PlayStation

Final Fantasy Tactics

While it may be dragged down somewhat by the brief running time, Tactics has the wonderful gameplay that makes it worth that replay or two. Several classes, magick, and secret characters that you didn't even know existed might be unveiled in a replay. Cloud Strife is in here, if you need an example, and the "Mime" Job class has several requirements most may not get the first time. At the current price, Tactics is a must-buy.

Just as the line "To be or not to be" captures the essence of Hamlet but fails to convey the depth of the character, so does a review of each piece of Final Fantasy Tactics fail to capture the whole. The fun of teaching a learning priest Holy, of flanking a vexing Legendary Demon, and watching each betrayal unfold into the greater plot is something that you have to experience for yourself before you understand them.

De som gillade Vandal Hearts hittar sitt Mecka i Final Fantasy Tactics och Final Fantasy VII-fans kan även de upptäcka någonting speciellt i Final Fantasy Tactics. Det här är ett stort, välsmakande äventyr som håller mycket länge.

With several unlockable job classes and even more awesome abilities, it’s possible to meld your characters into ultimate fighting machines. While there is an overemphasis on such abilities, you’ll at least have plenty with which to work. It’s a fun, absorbing experience that keeps you hooked from its first cutscene. There’s a reason why so many other Square titles have incorporated it into their canon. Why so many other games emulate its design. Why gamers remember Ivalice. It’s time that you find out why, too.

Overall, Square’s decision to re-release FFT was a very good move. Before many people had to resort to ebay and the very high prices were sometimes not worth it. Now that its part of the greatest hits library expect a whole new coming of FFT Fans.

Everything fits into place perfectly. The pacing of Final Fantasy Tactics ensures that there's never a dull moment, and building experience is a real treat - whereas doing so is a chore in most other RPGs. Its outstanding symphonic score delivers an epic feel, while the stylized character designs add charm and personality. The challenging nature of this game allows for a much more serious story than most other RPGs, and the ability to customize each soldier to the extreme ensures superior play life. Role-playing games don't get a whole lot better than Final Fantasy Tactics.

All in all, Final Fantasy Tactics has so many strengths it's not even funny (like me). It's the best turn-based strategy game on the market. And if you're a fan of the Vandal Hearts-like genre, I recommend this game to you.

In closing, Final Fantasy Tactics will always have a special place on my shelf, even if it doesn't on yours. While the game does have some drawbacks, it is this reviewer's opinion the good points outweigh the bad. If you haven't picked up a copy yet, good luck finding it. If you do have it, be kind and lend it to someone who has yet to have their eyes opened. Just goes to show you, you don't need noses for an awesome game.

Yes, there are a lot of small problems with FFT, but it's still a pretty good first try. None of the problems are so hideous as to ruin the whole game. FFT is definitely for patient and strategy-wise gamers who can appreciate the subtleties of the genre. I usually prefer the speed of real-time strategy, but FFT has made me go both ways (you know what I mean). Whatever way you like it, give FFT a try; there's nothing wrong with experimenting (okay, I'll stop now).

Square tried to best itself and it tried too hard in the process. The game is overdrawn, boring, and slow. I can only recommend this game to FF fans or strategy fans. The rest of us will be turned off by the abysmal gameplay, which should have turned off a lot more gamers than it deserved to. For shame, Square. This game, more than anything, is either you really like it or you really won't. I didn't care for it, but judge for yourself.

In closing, Final Fantasy Tactics could have been a great work of art, but it is smudged with some large imperfections. Hopefully, Square will learn from their mistakes, and bring RPGamers everywhere a sequel to be proud of.