Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles brings one of Square Enix’s most celebrated tactical RPGs back for a new generation. First released on the PlayStation in 1998, Final Fantasy Tactics remains a cornerstone of the strategy RPG genre.
For this revival, the developers made a clear choice: focus on the original version rather than using The War of the Lions. That means some PSP-era extras are missing, but what’s here is a faithful modernization that enhances the classic without overshadowing it. Having played the original as a kid, I didn’t remember much, so this release felt like stepping into Ivalice for the first time all over again — and I loved every second of it. The last thing I expected was to be reminded that tactical RPGs can feel this grand, this political, and this human. But that’s exactly what The Ivalice Chronicles delivers.
Developer & Publisher // Square Enix
Platforms // PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1 & 2, PC
MSRP & Release Date // $49.99, September 30, 2025
Reviewed On // Xbox Series X
A War for the Soul of Ivalice
The story of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a masterclass in intrigue, betrayal, and ambition. It follows Ramza Beoulve, a young noble whose journey places him squarely in the chaos of the Lion War. What makes this tale so layered is how it juggles multiple perspectives: you follow Ramza’s personal struggles, but the game also explores the ambitions, secrets, and conflicts of other factions and characters.
Loyalties shift, alliances are tested, and even seemingly minor decisions ripple through the political landscape. These intertwined storylines create a sense that every battle and conversation matters, giving the world depth and weight. Ramza’s youthful appearance emphasizes how much responsibility he shoulders, while characters like Delita show how ambition and circumstance can twist ideals. Moments of moral conflict and unexpected twists keep you engaged, making the story stick in your mind long after the game ends.
Bringing Ivalice to Life
This remaster doesn’t try to be a graphics powerhouse, but it does an excellent job updating the look and feel of Ivalice. Character models are sharper, battle animations are more fluid, and every spell looks spectacular. Flames burn bright, lightning bolts scatter across the battlefield, and summons fill the screen with drama. While characters don’t show many facial expressions, subtle touches such as Dycedarg’s armor radiating authority, lend personality to the cast. The result is a game that looks modernized while staying true to its classic roots.
One of the biggest surprises is how much the voice acting elevates the story. Ramza, voiced by Phil Lamarr, brings youthful determination and moral weight to the protagonist. Ben Starr gives Dycedarg a commanding, almost intimidating presence, while Eleanor Bennett makes Ovelia’s quiet strength shine. These performances help draw you deeper into the politics and betrayals of Ivalice, making the cast feel more alive than ever.
A World Full of Allies and Monsters
Of course, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is more than its main characters. You can recruit nearly anyone under the sun, not just soldiers and heroes, but also fantastical monsters. Dragons, Hydras, Minotaurs, and many more can join your army, adding layers of variety to party-building. Mixing Knights and Monks with a squad of beasts creates endless combinations and surprises, keeping battles fresh across dozens of hours. It’s one of the reasons the game offers nearly limitless replayability.
The Chronicle Menu: Reliving the Journey
A fantastic addition to this version is the Chronicle menu, which records every key moment of your campaign. From betrayals to climactic turning points, it tracks the flow of history as you shape it. For a story as intricate as Ivalice’s, this feature is invaluable. It feels like leafing through a living history book of your own adventure, letting you revisit the tale as it unfolds.
Refined Systems, Timeless Strategy
The job system is the crown jewel of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. You can mix and match classes to build the army you want, whether you prefer disciplined Knights, versatile Mages, or high-risk specialists. While I can’t decide on a favorite just yet, I’ve been especially drawn to the Monk’s devastating martial arts and the Dragoon’s sky-high jumps. While you don’t get extra bonuses, mixing and matching different abilities and jobs can result in a unique and powerful character. This freedom gives every player their own path, and it’s the key reason replay value is so high.
Combat itself is demanding but fair. Difficulty doesn’t spike randomly. It builds gradually, letting you grow with your party. Battles require sharp positioning, careful timing, and smart ability use, but they never feel cheap. Strategy is always rewarded.
Sharpening the Edges of War
Several thoughtful quality-of-life updates make the game more approachable without losing its challenge. Mapping out job progression is easier, buying items is more straightforward, and restarting a battle after a rough start saves time. The updated UI lets you see turn order at a glance, or when a spell will resolve, making it easier to plan moves. Some menus can still feel clunky until you build the muscle memory, and certain camera angles can be tricky on crowded maps that have multiple structures, trees, etc. But they are only minor issues that never significantly hinder the experience.
Battles Worth Fighting Again and Again
The game features a wide array of maps and side content to chew through, making every playthrough unique. Some encounters test your limits with teambuilding and tactics, and while they can feel intimidating, the payoff is worth it. These fights are unforgettable, and they’re a big part of why Final Fantasy Tactics has remained beloved for so long.
Accessibility and Difficulty
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles offers very limited accessibility features, with the only option I noticed being the three difficulty settings. There aren’t additional tools you would expect, like colorblind modes. That said, the gradual difficulty curve ensures the game remains approachable, letting newcomers experience Ivalice without feeling overwhelmed.
A Classic Reborn, Ready for Battle
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is more than a remaster. It’s proof that some classics truly are timeless. From its incredible story of betrayal and ambition, to its deep job system, monster recruitment, and improved quality of life, this is the definitive way to experience Ivalice. While the missing War of the Lions content and minor UI quirks may raise eyebrows, none of that overshadows the brilliance at the heart of this game. Tactical RPGs don’t get much better than this.
Final Score: 9.6/10
Note: A code was provided for this review, and based on 40-50 hours of gameplay.
Pros:
- Layered story full of betrayal and intrigue
- Flexible job system with many party options
- Recruitable monsters add strategy and replayability
- Updated character models and smooth battle animations
- Standout voice acting: Phil Lamarr, Ben Starr, Eleanor Bennett
- Chronicle menu lets you revisit key story moments
- Gradual difficulty curve keeps battles fair
- Plenty of content and side missions for replayability
Cons:
- Clunky menus until you learn them
- The camera can struggle on crowded maps
- Missing War of the Lions content
