Final Fantasy Tactics: Two Versions, One Critical Choice at Launch

By Kilian Binder New Game Releases
30 September 2025 no comments

Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the most legendary strategy RPGs of all time and has built a loyal fanbase since its first release in 1997. In the game, you experience a dramatic and political story. The gameplay combines grid-based, turn-based tactics with complex job systems.

After years of remakes and spin-offs, Square Enix is now bringing the Tactics experience back in a modern form. At launch, there are two different versions to choose from.

Two Gameplay Versions & Technical Improvements

In the new Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, you don’t just choose an edition when you buy it – you also make a critical choice right at the start of the game. You can pick either the Classic Version or the Enhanced Version. The Classic Version preserves the original gameplay and graphics of the original. The game uses the translations from the War of the Lions release (2007). However, modern QoL features like auto-save are still included.

With the Enhanced Version, you get completely overhauled graphics and polished visual design. On top of that, there are fully voiced dialogues, meaning characters speak in cutscenes and story scenes. The user interface (UI) has been modernized, menus optimized, and controls improved. Additional QoL features such as faster gameplay speed, auto-save, and extra difficulty modes are also included.

The game also introduces a new top-down camera that can be activated during battles, making strategic planning easier. The turn order of units and enemies is now much clearer. It’s also assumed that some characters or jobs have been rebalanced to fix imbalances. For example, Cloud will start with a “Materia Blade”. Not all of the extra content from War of the Lions has been carried over, as the focus remains mainly on the base game.

Release, Platforms, Versions and Purchase Decision

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles will be released on September 30, 2025 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Physical versions will be available worldwide for PS5 and Switch. In Japan, there will also be versions for PS4 & Switch 2, though this is less relevant outside the region.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles launches in the Standard Edition for €49.99 and in the Deluxe Edition for €59.99. Both editions come with a pre-order bonus:

• Armor Color for Ramza (White)
• Weapon: Mithril Dagger
• Accessory: Climbing Boots (Increases jump stat when equipped)
• Consumables: 10 Hi-Potions
• Consumables: 10 Ethers

But with the Deluxe Edition, you also get, alongside the base game:

• Weapon: Academy Sword (Slightly increases speed stat when equipped)
• Headgear: Academy Beret (Protects against the “Charmed” status effect when equipped)
• Clothing: Academy Jacket (Grants the “Vallum” status effect when equipped)
• Accessory: Job Ring (Increases the amount of JP earned when equipped)
• Consumables: 10 Phoenix Downs
• Armor Color for Ramza (Black)
• Armor Color for Ramza (Red)

Conclusion – A Tactical Kickoff

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches today, and the big question right away is – Classic or Modern? If you’ve been a fan of the series for years, you can relive the game as it was back then. If you’re new, the modern look might be the best choice. In the end, pick what suits you best – and have fun.

Kilian Binder

Hey, I’m Kilian, but online you’ll probably know me as “Tux1243.” I've been part of the team for almost two years now, always trying to keep you in the loop with the latest and coolest gaming news. I also have a huge passion for doing deep dives and detailed analyses of entire game series and franchises. I love getting to the bottom of things and exploring the little details and backstories that make game worlds so fascinating.

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