The prayers of strategy RPG fans worldwide have finally been answered. Square Enix has officially unveiled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a comprehensive HD remaster of the beloved 1997 classic, Final Fantasy Tactics. The announcement, made via a press release earlier today, confirms the game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, and notably, the yet-to-be-released Nintendo Switch 2.
This isn't just a simple port. The Ivalice Chronicles promises a significant visual overhaul, rebuilding the game's iconic, gritty art style for modern displays with full HD graphics. Sprites, environments, and the intricate battlefields will shine with new clarity while retaining the distinct visual identity that defined the original. Perhaps the most thrilling addition for many fans is the confirmation of all-new, fully voiced cutscenes. The complex political drama and deep character arcs of Ramza Beoulve and Delita Heiral will finally be brought to life with professional voice acting, adding a powerful new dimension to the narrative that captivated players decades ago.
The remaster aims to preserve the challenging, grid-based tactical combat that made Final Fantasy Tactics a genre benchmark. The deep Job System, offering near-limitless customization for your units, returns in all its glory. Expect refined mechanics, rebalanced difficulty options (appealing to both veterans and newcomers), and quality-of-life improvements designed to streamline the experience without sacrificing its strategic depth. While specifics are still emerging, anticipation is already skyrocketing.
"Final Fantasy Tactics holds a unique and revered place in the hearts of our team and fans globally," reads an excerpt from a developer message on the Square Enix site. "With The Ivalice Chronicles, our goal is to honor Yasumi Matsuno's original vision while utilizing modern technology to make this timeless story and gameplay accessible and breathtaking for a new generation. The addition of voice acting allows us to convey the emotional weight and political intrigue of Ivalice in a whole new way."
The news has ignited passionate discussions across gaming communities. Over on Reddit, the /r/JRPG subreddit is buzzing with a mix of elation and cautious optimism. Threads are filled with comments ranging from "I never thought I'd see the day!" to detailed wishlists for the remaster's features and respectful debates about potential changes. The confirmation of a Switch 2 version is particularly fueling speculation about the new Nintendo hardware's capabilities and release window.
For collectors, there's even more exciting news. According to a report from GameSpot, a lavish physical Collector's Edition is in the works. While details are still under wraps, it's expected to include physical bonuses worthy of such a legendary title's return. This announcement positions The Ivalice Chronicles as a major tentpole release for Square Enix, joining other anticipated titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The original Final Fantasy Tactics wasn't just a great game; it was a narrative masterpiece, weaving a complex tale of class struggle, religious corruption, and personal loyalty against the backdrop of the Lion War. Its mature storytelling and challenging gameplay earned it a dedicated cult following. The remastered soundtrack, a cornerstone of the experience composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata, is also expected to receive a high-fidelity treatment, ensuring the haunting melodies of Ivalice sound better than ever (as celebrated in retrospectives like this one on Square Enix Music).
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles currently lacks a specific release date but is slated for a global launch across all announced platforms. For fans who have spent years hoping, speculating, and replaying the original on aging hardware, this announcement feels monumental. The War of the Lions is about to begin anew, in stunning HD and with voices ready to tell its unforgettable story. Prepare your units.
🧵Celebrating the announcement of Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles' September 30th launch with messages from director Kazutoyo Maehiro, art director Hiroshi Minagawa, and original script, scenario writer and editor Yasumi Matsuno. pic.twitter.com/A1E6rduckV
— FINAL FANTASY (@FinalFantasy) June 4, 2025
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