The long-rumoured remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics is real and was finally revealed at tonight’s PlayStation State of Play.
Tactics is a beloved entry in the iconic series, that released in 1997 for Sony’s PS1 in Japan and North America. It wouldn’t reach Europe until its War of the Lions re-release on PSP in 2007.
This remaster is known as The Ivalice Chronicles. It’s set for release on 30th September across PS4 and PS5, as well as Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam).
The game will include both the original version of the game with War of the Lions translation, as well as an enhanced version with fully voiced dialogue, graphical enhancements, and a new easier Squire difficulty.
Voice talent will include Ben Starr, as well as Cloud and Aerith actors Cody Christian and Briana White in cameo roles.
The enhanced version will also have a tactical view (the original’s camera was a little stiff), as well as options for battle speed, and a new UI to make it easier to control units. Further details can be found on the Square Enix blog.
Released shortly after Final Fantasy 7, Tactics shifted from turn-based combat to grid-based strategy. It introduced the world of Ivalice, which was later used as the setting for Final Fantasy 12 as well as PS1 classic Vagrant Story.
Final Fantasy Tactics has become legendary among fans, praised for the depth of its battle system and more politically-leaning storyline.
Rumours of a remaster began back in 2021 with the infamous Nvidia leak, which included a list of datamined yet-to-be-announced games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Chrono Cross, and Final Fantasy Tactics – all of which have since proven to be real.
Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier later claimed the Tactics remaster was real last summer, despite original director Yasumi Matsuno squashing rumours of a revival.
Only now has Square Enix officially acknowledged its existence.
A remake of Final Fantasy 9 remains from the Nvidia leak and, with Square Enix updating the game’s anniversary website, fans are still holding out hope for its veracity.
