Final Fantasy Tactics gets anticipated remake

Originally released in 1997, this gem is finally getting a remake for PS5 and PS4!

There have been a lot of great announcements today, but there's one that has me more excited than any other – this one for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. If you are completely unfamiliar with the series, let's dig into the story behind this awesome game, as well as the improvements this version will bring:

Hailed as one of gaming’s greatest stories, in this standalone game, players will step into the Kingdom of Ivalice—a medieval world steeped in political conflict—in which players uncover the truth behind the young noble Ramza Beoulve, whose role on history’s stage has been buried from view.

Obviously there are a lot of graphical updates, and the fantastic sounding VO work, but what else is in this remaster?

The dramatic tale of ambition, betrayal, and honor will come to life with an updated and enriched script with fully voiced dialogue, alongside improved graphics that bring a new level of immersion and playability to the battlefield. Additionally, the enhanced version brings quality-of-life updates like new difficulties, a revamped UI, auto save, and more that make the game more accessible to newcomers. The game features strategic, turn-based combat and an elaborate character progression system that makes every battle exhilarating and filled with unexpected twists.

Let's dip into a little bit about the team that brought this fantastic and deeply-compelling storyline to life:

Square Enix also revealed the new key art of Ramza and Delita, the two heroes of this story, drawn by Akihiko Yoshida. The art depicts the complex relationship of the two individuals – whether they stand together to protect one another, or the start of a departure as they walk divergent paths. Above them, Ovelia and Alma, both of whom have strong ties to Ramza and Delita, solemnly look into the distance, foreshadowing the direction that fate will lead them.
 
Legendary developers from the original game will make their return in FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles, including Kazutoyo Maehiro (Director), Hiroshi Minagawa (Art Director), and Yasumi Matsuno (Original Script, Scenario Writer and Editor).

As is the case with the best remasters, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles will include both the enhanced and classic versions of the game, as well as both the remastered UI, VO, and graphical overhaul. That's far from the only thing on offer, though.

Key Features:

• Challenging, Tactical Turn-Based Battles — Experience the addictive tactical turn-based combat and deep character progression system that made the game an instant Tactical RPG classic. Players will test their battle acumen against a host of powerful enemies, and use the various terrains, characters and customizations, as well as their strategic thinking, to achieve victory.
   
• Customizable Job System with Dynamic Character Progression — Players can master a robust roster of over 20 jobs—including black mage, dragoon, geomancer (who can use the environment against foes), summoner (who can call forth the iconic FINAL FANTASY moogle and other espers), time mage (who uses time magick), thief, and more—and over 300 character abilities to strategically build endless party combinations.
   
• Enhanced Gameplay Features and a Faithful Classic Version — The enhanced version features a revised script and fully voiced dialogue, offering a new level of enjoyment to this classic story. Additionally, a brand-new UI, improved graphics, as well as additional character conversations and dialogue create a new level of immersion. Additionally, many new features have been added to make the game even more approachable including the ability to confirm unit turn order with the press of a button, scout the battlefield from afar with the tactical view feature, speed up battles with fast forward, auto save during battles, adjust game difficulty to match your play style, and more. The classic version faithfully recreates the 1997 release of FINAL FANTASY TACTICS alongside the acclaimed War of the Lions translation—perfect for fans who wish to relive the original experience.

Obviously the VO work brings a whole new element to the game, but who are the voices behind these characters? It turns out, more than a few names you'll recognize:

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles’s voice cast featuring an all-star lineup of new and returning FINAL FANTASY cast members, including Joe Pitts (Ramza), Gregg Lowe (Delita), Hannah Melbourn (Agrias), Timothy Watson (Cidolfus), Harry McEntire (Mustadio), Ben Starr (Dycedarg), and cameos by Cody Christian (Cloud Strife from FINAL FANTASY VII remake series) and Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough from FINAL FANTASY VII remake series).

If you're like me and own this on multiple platforms from PS1 onwards (including my phone – it's even actively loaded on my Steam Deck right now!) then you're excited to get your hands on it. You can pre-order it for its September 30th, 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Steam Deck, and doing so is going to bring a whole host of goodies. You know I've got the list, so strap in – here we go!

Players who pre-order will receive the following bonuses:

• White Equipment for Ramza

Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will receive the following bonuses, including a valuable accessory that increases the speed at which characters can learn abilities:

• Weapon: Akademy Blade (Raises a unit's speed attribute slightly while equipped)
• Headwear: Akademy Beret (Prevents the Charmed status while equipped)
• Combat Garb: Akademy Tunic (Grants Shell while equipped)
• Accessory: Ring of Aptitude (Boosts JP earned while equipped)
• Consumable Items: Phoenix Down x10
• Black Equipment for Ramza
• Red Equipment for Ramza
• Weapon: Mythril Knife
• Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit's Jump attribute while equipped)
• Consumable items: High Potion x10
• Consumable items: Ether x10
  

There's a lot to be excited about, and I'll challenge you to find somebody more excited for it than I am. Drop by the official PlayStation's blog post for more details, and for all State of Play news, stay tuned to GamingTrend.