Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chroniclesis Square Enix’s next big entry in the franchise, and even though it’s a remastered version of the game released in 1997, future titles in the series could learn something from it. Announced during PlayStation’s State of Play event in June, the remaster will bring the title to modern platforms.The game will release on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, which is arguably thebest console forFinal Fantasy Tactics.
Releasing on September 30,The Ivalice Chronicleswill come with a series of optimizations that will make the game more approachable to modern audiences. This includes a mode with improved graphics for those who want to avoid the classic visuals, while another is tailor-made for players who want the original experience – this mode will also come with theWar of the Lionstranslation. The game also includes quality-of-life updates, like auto-save.
FF Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Has Two Versions
Classic & Enhanced Modes Offer Different Experiences
Out of the many new features that the remaster will have, the fact thatFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicleshas two versions is what stands out the most.The Classic mode will allow you to play a recreation of the classic 1997 gameand live the original experience with its traditional pixelated graphics and gameplay settings, alongside the aforementionedWar of the Lionstranslation.
In the meantime, the Enhanced version will have more polished 3D-centered graphics – even though theenhanced graphics forFinal Fantasy Tacticsare divisive. It will also feature gameplay improvements, adjustments to the story, and the campaign will have fully voiced dialogue.This version will also feature a new difficulty level called Squire, which should make it even more approachable to new players and those who haven’t been in touch with tactical RPGs before.
More Games Should Offer Classic Or Enhanced Options
Final Fantasy Tactics’ Approach Should Be An Example
The possibility of playingThe Ivalice Chroniclesin either Classic or Enhanced versions is a great feature, as it offers you the choice to experience the game in the way you prefer.If you want to better understand how the game like felt back in 1997 and see what granted it its legendary status among tactical RPGs, you’re able to pick Classic mode. This will grant you access to the closest recreation of the original experience.
Meanwhile, if the features offered by the Classic experience push you away, you can instead opt for the Enhanced version. This will allow you to avoid the feeling of playing something that can come across as outdated.With improvements to the graphics and gameplay inFinal Fantasy Tactics’ Enhanced version, you’ll be able to feel like you’re playing a modern game, even if within the restraints of a traditional tactical RPG.
Both versions of the game will have the aforementioned system optimizations, such as auto-save and bug corrections. As such, you won’t have to worry about encountering issues if you go with the Classic version.More games should followThe Ivalice Chronicles’ example and feature Classic and Enhanced versions, allowing you to choose which you prefer for a better experience with the game without losing out on too much.
Developer Square Enix has done something similar in the past with theChrono Triggerport for modern platforms. While it is not split between different modes likeFinal Fantasy Tactics, you may choose the type of graphics the game will feature.
I playedChrono Triggerwith its original pixel-art sprites rather than the high-resolution 3D sprites, which didn’t please me. Even so,I got to experience the game fully with the auto-save feature, as well as the anime cutscenes that made it into the PC version.
Future Final Fantasy Remasters Should Follow This Method
Older Games Under Square Enix’s Belt Could Reach More Players
Seeing how a moderated version of this approach worked forChrono Triggerin the past, and how hopeful the release ofThe Ivalice Chroniclesseems, I believe that futureFinal Fantasyremasters should use this method.Including the Classic and Enhanced versions of older Square Enix games could be a way of catering to two distinct audiencesthat could possibly avoid the game entirely if a minor detail like its graphic style isn’t to their taste.
If the company ever looks back to offer a new remaster ofFinal Fantasy 6, for example, it could consider featuring the Classic mode, much like what thePixel Remasterseries currently offers, as well as an Enhanced mode with improvements similar to those seen inThe Ivalice Chronicles.
This includes completely voiced dialogue, renewed graphics and character sprites, UI optimizations, and more.Such an approach could even work with 3D games, likeFinal Fantasy 10orFinal Fantasy 13.
This is especially true if Square Enix avoids working on some of themost requestedFinal Fantasyremakesand opts only to remaster them.
WithThe Ivalice Chroniclesin particular, there are some underlying issues regarding the Classic and Enhanced versions, as the Classic version comes with theWar of the Lionstranslation, which is divisive since it cuts some content. On the other hand, the Enhanced version’s graphics don’t please everyone, myself included.
Even so, Square Enix’s approach of considering both modes inFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chroniclesis positive and should be taken as an example for future remasters in the series.
