Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

 DS
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
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  1. RadicalRic
    Dec 16, 2015
    5
    Despite the gorgeous visuals, nice character design and polished gameplay, you can feel the lack of Yasumi Matsuno's genius. Still, this game delivers exactly what it promised. It's a charming time-waster and it's fun to experiment with the gameplay system, trying all the jobs and mastering your characters. True to it's name, it feels like a grimoire of stories of common folk that lived inDespite the gorgeous visuals, nice character design and polished gameplay, you can feel the lack of Yasumi Matsuno's genius. Still, this game delivers exactly what it promised. It's a charming time-waster and it's fun to experiment with the gameplay system, trying all the jobs and mastering your characters. True to it's name, it feels like a grimoire of stories of common folk that lived in Ivalice. Each quest text and notice has a simple but well-written short tale. Just don't expect anything deep or memorable out of here. You could try the original Final Fantasy Tactics for that.… Expand
  2. StevenM.
    Jun 25, 2008
    7
    With the success of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, I suppose I'm not surprised that Square Enix did very little to change the formula. Yes, I was perhaps being a little unrealistic when I had hoped that they would take a step back and create a game more similar to the original Final Fantasy Tactics... One that would engross the player in story full of twists, emotions, and With the success of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, I suppose I'm not surprised that Square Enix did very little to change the formula. Yes, I was perhaps being a little unrealistic when I had hoped that they would take a step back and create a game more similar to the original Final Fantasy Tactics... One that would engross the player in story full of twists, emotions, and unforgettable characters. Instead, we have another iteration of a watered down strategy game, with tactical features that are burdensome rather than challenging (Laws, inability to hire at will, ability system managed via items, shop inventories meticulously attained through a menial system). Overall, it's still a very addictive game. Hence the score of seven. Seven isn't a bad score. It's a damn good game, just not what it could have been.… Expand
  3. JoshE.
    Jul 14, 2008
    7
    Still pales in comparison to the original Playstation version, but an improvement over FFTA in terms of gameplay and the more tolerable, but still lame, judge system. Many of the assets were reused from FFTA, which seems pretty lazy (The music is exactly the same). It still looks good though (The portraits are all new and look great), so that makes all of the other repeat graphics and Still pales in comparison to the original Playstation version, but an improvement over FFTA in terms of gameplay and the more tolerable, but still lame, judge system. Many of the assets were reused from FFTA, which seems pretty lazy (The music is exactly the same). It still looks good though (The portraits are all new and look great), so that makes all of the other repeat graphics and sound less annoying.… Expand
  4. Rexnos
    Feb 24, 2012
    5
    A decent offering in the game play department, but the storyline and writing are just utterly intolerable. There was potential, but I believe the first game was a better offering.
  5. Rodundra
    Jul 14, 2013
    5
    This game is great. It's fun, and the class system allows for huge customization. The one drawback this game has would have to be a few of the enemies. Basically, if you are fighting anything that is undead(especially ghosts) expect to be in a battle for an hour as opposed to the 10-20 minute normal battles. They will come back to life and have a lot of very annoying abilities. I've quitThis game is great. It's fun, and the class system allows for huge customization. The one drawback this game has would have to be a few of the enemies. Basically, if you are fighting anything that is undead(especially ghosts) expect to be in a battle for an hour as opposed to the 10-20 minute normal battles. They will come back to life and have a lot of very annoying abilities. I've quit out of the game just because of fights with these before.… Expand
  6. Snackpack91
    Jun 2, 2016
    6
    Compared to FFTA1 this game is poor. FFTA1 was actually the first FF game I ever played and since then I was hooked on the FF series. The graphics are good, gameplay is similar (don't know why they make it so easy with hit percentages and damage though). The musical score is poor compared to no 1 and the storyline and characters are absolutely terrible compared to no1. The game feltCompared to FFTA1 this game is poor. FFTA1 was actually the first FF game I ever played and since then I was hooked on the FF series. The graphics are good, gameplay is similar (don't know why they make it so easy with hit percentages and damage though). The musical score is poor compared to no 1 and the storyline and characters are absolutely terrible compared to no1. The game felt endless, I swear I did hundreds and hundreds of quests and the boss fights were a bit too easy. They made the game too complex with too many jobs and the shop system is stupid.… Expand
  7. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 3, 2023
    7
    Another nice little turn-based strategy game but it's very similar to the GBA game so anyone expecting a great leap forward will be disappointed.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  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]
  2. GamePro
    80
    With its deep Clan system and 400 missions worth of downright addictive quests, I can't help but recommend it. [July 2008, p.82]
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  3. 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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