Square Enix has officially announced aFinal Fantasy Tacticsremaster, but the series' best spinoff deserves so much more. For decades, Square Enix has attempted to use theFinal Fantasybrand to launch any number of spinoffs, to varying degrees of success. There was the still-successfulManaseries, theintriguing yet clunkyFinal Fantasy Type-0, anda number of mobile gamesthat range from the playable to the hastily shuttered. The main series consistently reinvents itself, yet the most unusual and experimental games often come from the spinoff branches of theFinal Fantasyfranchise.
Unfortunately,mostFFspinoffs are one-offs: they get a single game, most of which get mixed reviews before disappearing into the ether. It’s only the rare spinoff that actually spawns a sequel, and is still beloved by the broaderFinal Fantasyfandom today. To date, I can only think of a singleFFspinoff to garner such a lasting positive reception, and it’sFFTactics, which just got its long-rumored remake announced today.
The FF Tactics Remaster Looks Excellent
Just What The Series Needed
Final Fantasy Tacticsis the rareFinal Fantasyspinoff to meet with near-universal critical acclaimand an outpouring of love from the mainstream player base, so it’s no surprise it’s been tapped for a remake. First released in 1997 for the original PlayStation,Tacticsputs a strategic spin on classicFinal Fantasygameplay. Instead of controlling a small party in Active Time turn-based battles, you control a much larger squadron on bigger battlefields. You can move around the area actively, positioning your units strategically for powerful attacks and impenetrable defenses.
FF Tacticsalso has an excellent storythat rivals the best mainlineFinal Fantasygames. Following the knight Ramza, who finds himself caught in the middle of the War of the Lions, the story ofFF Tacticsgoes through many twists and turns that I won’t spoil here, in case you haven’t played it yourself. Just know that it involves a well-executed, mature political drama that’s worth delving into.
Tacticspreviously got a remaster on the PSP,Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions. But until the new remaster comes out, you can only play it on the PSP - a 20-year-old console - or on a smartphone, as it’s available via the iOS App and Google Play Stores. So yes,FF Tacticsneeds a remaster, andthis one looks like it’ll do the original justice.
I’d be happy enough with a much simpler console port that just makes the game available on modern consoles, but I have to admit, the visual and UI changes look great here. I’m particularly interested in the Classic and Enhanced graphical modes - the inclusion of both suggests that the developers of the remaster are in touch with that players loved about the originalFinal Fantasy Tactics, which is a good sign. ButFF Tacticsdeserves more.
FF Tactics Remake Is Nice, But A New Game Would Be Better
Tactics Needs To Make A Comeback
I’m gladFinal Fantasy Tacticsis finally getting the remaster it deserves. No one wants to play such an expansive, genre-defining game on a tiny smartphone screen. ButI’d rather see a newFF Tacticsthan just a remake. I’m sure it’s not at the top of Square’s list of priorities, but it could be a worthy endeavor.Tacticsnever got a proper sequel - it did have two spiritual successors, theFinal Fantasy Tactics Advancesubseries, but these are markedly different in tone and setting.
No,FF Tacticsdeserves something closer to a direct sequel, one that uses its political intrigue and brilliant setting to tell a completely new story. The original game is strictly limited by the technical capabilities of the PS1 - maps are relatively small, and you may’t have too many characters on the field at once.Imagine whatFF Tacticscould do with modern technology: massive battles between giant armies, set on giant battlefields that allow for immense tactical depth.
Besides, I know I’m not alone in wantingFinal Fantasyto return to turn-based combat:games likeBaldur’s Gate 3andClair Obscur: Expedition 33have proven that turn-based RPGs can still garner massive audiences and critical acclaim. Still, I doubt Square will dive headfirst into turn-based combat with a new mainlineFFgame. Instead,why not experiment with some turn-based spinoffs? And where better to start thanFinal Fantasy Tactics?
I’m not going to pretend anFF Tacticssequel is the kind of game that’s guaranteed to do numbers in this day and age. But it does have a devoted fan base, and a reputation for quality that could easily guide it to success by word of mouth. If nothing else,Final FantasyTactics, as the series' best spinoff, deserves a second chance because of how good it can be when it’s given the chance to shine.
