Key Takeaways
1. Revamped Version: Square Enix announced Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of the 1997 classic, featuring enhanced and classic modes.
2. Enhanced Features: The enhanced edition includes fully voiced dialogue, revised script, upgraded graphics, redesigned user interface, adjustable difficulty levels, tactical camera view, and an auto-save function.
3. Voice Cast and Community Reactions: A notable voice cast includes Joe Pitts as Ramza and other familiar characters, with community responses being mixed, highlighting both excitement and critique over graphics and completeness.
4. Pre-Order Bonuses and Collector’s Edition: Pre-orders come with exclusive in-game items, and a Collector’s Box includes unique merchandise like a Ramza figure and art sets, but the game itself is not in the box.
5. Music Details Pending: There’s no information yet on the music for the remaster, despite the original score being highly acclaimed, leaving fans curious about the musical direction.
Square Enix has announced Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a revamped version of the 1997 tactical RPG classic. This remaster will offer both enhanced and classic modes, and it will be available on major platforms such as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Steam Deck. The enhanced edition will feature fully voiced dialogue, a revised and enriched script, upgraded graphics, a redesigned user interface, and quality-of-life enhancements like adjustable difficulty levels, a tactical camera view, and an auto-save function. The classic mode maintains the original gameplay while providing modern conveniences, such as the auto-save feature.
Insights from the Team
To celebrate the release, director Kazutoyo Maehiro, art director Hiroshi Minagawa, and Yasumi Matsuno shared their thoughts in a series of special messages. All three were involved in the original Final Fantasy Tactics from 1997, creating a direct connection between the original and this new version.
Maehiro shared his thrill about the project, mentioning:
“I am thrilled to finally share with you all Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles! This project started from our long-held wish to bring back the cherished Final Fantasy Tactics on today’s platforms and introduce it to a new generation.”
Voice Cast and Community Reactions
The voice cast features Joe Pitts as Ramza Beoulve, Gregg Lowe as Delita Heiral, Hannah Melbourn as Agrias, Timothy Watson as Cidolfus, Harry McEntire as Mustadio, and Ben Starr as Dycedarg Beoulve. Cody Christian and Briana White also make cameo appearances as Cloud and a flower vendor, characters they previously voiced in the Final Fantasy VII Remake series.
Community responses on Reddit have been a mix of excitement and critique. One user commented:
“Some of the new additions are fantastic: UI enhancements, voice acting, QOL improvements… But I can’t shake the feeling that it’s incomplete. The ‘enhanced’ graphics… don’t appeal to me at all; they look quite subpar.”
On the other hand, another user expressed joy:
“Super happy since it never released in the UK back then. I’ve been waiting ages to finally play it.”
Pre-Order Bonuses and Collector’s Edition
Square Enix has announced that those who pre-order the game will receive exclusive in-game items, such as Ramza’s Mythril Knife and Spiked Boots, along with consumables like High Potions and Ether. A collector’s edition, officially named the Collector’s Box, will also be up for grabs. This edition includes a detailed Ramza Beoulve figure (Akademy version), a Zodiac Stones acrylic art set, a mini plush set of Chocobos, a pop-up diorama of the Outlying Church, and an art sheet set, all packaged in a specially designed box. According to Square Enix, the game itself won’t be inside the box but will be shipped alongside it when ordered together.
Reports from GameSpot indicate that physical pre-orders through Amazon for PS5 and Nintendo Switch will come with a double-sided poster, although supplies may be limited.
Music Details Still Unknown
Currently, Square Enix has not provided any information regarding the music. While the remaster will feature updated visuals and fully voiced dialogue, no official details about the composer or musical direction have been released. The original score from 1997, created by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, is regarded as one of the finest soundtracks in RPG history. A review from Square Enix Music Online describes it as a “true work of inspiration” that enhances every emotional moment of the game.
With its blend of modern enhancements and respect for the classic, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles aims to captivate both newcomers and long-time fans across various platforms.
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