Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

 DS
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
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  1. Nintendo Power
    70
    As a result, although Grimoire of the Rift is another solid effort that's sure to scratch your tactical itch, the original Tactics remains the pinnacle of the series. [July 2008, p.86]
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  2. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    70
    It remains worth it for all of the reasons that made the original Tactics so engrossing: Switching between different jobs, mastering new abilities from your gear, and recruiting and building your clan all remain as appealing as ever. [July 2008, p.82]
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  3. GameSpot
    70
    Grimoire of the Rift offers a surprising amount of depth, as highlighted by its impressive number of quests and skills, real-time area auctions, clan management, and unlockables, but many a Tactics fan might be put off by its cheapened quest-based plot progression and battle rules.
  5. Eurogamer
    70
    With a convincing story and some innovation in the fight system FFTA2 could have been so much more, but it still stands as the best example of the genre currently available for the handheld.
  6. Pocket Gamer UK
    70
    The perfect beginner's strategy role-player, even if it's one you'll eventually abandon for better and more involved alternatives.
  7. Gamer.nl
    70
    A strategic role playing game that does the right things, but hasn’t made any progress from the previous games. Thanks to the quality and the quantity of the product it’s still a very entertaining game and for gamers that haven’t had the pleasure to play the previous games, it’s even better.
  8. Zentendo
    70
    If you were thinking about getting this game as an attempt to delve into the world of turn-based strategy RPG’s, I strongly suggest you go buy the first Tactics Advance instead because you will probably have more fun with it, and it will probably be cheaper. Or better yet, go pick up a Fire Emblem game.
  9. N-Europe
    70
    It’s a good game, spoiled by its flaws. It deserves to be hated and loved in equal measure
  10. 1UP
    67
    Based on the series' past legacy of excellence, it's just a shame that Grimoire of the Rift feels more like an expansion pack than a bona fide sequel.
  11. GameShark
    67
    The gameplay is open-ended yet lacks a compelling plot and the combat is as solid as ever but veterans of the series will miss being able to fully flex the might of the job system.
  12. Play.tm
    65
    With a game like FFTA2 it's not really about the why as the how, only it's a bit too simplistic and uninteresting to make a winning formula.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best DS Game of 2008
8
#8 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 239 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 204 out of 239
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 239
  3. Negative: 14 out of 239
  1. DanHazy
    Mar 1, 2016
    2
    So you will know what type of gamer is writing this review, I'll list three of my favorite games.

    Danganronpa Fire Emblem  Atelier    So you will know what type of gamer is writing this review, I'll list three of my favorite games.

    Danganronpa
    Fire Emblem 
    Atelier Totori. 

    I'll say this first, I can't understand why this game got such a great score. This game score blew my mind. 
    You should also know I didn't finish this game. I got about 10 hours into it and called it quits.

    THE GOOD:

    Music was subpar, not really good but not bad

    THE BAD:

    STORY: Story was bland. Also had horrible dialogue. I felt like it insulted my intelligence. Was childish and very bland. Maybe a child could enjoy the dialogue but I don't think any adult could enjoy it. 

    CHARACTER CAST: Horrible characters. The main character is a cocky little boy. The little boys mentor is some brown creature with a big nose named Cid. Who just happened to find the little boy in the forest all alone and asked him to join his clan and then all was good and everyone was happy. That's the kinda dialogue I warned about. Other units you recruit are just as bad. A hound dog in knights armor. A brown creature in mages robe. A shark with a hatchet! I just couldn't enjoy playing with these types of characters. 

    GAMEPLAY: Game play wasn't great either. Was far too slow paced and there was no way to speed up the battles. The game play just felt like I was doing one boring quest after another.  

    CLOSING COMMENTS:

    There are quiet a few other games that beat out this game in every way. Luminous Arc 1 and 2 are great games with almost the exact gameplay. Fire Emblem series are rather similar to these games as well.
    I'm a hard core rpg gamer and I couldn't even sit through this. I've played many many rpgs that aren't necessarily great or fun to play. I truly regret buying this game. I would rather sit in a car in a parking lot and watch pigeons eat fast food strewn over the asphalt than play this game. Yes, I really did watch those pigeons instead of playing this game.

    That wraps his review up, hope it helps.    … Full Review »
  2. anb
    Oct 29, 2008
    10
    Outstanding game. Despite that the main plot is kinda childish, the game in general is soo deep with a lot of quest, skills, jobs etc and Outstanding game. Despite that the main plot is kinda childish, the game in general is soo deep with a lot of quest, skills, jobs etc and with a really great attention to details spiced up with really gorgeous artwork and music. Must have.… Full Review »
  3. SteveM
    Jul 1, 2008
    10
    Though FFTA2 may not be perfect, the reason a game should get a 10 is not because it's perfect, but because it is simply a really, Though FFTA2 may not be perfect, the reason a game should get a 10 is not because it's perfect, but because it is simply a really, really well put together product. This game is just that...it reeks of Square Enix polish, looks great, sounds great, play great, and will last you for over a hundred hours if you're willing to invest it. I'm not much for boring, technical reviews; I prefer to express an emotional response to games...so here it is: if you love Final Fantasy, and you love strategy RPG's, and you love deep character customization, you will find yourself playing this game with a smile on your face the entire time. It will bring you much happiness and satisfaction, provided you're a patient individual. An excellent DS game.… Full Review »
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