your tactical masterpiece has arrived.