• Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jan 28, 1998
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Think of this as Final Fantasy on a 3-D chess board, where your men/women have certain movements and abilities. The spell effects are gorgeous and you can easily find yourself spending lengths of time just building your party the way you like.
  2. While I still prefer "Vandal Hearts," this is still the best turn based strategy game on the market.
  3. netjak
    92
    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.
  4. After you get over this titles considerable learning curve, you can really begin to settle in and appreciate the game for what it is... a wonderfully crafted story!
  5. The battles, the jobs, the graphics, and the extras make this a wonderful package.
  6. From the impressive 3D terrain, to the expertly animated characters, to the gorgeous soundtrack, to the sheer volume of available gameplay options, Final Fantasy Tactics is a masterpiece.
  7. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    89
    Square's first entry in the strategy-RPG genre. Uneven, but a classic. [Jan 2004, p.188]
  8. 85
    For those who are expecting an in-depth story, prepare yourself, because it is deep. Never have I seen so many twists and backstabs in a plot.
  9. One of the most unique role-playing games you will ever play.
  10. I usually prefer the speed of real-time strategy, but FFT has made me go both ways (you know what I mean).
  11. Some console role-players might just find this style of deep preparation and chess-like battle sequences too sluggish. Strategists who have been truly bored by trying to play "Panzer General" or even "X-Com" on a TV screen, however, will appreciate how much lush graphics, soundtrack, and effects can goose up a wargaming system.
  12. While interesting in the short run, this quickly becomes old as there is nothing else to do besides watch the (admittedly interesting) story unfold.

Awards & Rankings

13
6
#6 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
8
#8 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 420 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 30 out of 420
  1. Mar 7, 2019
    10
    A great masterpiece of a game that is still reigning as the best strategy rpg of all time despite all the years. Unlike most other srpg games,A great masterpiece of a game that is still reigning as the best strategy rpg of all time despite all the years. Unlike most other srpg games, the story is not aimed for little kids and the extremely high customization potential will keep you engaged beyond the game's main story. Full Review »
  2. Sep 22, 2012
    10
    My oh my, what a fantastic game Final Fantasy Tactics is. This, FF7, and FF9 are the best IMO, but Tactics is genuinely unique all the whileMy oh my, what a fantastic game Final Fantasy Tactics is. This, FF7, and FF9 are the best IMO, but Tactics is genuinely unique all the while being completely fulfilling and rewarding. I don't care if it is 100 years from now, I will still enjoy playing this game, it is THAT good. There's basically an unlimited amount of characters you can use, until your screen fills up, and each character can select from over 20 different classes and learn numerous abilities. There is so much content available it is amazing, and it plays like a 3D tactical board game. The first time I saw it in action I was completely HOOKED, all I wanted to do was get Ramza to master a monk, ninja, and then a samurai. Seriously folks, this is one of the funnest games ever made, and takes true tactics and skill to progress. Even though the graphics aren't marvelous, they certainly suffice, the experience here is absolutely one of a kind. If you like any FF, strategy, or even board game, I HIGHLY reccommend playing this, your in for a real treat. Also, you can literally pick this game up at any time and play it is so intriguing. I am going to be honest, you could literally spend 300+ hours with it, there are so many possibilities with the class system in Final Fantasy Tactics. Please, if you haven't played this game, do me a favor and try it, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Full Review »
  3. Nov 4, 2018
    0
    Absolutely terrible game. I would not recommend wasting your money on this game