For many RPG fans, Final Fantasy Tactics isn’t just a game—it’s the game. An undisputed crown jewel of the tactical RPG genre, it has been a constant feature on “greatest games of all time” lists and one of the most fervently requested remakes from Square Enix fans for years. The wait is finally over. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is now available, launching on September 30, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and the newly released Switch 2.

This isn’t just a simple port. The Ivalice Chronicles is a comprehensive modern remaster of the 1997 classic, designed to be the definitive way to experience one of gaming’s most compelling stories. The game features two distinct modes: an “Enhanced” version with full voice acting, a new user interface, and quality-of-life improvements, and a “Classic” version that offers a faithful, nostalgic experience with HD-rendered visuals.

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What’s New in Ivalice? Key Enhancements for a Modern Era

This remaster goes beyond a visual touch-up, introducing a suite of improvements that refine the experience for both veterans and newcomers alike:

• A Fully Voiced Epic: For the first time, the game’s intricate story is brought to life with full English and Japanese voice acting. The talented cast adds new depth and emotion to the complex political drama, making the powerful narrative hit even harder.
• Strategic Quality-of-Life Features: New tools like a “Tactical View” provide a bird’s-eye view of the battlefield for better planning. Players can now also fast-forward through battles and enjoy the safety of an autosave feature, making the strategic gameplay smoother and more accessible.
• Visual and Interface Polish: The charming pixel-art style and 3D isometric battle maps have been carefully enhanced for modern displays. Coupled with a completely overhauled user interface, the game retains its nostalgic soul while being clearer and more intuitive to navigate.
• Tailored Difficulty: New difficulty options, including a more accessible “Squire” setting, allow players to adjust the challenge to their preference, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rich story and deep tactical combat.

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A Timeless Story of War and Conspiracy

Set in the kingdom of Ivalice during the tumultuous “War of the Lions,” the game follows the story of Ramza Beoulve, a young noble, and his childhood friend Delita, a commoner. As they are dragged into a brutal conflict over the throne, they uncover a deep and sinister conspiracy that goes far beyond a simple war of succession.

Critics have hailed the narrative as one of the best in gaming, a mature tale where characters are painted in shades of gray rather than simple black and white. It’s a rich tapestry of political machinations, betrayal, and a powerful emotional core that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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Deep, Customizable Tactical Gameplay

At its heart, Final Fantasy Tactics is renowned for its incredibly flexible Job System. Your units are not locked to a single class; they can be freely assigned to over 20 different jobs, from classic roles like Knight, Black Mage, and White Mage to more exotic positions like the Dragoon and Summoner.

The real magic lies in the customization. Once a character learns an ability from one job, they can often equip it while using another. This allows for nearly limitless strategic combinations—imagine a sword-wielding Black Mage or a Knight who can also cast healing spells. This system provides an “endlessly compelling gameplay loop where you always feel that urge for just one more battle”.

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Critical Acclaim: What the Reviews Say

The critical response to The Ivalice Chronicles has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it the best way to play this all-time classic.

• Game8 gave the title a 94/100, praising its “compelling story,” “engaging gameplay,” and “emotional voice acting”.
• GameSpot’s review highlighted that “The Ivalice Chronicles provides the best way to play an all-time classic,” specifically commending the touched-up script, excellent voice acting, and smart new tools to track the palace intrigue.

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Watch the Launch Trailer

Dive into the political intrigue and strategic battles of Ivalice by watching the official launch trailer below.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is available now. Will you be picking up this legendary tactical RPG? Let us know in the comments, and for all the latest news on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, stay tuned to nineinchsandwich.com.