Final Fantasy Tactics has long been a beloved title within the series, though it has often flown under the radar for many fans. Now, 28 years after the original's 1997 release, we're finally getting a faithful remaster titled Final Fantasy The Ivalice Chronicles. I'm happy to report that after a one-hour demo at PAX West 2025, I'm beyond excited. With enhanced visuals and new quality-of-life features, this version is an absolute treat for both new players and longtime fans.
Kicking off my demo was a beautiful, brand-new animated opening cutscene. It was an impressive sight, with knights riding chocobos toward a beautiful landscape and a distant castle. We also get a look at Ramza's younger sister Alama who is seen praying at the end of the sequence. The addition of voice acting gives the game a new layer of charm and personality. It helps the characters feel more lifelike while adding more weight and emotion to the story's cutscenes.
The game's new visual upgrades are a welcome feature for modern players, featuring a brushed aesthetic that makes it look as though it was painted onto a canvas. The animated abilities and spells are at their best, creating a true spectacle. The core gameplay of The Ivalice Chronicles feels familiar, but the addition of new quality-of-life features makes it far more accessible to modern players. I particularly appreciated being able to see the full turn order for every unit and enemy on the field, which adds a new layer of strategy and allows for much better planning. The most significant change for me, however, was being able to see the precise damage output of attacks and abilities before committing to an action—a huge benefit that allows you to properly plan your moves without having to fully commit.
A faithful remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics has been a long time coming. After my demo, I'm more excited than ever to experience its epic story, level up different classes for hours on end, and make my team as strong as possible. With Final Fantasy: The Ivalice Chronicles releasing on September 30th, I can't wait to see more and dive back in.