Final Fantasy Tactics

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Jan 28, 1998
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 420 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 384 out of 420
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 420
  3. Negative: 30 out of 420
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  1. lord_batman
    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, the story is not aimed for little kids and the extremely high customization potential will keep you engaged beyond the game's main story.
  2. Ghost67
    Aug 6, 2012
    10
    Square's undervalued masterpiece. Groundbreaking. Unbelievable. One of the greatest games of all time. FFT set a precedance for tactical strategy rpg's for years to come. FFT had it all - genius gameplay, a deepy complex storyline and amazing soundtrack. With the release of FFT and Final Fantasy 7, 8 and 9, Square set themselves as one of the best developers for the PSX. Square in the lateSquare's undervalued masterpiece. Groundbreaking. Unbelievable. One of the greatest games of all time. FFT set a precedance for tactical strategy rpg's for years to come. FFT had it all - genius gameplay, a deepy complex storyline and amazing soundtrack. With the release of FFT and Final Fantasy 7, 8 and 9, Square set themselves as one of the best developers for the PSX. Square in the late 90's was the Japanese version of Blizzard - hit after hit after hit. FFT is the culimation of Square's talent. Its gameplay is still valued to this day, and has a dedicating modding community that continues to improve the map. It has a deep, rich story that took me a very long time to understand and appreciate.… Expand
  3. Citan
    Jun 23, 2011
    10
    SHORT NOTICE
    Must-have for just anybody ready to use his brain a bit:
    * Complex, twisted story that makes you dive into conspiracies, fraternity and treasons, revolutions. * Charismatic and likeable characters * Slick graphics (for a tactical and a PS), with a aesthetic design that outstands the technical age of the title. * Moving musics, always right on spot: lyrical, dramatical,    SHORT NOTICE
    Must-have for just anybody ready to use his brain a bit:
    * Complex, twisted story that makes you dive into conspiracies, fraternity and treasons, revolutions.
    * Charismatic and likeable characters
    * Slick graphics (for a tactical and a PS), with a aesthetic design that outstands the technical age of the title.
    * Moving musics, always right on spot: lyrical, dramatical, glorious musics will engrave in your memory.
    * AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, ASTOUNDING GAMEPLAY: * challenging but not insurmountable battles; * jaw-dropping number of jobs and abilities, each with own skills and tactics; * total freedom in jobs/skills combination, allowing limitless strategies; * great exploration value, with secret characters/dungeons/equipment to discover.

    Buy it, rent it or download it... But just play it ;)

    LONG NOTICE:
    The games takes place in an heroic-fantasy setup, putting you in the hide of a yound soldier, going into battle with his friend. They'll soon be separated though, and will follow different ways as they struggle to survive in the storm of conspiracies that fall on the kingdom.
    Graphics: In spite of its age, the game still shines, to anyone who accepts to see the pixels. :) Character design is very original, yet brands a real identity. Although the battle environments are simplistic, they do the task and player quickly forgets about them (save for taking height and obstacles into account). The magics and invocations however are very pretty considering the platform. Anyways, you generally don't play tactical games for their graphics. ;)
    Scenario: twisted plot, numerous charismatic characters will join or battle you during your quest. While not as complex as Xenogears, the scenario could be hard to follow if you don't play on a regular basis. All in all, you won't ever get bored.
    Music: just one of the BEST OSTs EVER. Made by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, the various themes immerse the player into the action. There is a good chance you'll remember some of the main themes your whole life.
    Gameplay: The gameplay is mainly divided into 2 phase:
    - the "exploration phase": on the world map, you progress directly from a place to another (no free-ride). In towns, you can recruit new people, buy equipments, and send some of your men to accomplish jobs. While they do so, you (obviously) cannot use them in battle. If they come back successful, they gain a hefty number of experience points and nice trophies.
    It's all here that you manage each soldier, changing its job or learning skills. In battle, soldier earn job points for his current job only, but can use 2 jobs's skill sets. So you can have a Black Mage using White Magic, a Knight with Monk's special attacks, and so forth. With 40 jobs and hundreds of skills, your freedom to develop every character and job/skills combination is the order you want allows limitless strategies, while also preventing the player to form a fun-dumping "godlike team".
    Little story to illustrate: I made a 6-man team back then that just easily blew out any and every enemies on story battle... But I still got obliterated in a random fight by just a bunch of high-level Chocobos... lol).

    - the battle phase: you choose, among your whole army, a group of 5-8 people to battle the enemy on a 3D, cubical map. Each soldier can move AND do something, in whichever order you want. Movement is limited and vary depending on the job, and actions take varying time to resolve. For example, magics can take a few turns to launch, so you have to anticipate. Environment also comes into play, with archers firing further if they are above ground, or rocks blocking projectiles.

    Just exploring the possibilities of combining jobs and skills and trying them in battle will entertain you for at least 50 hours. If you add to this the thrilling scenario, enchanting music, the great number of secret characters/equipment/dungeons to find, you know now that this game will make you dream of another world for dozens hours.

    WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE by the way? lol Thanks for reading this review.

    PS: It's true that Ogre Battle was the ancestor of the genre, and FFT obviously takes some elements from it, but FFT is just far richer than his illustrate parent imo and thus is the top-notch reference of TRPG.    … Expand
  4. iKen
    Apr 13, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GREAT.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GREAT.
    Dialogue: GREAT.
  5. Sworddancer
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    A masterpiece when it comes to the story and something every director in the FF-franchise should learn from. The story is as good in FF Tactics as the story is bad in FFXIII-trilogy. A very good example of how a JRPG can be a gem without the need of a huge budget, an army of people and many years in the making.
    Like most JRPG´s with a good story one need to invest some time before it    A masterpiece when it comes to the story and something every director in the FF-franchise should learn from. The story is as good in FF Tactics as the story is bad in FFXIII-trilogy. A very good example of how a JRPG can be a gem without the need of a huge budget, an army of people and many years in the making.
    Like most JRPG´s with a good story one need to invest some time before it grows on you....but if you do - you will be rewarded!
    If you can only play 5 turn based strategy JRPG´s in your life - make sure this is one of them!    … Expand
  6. RJS.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    Great Game. - Great battle system, highly customizable - Strong replay value - Excellent soundtrack - Engaging storyline.
  7. Fragasnap
    Nov 27, 2011
    8
    Final Fantasy Tactics has a battle system that is unsurpassed in variety. The job system is incredibly open and tragically easy to break without intent as characters can use abilities across classes. The story is difficult to follow, but the game allows you to review. The learning curve is steep and the difficulty plateaus for most of the game. The battle system alone is enough to carryFinal Fantasy Tactics has a battle system that is unsurpassed in variety. The job system is incredibly open and tragically easy to break without intent as characters can use abilities across classes. The story is difficult to follow, but the game allows you to review. The learning curve is steep and the difficulty plateaus for most of the game. The battle system alone is enough to carry the game, but unless the mechanics fascinates enough to pass the remorseless start, one will likely be disappointed.… Expand
  8. iron_fist
    May 30, 2019
    9
    First time playing a FF game, and had an awesome experience. Story and characters are interesting. Great 3D chess-like gameplay and a worthy conclusion worth finishing to find out.
    Only downsides are the tedious grinding and 1 or 2 difficulty spikes you'll encounter.
    Still, I highly recommend it!
  9. JohnMickel
    Aug 1, 2020
    10
    I didn't love this game at first, but once I put some time into it, it quickly became one of my favorites. Amazing story and characters. Deep gameplay. I STILL like playing this game, even 20 years later.
  10. kikutano
    Mar 6, 2018
    10
    This game is stunning, amazing story between two friends with a different path of destiny. Amazing gameplay, super deep, variegated with a superb Job System and Battle System. I love this game, is not for everybody, but when you play it you fall in love. Play it!
  11. chronoT
    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 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 characterMy 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.… Expand
  12. neopolx
    Jun 4, 2016
    10
    REAL Strategy, Jobs combinations, Amasing history, great sound, ULTRA Funny.
    THE BEST of all games EVEER
    You select your battle party, put them on the field, and determine their every move. Between battles, you can explore towns and forests on the world map, acquire new items, and undertake side quests. TACTICS has plenty of nostalgia for FINAL FANTASY veterans, as well as a new play    REAL Strategy, Jobs combinations, Amasing history, great sound, ULTRA Funny.
    THE BEST of all games EVEER

    You select your battle party, put them on the field, and determine their every move. Between battles, you can explore towns and forests on the world map, acquire new items, and undertake side quests. TACTICS has plenty of nostalgia for FINAL FANTASY veterans, as well as a new play style to keep newcomers interested.    … Expand
  13. night4
    Aug 15, 2016
    10
    Hands down one of the best games ever made. I mean, where else can you make a dancing flying samurai?

    Seriously, the class system and complex combat are where it's at here. It's also rather brutal at first, but I enjoyed the challenge.
  14. mtrkuehne
    Sep 15, 2016
    10
    Look up different ways to keep this game fresh. You can make it VERY hard for yourself if you so choose. My favourite playthrough was a team of all monks with no armor.
  15. UserReviewsLUL
    Feb 15, 2020
    3
    Extremely overrated. The graphics are only "ok," combat is clunky and basically comes down to rolling and dodging constantly, and the story/characters are boooring.

    I'm especially disappointed because I'd love to play as a magic-heavy character and it comes down to spamming one spell.
  16. Nowakowski
    Nov 4, 2018
    0
    Absolutely terrible game. I would not recommend wasting your money on this game
  17. BryanM.
    Sep 11, 2007
    3
    I don't know what it is i just hate this game. it plays different then FFVII and VIII.
  18. KingMob4313
    Aug 23, 2013
    9
    One of my all time favorites. Great gameplay, great story, beautiful music and game depth like Jupiter's gravity well. One I come back to play once every year (with mods, I am too old to grind).

    The only negative against the game is some minor balance issues, it being excessively grind-y (even for the era it was from) and that the clumsy translation muddies your understanding a story    One of my all time favorites. Great gameplay, great story, beautiful music and game depth like Jupiter's gravity well. One I come back to play once every year (with mods, I am too old to grind).

    The only negative against the game is some minor balance issues, it being excessively grind-y (even for the era it was from) and that the clumsy translation muddies your understanding a story that is unbelievably complex.    … Expand
  19. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 3, 2022
    10
    Final Fantasy Tactics is more than just a spin-off -- it goes toe-to-toe with any of the best entries in the mainline series. This spiritual successor to Tactics Ogre features the franchise's best battle system, as well as a deep, engrossing story full of political intrigue. Final Fantasy Tactics is another Final Fantasy masterpiece, and remains the gold standard for Tactical RPGs.
  20. SobBaggot
    Jun 30, 2023
    0
    If I could give this game a 100/10 I would. Soundtrack? On point. Story? Top notch. Combat? Clean and refined. Battle systems? Simple enough to play without a worry, but complicated enough to have a blast if you really dive into it. With probably over 2,000 hours spent on this game and the PsP version, It's easily one of my top 10. Absolute masterpiece.
  21. Lev
    Aug 20, 2008
    9
    FFT is probably my favourite among all the games which have 'Final Fantasy' stamped on their box. Probably because- along with the new Ivalice stuff since FF12- it has the least connection to most things associated with the usual FF titles. The story and overall atmosphere of FFT doesn't have the typical jrpg cheesiness, the characters actually have to deal with real FFT is probably my favourite among all the games which have 'Final Fantasy' stamped on their box. Probably because- along with the new Ivalice stuff since FF12- it has the least connection to most things associated with the usual FF titles. The story and overall atmosphere of FFT doesn't have the typical jrpg cheesiness, the characters actually have to deal with real problems instead of not being able to get over some emo stuff. While I'm not a fan of stories that take themselves way too seriously, FFT pulled it off in a way that I really enjoyed it, and some parts really gave me goosebumps. All in all this game has a really decent story. The gameplay is also quite enjoyable with your highly customizable little army, although it could be hard for new players, (have to admit it was hard for me back then too) but once you figure things out everything will be smooth.… Expand
  22. J-radN.
    Feb 3, 2005
    10
    One of the absolute best games in the final fantasy and RPG series. Limitless possibilities for all attitudes of players and a wonderfully intricate storyline full of twists and turns.
  23. LukeB.
    Mar 7, 2006
    10
    One of the three most excellent and classic releases on the Playstation.
  24. EloiP.
    Dec 3, 2002
    10
    One of my all-time favorites. The first really good console strategy game. I'm pulling it out again right now (the game, that is...)
  25. JasonB.
    Mar 2, 2003
    10
    This game is more than great this game is one of the greatest games ever i love every aspect of the game, i just have one wish squaresoft u can pump out all of the final fantasys u want just give us another tactics and will be fine.
  26. JeffM.
    Nov 8, 2004
    9
    I really enjoyed this game it kept me in with its epic storyline and unique gameplay. I liked the fact that your characters were completely customisable. I also enjoyed the fact that there were so many different moves to learn I used a lot a physicl attack power, but some may find magic or long disance to be there forte, either way you play this is one of the better installments in the I really enjoyed this game it kept me in with its epic storyline and unique gameplay. I liked the fact that your characters were completely customisable. I also enjoyed the fact that there were so many different moves to learn I used a lot a physicl attack power, but some may find magic or long disance to be there forte, either way you play this is one of the better installments in the strategy genre.… Expand
  27. MexXx
    Mar 10, 2004
    10
    One of the best games of all time. It can take a very long time to beat and there are many challenges as to what classes can be used to beat the game. Thus this game has not only a good storyline but also great replay value.
  28. WesG.
    Apr 12, 2006
    8
    I never got why everyone was so in love with this game's story. It was okay, and certainly elaborate, but not particularly affecting. In any case, this is a very fine war RPG, possibly the best since the PSX hit. Its strength is in its hugely customizable class system, which basically lets you do whatever the heck you want, and it just runs with it. This can lead to ridiculously I never got why everyone was so in love with this game's story. It was okay, and certainly elaborate, but not particularly affecting. In any case, this is a very fine war RPG, possibly the best since the PSX hit. Its strength is in its hugely customizable class system, which basically lets you do whatever the heck you want, and it just runs with it. This can lead to ridiculously powerful characters late in the game, (that's not even mentioning Orlando), but it's all good fun. My only beef is the total lack of RPG elements. Everybody seems to take this for granted, what with this, Vandal Hearts, and Tactics Ogre - it's as if people just don't think it's possible to have a game with these kinds of battles set in a traditional RPG game. Well my good friend Shining Force II did it back on the Megadrive in 1994, and while the battles and characters were admittedly similar, it was proof the format works. So when it comes time to move little Ramza's icon over to the next battle, I can't help but feel that I've been cheated out of something.… Expand
  29. JonM.
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Quite simply the best game that I've ever played. I have replayed it at least 5 times and it just gets better each time. People who say that it's too short obviously haven't gotten Cloud or anything like that.
  30. ChristianS.
    Feb 28, 2008
    9
    Beautiful 2D graphics, cool storyline, too shory but cool graphics, like when you cast Meteor it looks great. This has different RPG style, but its still cool. The name ruins all.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PS1 Game of 1998
6
#6 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 1998
8
#8 Most Shared PS1 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. PSX Nation
    92
    While I still prefer "Vandal Hearts," this is still the best turn based strategy game on the market.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
  3. Absolute Playstation
    91
    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!
    Read full review
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