Final Fantasy Tactics

Final Fantasy Tactics is a Japanese tactical RPG set in the fictional medieval world of Ivalice. The game tells a complex, serious story about an armed conflict and the people involved in the fight, while offering a deep and expansive gameplay that provides dozens of hours of entertainment.

Plot

Ivalice is trying to get back on its feet after a long and devastating war with neighbouring states. The kingdom's economic problems are affecting the whole nation. To make matters worse, the king dies and his successor is too young to take the throne. The power is divided between prince Goltana, called the Black Lion, and prince Larg, called the White Lion. This provokes another conflict. An important role in it plays young Ramza, a member of the noble Beoulve family, whose fate is controlled by the player.

Mechanics

Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical Japanese RPG in which players spend most of their time developing their characters and fighting turn-based battles on small maps presented in an isometric view. During the clashes a team of heroes can perform various actions, starting with regular attacks with their weapons, through casting spells, and ending with using items and summoning helpful deities. The order of characters' movements on the board is determined by the value of the CT indicator - when it reaches one hundred points, then it's the turn of the next unit. Additionally, everyone is described by health and magic points. When the first of these fall to zero, the character dies. The game even has a peculiar permadeath model.

An important element of Final Fantasy Tactics is character development. Each hero can progress within one of over a dozen available classes, acquiring new skills. Choose from knights, priests, mages, thieves, chemists or monks, and each has their own unique talents that can influence the course of battle. Gaining new abilities is possible thanks to the JP points awarded for each action on the battlefield and victorious skirmishes. Additionally, special heroes with predetermined specialisations can join Ramza's team. There's also nothing stopping you from catching and training monsters you encounter on your journey.

Technical aspects

Final Fantasy Tactics is a 3D game kept in the medieval style, which stands out thanks to the cartoon graphic design. The game explores serious topics, such as war and politics, so it is not intended for younger players. The director of the game is Yasumi Matsuno, author of such cult games as Vagrant Story or Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.