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. 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.
  2. LukeB.
    Mar 7, 2006
    10
    One of the three most excellent and classic releases on the Playstation.
  3. 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...)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. RJS.
    May 5, 2008
    10
    Great Game. - Great battle system, highly customizable - Strong replay value - Excellent soundtrack - Engaging storyline.
  8. LanceM.
    Jan 2, 2004
    10
    One of the best games ever made.
  9. BrendanP.
    Dec 10, 2002
    10
    This game is my all time favorite. Astounding graphics and gameplay make this one of,if not the best Final Fantasy games EVER.Although it took me a long time,I finally beat it.Trust me,it takes a lot of patience.
  10. KristynD.
    Aug 31, 2003
    10
    Best game I've ever played. The job system makes for great replay-ability, every time you restart, the game feels completely different. The plot is facinating without predictability or massive confusion. The graphics are amazing for their time. My favorite game, by far. I can't wait for Tactics Advance.
  11. HOboJ.
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    Amazing story / music / gameplay and beautiful graphics to boot.
  12. TerryM.
    Sep 26, 2006
    10
    This really is the best Final Fantasy game period. Though other Final Fantasy games offer differing story lines and sometimes different battle systems this game stands on it's own as a brillant piece of gaming history.
  13. GeoffG.
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    This is by far my favorite FF game. With a unique turn-based battle system, a 500 hour long story line, and enough secrets to make the Jackson's twinge, depth is redefined.
  14. OtisM.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This game is amazing.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Mortar97
    Nov 22, 2012
    10
    One of the best game ever made. Unique deep story, Music that lives up to the name, gameplay that satisfies those who like to use their wits. They could make a Final Fantasy Tactics 2... with a retail price of 300$ and I would not hesitate to buy it... (Those on portable devices don't count).
  19. DovesOfAstarte
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    This is the greatest tactical RPG you will ever play, or that had ever been made. Hands down. Final Fantasy Tactics takes the job systems of Final Fantasy III & V and perfects them while at the same time aptly applying them to a tactical battle grid. The graphics are beautifully rendered sprites. The music is incredible, and of the caliber in which you will find yourself longing for theseThis is the greatest tactical RPG you will ever play, or that had ever been made. Hands down. Final Fantasy Tactics takes the job systems of Final Fantasy III & V and perfects them while at the same time aptly applying them to a tactical battle grid. The graphics are beautifully rendered sprites. The music is incredible, and of the caliber in which you will find yourself longing for these sweet melodies for years after you played the game. The storyline is intricate and deals with heavy and real-life issues such as class conflict, the state and theology while at the same time incorporating enough occultism to keep your third eye open. Gameplay will keep you interested for 90+ hours, and the more you play the game, the more interesting and richer the battle system actually becomes, as there are a plethora of items to acquire, skills to gain and even some hidden spells to keep you interested. There is only one draw back to this edition of the game it's poor translation. This is easy to overlook though, and really does not compromise the game in the least. Anyone who does not appreciate this Final Fantasy Tactics is a dullard and probably finds Super Nintendo LJN games interesting.… Expand
  20. Pongdok
    Jul 2, 2014
    10
    As an offshoot game with a completely different format from the preceding games in the franchise, this was an interesting and welcome addition to the FF family.

    + Beautiful art and music + Great isometric level design + Deep story + Turn-based strategy done right + Cloud and Aerith cameo from FF7 - Enemies only scale to your level on random encounters, so if you grind a bit too    As an offshoot game with a completely different format from the preceding games in the franchise, this was an interesting and welcome addition to the FF family.

    + Beautiful art and music
    + Great isometric level design
    + Deep story
    + Turn-based strategy done right
    + Cloud and Aerith cameo from FF7

    - Enemies only scale to your level on random encounters, so if you grind a bit too much, the story missions will be too easy

    This was by far the most rewarding Final Fantasy game to play, and the only one that I expect to ever play in the future.

    Full marks.    … Expand
  21. Kai82
    Aug 12, 2021
    10
    The best Final Fantasy spin off if not even Final Fantasy game. It has a remarkable deep and engaging story full of plots, opposing factions, twists, betrayals and character development. Many of the characters would do well in Game of Thrones political games and Machiavelli would see them as good students. Atop of that the turn based RPG gameplay works really well. The story actuallyThe best Final Fantasy spin off if not even Final Fantasy game. It has a remarkable deep and engaging story full of plots, opposing factions, twists, betrayals and character development. Many of the characters would do well in Game of Thrones political games and Machiavelli would see them as good students. Atop of that the turn based RPG gameplay works really well. The story actually starts far in the future and is told by historian Arazlam Durai. Your hero Ramza is actually viewed by history as a failure as the last disgraceful member of a high respected noble family while the antagonist Delita the best friend of him is one of the greatest heroes of this age. However the historian has uncovered the truth and you will see how things really happened. The story takes place shortly after the end of the 50 years war where the country of Ivalice has repelled an invasion in a hard and costly war. Now there is the problem that there are more soldier than needed for peace times and it is bad to have this many people who are just good at fighting. Later the event which will be called “The War of the Lions” starts (Both factions leaders have a lion in their crest). This is unfold when the king of Ivalice dies and his heir is just a child (4 years old if I remember correctly). So a Regent has to be picked and this draws a lot of attention by the nobles as who ever becomes regent can rule like a King without interference for a long time. Two factions start to gain momentum and each is supported by many nobles and their armies. This is the start of the story and it works magnificent as our protagonist is drawn into this. There are a lot of schemes, groups and organizations involved and twists. It has a lot of depth, lovable characters, growth and progression. For me and many others it is a masterpiece and often on the list of best plots in RPGs. The characters were also excellent and have depth. Ramza is a true hero in a world which eats heroes. He will struggle a lot as his worldviews will be shattered. Delita is one of the most interesting characters I have encountered in games. It ends not there as Orlandu, Melladoul, Argath and others all have interesting stories, clashing worldviews and character development. I wont spoil any of these but praise them. All the antagonist work well and some are intimidating. So the characters and story are truly good but it would not matter that much if the gameplay was awful. Luckily the gameplay works excellent but I should warn you that the game is a bit difficult at the beginning and some quit here. It uses the job system that was introduced in Final Fantasy 5 but with adaptations. Each character has a job class (that can be changed). These have abilities you can unlock with job points. Each action rewards you with some job points and you level up the job level too. This unlocks other jobs if you meet the conditions. There are the usual Knight, Black Mage, Priest and Summoner but also Arithmetic, Samurai, Ninja and more. Some characters have unique jobs that cant be learned (Orlandu is a one man army!). Abilities are divided into categories. You have 2 slots for usable abilities, a move ability, a support ability and a reaction ability. A lot of fun comes from combinations of different abilities and some combos are impressively efficient. I give some advice: Squires JP up ability is immensely useful. You get more job points for each action. Monks have some great abilities. Critical Restore HP heals you when in critical condition and this can be annoying for your enemies and there is a preemptive counter. It worked well for me but I read that others evaluated those as barley working. Possibly because for physical abilities you need a high brave value and for magic high faith (Beware too high faith and characters leave). Back to the advice. Ninjas have an ability to use 2 weapons and Dragons can ignore heights. I end this here. Of cause there are more like heights, terrain, speed, brave, faith, class restrictions and more. It has a lot of depth as you have to learn a lot of the mechanics but it is rewarding. I recommend a guide as some things are hard to figure out. Of cause there are side quests, hidden characters, hidden items, secret abilities, recruitable monsters and poaching. While I view it as 10/10 game it has a few weaknesses. Firstly there is a battle which is nearly unwinnable if you do not know it is coming at Riovanes Castle. Many used 1 save file and their playthrough ended there. With the right abilities it is really easy but you will not have those and cant leave. Some jobs get too weak at the endgame like archers and not all jobs are equally good. Like I said the beginning is a bit hard but this does not decrease my rating. The presentation is excellent and I would by an artbook. The soundtrack is one of the best I encountered in gaming. Overall this is a masterpiece and should belong to the library of each RPG lover. A classic of its time and franchise.… Expand
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 22446688Bb
    Aug 6, 2019
    10
    The best game planning ever world and the story of beautiful characters breathtaking gameplay more like my constant, simple and wonderful tactic
  27. Ludgrief
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    This game has just no flaws. It is perfect from the very beginning to the end.

    Of course the graphis didn't age very well, but fortunately it's not the kind of game who needs amazing graphics to be understandable and fun The story brings plot twists, reflections, relevant discussions about life and goals, war and loyalty, with amazing characters with a very cohese personality. the    This game has just no flaws. It is perfect from the very beginning to the end.

    Of course the graphis didn't age very well, but fortunately it's not the kind of game who needs amazing graphics to be understandable and fun

    The story brings plot twists, reflections, relevant discussions about life and goals, war and loyalty, with amazing characters with a very cohese personality.

    the game itself consist in advancing in history and battling through chess-like board fights, which is not bad, since every battle can be challenging and grant you good farm.

    The soundtrack is just one of the best and more imersive ever made, period.

    For those who like challenging games, to heat and blow your mind with every step throughout the story, FFT never gets old.    … Expand
  28. 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.
  29. auditbadger
    Sep 26, 2018
    10
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  30. 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!
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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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