Final Fantasy Tactics remains one of the more unanimously acclaimed entries in the franchise, despite its obvious status as a spin-off. Between an innovative gameplay system and a nuanced, historically-inspired narrative, it’s typically seen as a release that is a high bar for the tactical RPG genre as a whole. With rumors of a possible remake brewing, however, a return to Final Fantasy Tactics might find itself in competition with newer games depending on when it hits the market.
The game’s primary appeal lies in the versatility of its deep job system and politically charged storyline in the context of warring medieval kingdoms. Despite FFT‘s cemented legacy, the likes of Fire Emblem growing increasingly sophisticated in recent years has started to overshadow those more simplistic beginnings. If the remake project is already underway, it would be in Square Enix’s best interest to strike while the iron is hot and capture that audience before other franchises draw attention away.
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How a Final Fantasy Tactics Remake Could Fill the Current Void in Tactical RPG Releases
New IPs Have Begun to Fill the Interim Gap
In a genre that has seen a surge of impressive debuts in recent memory, the likes of Unicorn Overlord and Triangle Strategy have stood out as notable steps forward into more mainstream recognition. While UO‘s depth and style have earned praise from FFT creator Yasumi Matsuno, Triangle represents a direct return to form for Square Enix following its investment into the brand-new concept. Although these titles have kept TRPG fans occupied for the time being, they also haven’t necessarily matched the same weight of what Tactics accomplished for its time when it comes to world-building or the relationship between gameplay and story.
Revisiting Classic Titles Has Made Their Staying Power Clear
Beyond the introduction of franchises, the success of Tactics Ogre: Reborn has further illustrated the lasting appeal of classic TRPGS. This remaster updated the presentation to bring it into the current console generation, but its gameplay core has survived through engaging design established decades ago. This practically guarantees that giving FFT a similar treatment would yield a resoundingly positive reception, as it has kept up cultural relevance outside those sorts of enhancements for years. Considering the advantageous time when Reborn was able to reach players though, it would be ideal for Tactics to follow its example sooner rather than later.
Final Fantasy Tactics Needs a New Release Soon in Order to Outpace the Next Fire Emblem
A Remake Can Shine Before FE Elevates the Genre’s Standards
Nintendo’s Fire Emblem has managed to essentially become the modern benchmark for TRPGs. Entries from Awakening to Engage have shaped the genre’s progression through elements like social simulation mechanics and branching narratives on top of generally polished combat. Before a new FE heralds the beginning of the rumored Nintendo Switch 2 and further raises the bar to a massively demanding level, a Final Fantasy Tactics Remake could act as a last hurrah for the classic era of these experiences. Unless it gets a total overhaul in the vein of Final Fantasy 7‘s ongoing remake project, simply remastering FFT could end up paling in comparison to whatever Nintendo has been cooking for one of its flagship properties.
While it would be continuing to revisit the same mechanics from 1997 yet again, a remake of Final Fantasy Tactics doesn’t have to be where the series’ return stops. In the wake of future contributions to tactical RPGs from other developers, a new entry in the FFT line could come as a welcome transition into a higher fidelity format. Until that prospect seems totally viable, Square Enix’s best bet seems to be trying to get one of its all-time classics in the hands of modern audiences as soon as possible.
The styles of FINAL FANTASY and OGRE BATTLE converge in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, a strategy RPG created by the minds behind those classic series. A tale of political intrigue and betrayal woven through a complex web of interpersonal relationships, this game requires you to follow a convoluted plot through several twisting chapters. You assume control a young noble named Ramza, a young lad embroiled in a political revolution that spirals into a supernatural threat endangering the entire world. The influence from the FINAL FANTASY games is seen in the monster designs, spells, weapons, and most notably the character classes. Known as jobs, these character types are taken directly from FINAL FANTASY V, and allow you to completely customize your characters’ abilities. On the battlefield you will feel the gameplay ties to TACTICS OGRE, as you maneuver your allies around the grid-based map in turn-based strategic combat. The game also features an epic soundtrack from the composers of the OGRE BATTLE series, Masaharu Iwata and Hitoshi Sakimoto.
- Released
- June 20, 1997
- Developer(s)
- Square
- Publisher(s)
- Square , Sony Computer Entertainment
- Engine
- Luminous
- ESRB
- t