As part of Square's "Ivalice Alliance", Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is the second title in Square Enix's series of title's based on the world of Ivalice, and a remake of the original Final Fantasy Tactics which saw release on the original PlayStation, and is due out in the US on October 9th, as PlayStation Beyond reports.

Unlike the GameBoy Advance and Nintendo DS version, there are very few changes to the core mechanics of the gameplay. What does this mean? Whilst the game may less classes and variations than the newer games, overall the title a much more refined and tactical experience because of it.

The PSP version offers up a new introduction video and some new cut sequences dispersed throughout the game, a number of additional characters (including Balthier from FFXII) and plot elements, a number of additional classes and items, and a complete graphical overhaul, bringing the title into a more modern standard whilst retaining the core experience of the original.

The biggest addition to the PSP remake of the game is the wireless ad-hoc multiplayer mode, which allows multiple players to play together in both co-op or versus mood. Winning matches will allow players to win random items, some of which aren't obtainable from the main game itself.

The US version will also have the additional bonus of full voice acting for all the video sequences in the game, as well as refining some of the slowdown down issues apparent in the Japanese version of the game; a thankful blessing, as this is one of the game's few fault that has been (probably unfairly) criticised by the press in recent weeks.

The game's core indentity has been faithfully perserved mainly thanks to the stylish artwork of the much loved Akihiko Yoshida, who has been responsible for the character designs of Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII, and the original Final Fantasy Tactics

For those of you of the English variety, you may be interested to know that EDGE Magazine recently awarded the title a very generous 9 out of 10. EDGE is not a magazine to hand out high scores lightly, so this is certainly a good sign that the title has retained the quality of the original game.

Excited? I know I am.

Tags : Final Fantasy : Final Fantasy Tactics : Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions : Ivalice Alliance : playstation portable : Sony : square enix

Comments

By: Corrine

On: 01:43 Oct 3rd, 2007
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EDGE gave it that high a score? Balthier is in it?! OMG.

Okay... I tried FF Tactics when I was a wee young one and didn't have the patience to enjoy it, but something makes me think I would like it now, and I definitely think I'm gonna pick this up for the PSP.

By: Dragonfly

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On: 04:00 Oct 4th, 2007
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myrrh-lust;32747

Balthier is in it?!

*laughs* Yes, his is, but how they're going to explain that one is beyond me. Ivalice has a rather convoluted timeline, to say the least.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions definately has my interest piqued. Strategy RPGs have always been one of my favourite genres, and it's not often we get treated to a title of this quality.

By: Mobius Zero

On: 10:04 Oct 4th, 2007
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Tactics, may have not been one of my favorites but certainly left a good impression. The only thing I had with the game was some of the unforgiveness in the game like difficulty of keeping certain people alive so they did not turn into crystals. Anyway, I am glad that the look of the game is staying true to itself though the beautiful cutscenes actually maintain the artist's style which is impressive. The multi-player itself is ingenious and would actually work but how are they going to balance it out is one thing that is on my mind and might temp me into getting, it if I had a PSP.

By: lockwood

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On: 06:55 Oct 5th, 2007
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Dark knight, Onion knight... If someone could find a list of all the new classes and their abilities I'd like to see it immediately please.

If I had a PSP I'd play the shit out of this game. The original is probably one of my favorite games ever, and by far one of the best RPGs. Just seeing this make me consider playing it again. Not sure if I can afford that kind of time these days though.