Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Preview

When Square Enix lifted the veil on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, fans did a double-take. This isn’t just a remaster—it’s a full-scale revival with overhauled visuals, complete voice acting, and both classic and enhanced modes. But will it stay true to the PS1 original’s tactical depth and gritty atmosphere?

Why This Remaster Matters

Dual Modes, One Cartridge: Switch seamlessly between the untouched PS1 version and a modernized experience with streamlined menus and QoL features.
Quality-of-Life Upgrades: Autosave, fast-forward, adjustable difficulty, and a cleaner UI tackle decades-old frustrations.
Full Voice Cast: Ivalice’s intricate politics and moral gray areas finally gain vocal depth—provided the performances hit the mark.
Original Team Returns: With Hiroyuki Ito, Yasumi Matsuno, and Toshiro Tsuchida on board, the core vision rests with its creators.

Key Specs

Publisher	Square Enix
Release Date	September 30, 2025
Genre	Turn-Based Tactical RPG, Strategy
Platforms	Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\|S, PC (Steam & Steam Deck)

First Impressions vs. Nostalgia

The trailer’s sharper character models and refined interface look stunning, but FFT’s grainy charm set a unique tone. If the remaster leans too clean or the new voice cast misfires, Ivalice could lose its lived-in grit. And while easier access often means lower challenge, FFT’s steep learning curve was core to its identity.

What Has Us Hyped

Matsuno’s signature political intrigue and nuanced morality.
High production values backed by talent from the FFVII Remake voice cast.
Dual modes ensuring both purists and newcomers feel at home.
Potential cross-save support for seamless play across devices.

The Verdict

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles isn’t just a glossed-up relic—it’s a chance to reforge a classic. If Square Enix balances polish with the original’s strategic depth and atmosphere, we could be looking at one of the best remasters ever. But stray too far from what made Ivalice dangerous and rewarding, and it risks becoming just another shiny throwback.

TL;DR: Dual gameplay modes, full voice-overs, veteran developers, and robust QoL features make this remaster one to watch—if it can nail that sweet spot between polish and authenticity.

Source: Square Enix via GamesPress