Video Game Review: Final Fantasy Tactics

So among a wedding and other things I've not endured anything new worth reviewing. So I delved back into my game archives of PS2 and PS1 titles.

Final Fantasy Tactics came out in June 1998 in the USA, it's a Strategic Role Playing game where you take on the role of Ramza Beoulve, a cadet from a Nobel family who gets thrown into the heart of the Lion Wars. Through him you experience the conflict thatgoes from a war between rivals to a fight for human existence.

LIKED:

Setting: Like many of the title that came before it, it's set in a fantastical setting, although it's a little more grounded in familiar medieval atmosphere that's believable. Religion, politics, and social class are all crossed within the confines of this story. There are of course the familiar elements of what makes a FF game - magic, summons, a man name Cid, chocobos, etc.

Characters: Aside from the main and supporting characters, whom are very well crafted and actually lets you get invested in their stories and feel the consequences of their actions, you have 'blank slate' characters that you can customize with the job classes within the game. With almost any character, if you take the time, can master man job classes, and gain their skills and bonuses to use on those characters. You can also give them names too - it's odd how doing these little things, you get wrapped up in them and feel a loss were you to lose them in battle - and yes, they can die and go away forever. There is also several guest characters, including Cloud Strife from FF7, to add to strengthen/diversify your party.

Battle System: This was probably the most unique thing about it at the time of its release. Instead of the classic system of enemies on one side, your guys on the other, the developers made a 3D landscape with 2D sprites and made battle more of a strategy than a hack-n-slash. You have to go in with an idea of what to do in A, B, or C situation, and can tailor your characters to suit your style - it's worth noting that brute force alone will not get your through the battles, sometimes.

Design: It should be noted that for how intricate you can get with job classes and even read up on the worlds history as it develops through the Historian, the interface is rather simple and easy to navigate. The 2D sprites on a 3D world is not new but they hit the formula right. Other games later use this same formula with success, but somehow FF:T does it just right to not overload you with options.

ON THE FENCE:

Grinding: Like most games of this area there requires a certain amount of time to train your party which for some without the patience to do so will find it rather boring. I find if I'm in the mood for it I'm good to go, and if not, I won't get very far. It's dependent on the player really. IT does take an investment of time to master some of the higher level job classes, but they are worth it in the end.

Enemy Strength: In line with Grinding, if you are not prepared to face your enemies you will get swamped easily. Enemies not only level up with you, they gain new abilities - thus you are always having to constantly improve yourself and be prepared for the worst. Especially in boss battles. But don't underestimate common enemies either - this world is dangerous.

FINAL VERDICT: If you want a high concept fantasy role playing game that's not typical with a "realistic" atmosphere, wiht some meaty depth, then you should give this a try. It was originally released for PS1, but it has been revamped with new cut scenes and lots of stuff for the PSP.