Metascore
88 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 41
  2. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. A masterpiece of art and design. Its technicalities might take a little time to get to grips with but, once understood, this distinguished and exemplary video game demands to be savoured and adored.
  2. An absolute masterpiece. [Nov 2007, p.104]
  3. 100
    The core tactical gameplay is the real gem here, and its quality still shines 10 years after its first release. It's grinding, demanding gameplay that presumes a level of dedication and competence that many modern games don't, and it's all the better for it.
  4. 100
    The biggest change to the formula is a number of graphical updates to the entire system.
  5. About as perfect as games come, and you must play it. [Nov 2007, p.72]
  6. Combine its lengthy single-player experience with the new co-op and head-to-head modes, and you can’t help but love this classic reborn.
  7. Anyone who doesn’t think Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions isn’t worth owning just doesn’t like RPGs.
  8. Overall, War of the Lions is definitely a fun play through for anyone that has yet to try the game. It is, quite possibly, the most popular strategy RPG of all time and with very good reason.
  9. A true PSP system seller if ever there was one. The sheer amount of content coupled with the in depth battle system and epic story provide a game that will keep you busy on-the-go for months.
  10. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has a brilliant storyline and addictively deep battle mechanics. The game is pure gold from the beginning to the very end. [Sept 2007]
  11. A rare breed. Despite being a veritable grandfather of console RPGs, a galvanized retranslation and timeless gameplay make for a feline that simply refuses to age. If you missed it the first time, don’t miss it again.
  12. 91
    With vibrant visuals, excellent music and voice acting, a deep and complex gameplay system, and one of the best storylines ever to grace a RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is one of the few must-have titles on the PSP, not only for the RPG aficionado, but for any gamer in general.
  13. Overall, the port from PS1 to PSP has been handled exceptionally well. The redone translation adds a new layer of detail to an already deep experience, and it's definitely enough to bring the old school players back into the fold one last time.
  14. This still stands as one of videogaming’s greatest achievements, one finally properly served by an excellent English translation to reveal a game that feels far fresher than its age, setting and rivals might otherwise suggest. [Nov 2007, p.97]
  15. Gorgeous, complex, well-written and beautifully presented, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has been polished and refined to make it into the best version of one of the best games of the 1990s.
  16. It will keep you busy for months to come and is easily one of the most enjoyable games on the system.
  17. This is one of the most in-depth strategy games and touching RPGs ever made.
  18. Despite these flaws, FFT remains one of my favourite games on the PSP. It might not have the best in-game graphics we've ever seen on the handheld, or the best multiplayer options, but few games have as much charm and tactical depth.
  19. 90
    From the wireless versus mode to the intriguing approach to the cutscenes, this classic revision really shines. And I've always said that turn-based games are well suited for handheld gaming.
  20. 90
    New story elements and missions, new multiplayer modes and brand new job classes strengthen what was already one of the best strategy titles around.
  21. Whether you have the PSone original or have just begun to appreciate the value of a great strategy/RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is not a must-play release – it is a must-own.
  22. This is a beautiful and adult game, whose transition to the PSP is only marred by nearly imperceptible delays in combat. [Nov 2007, p.74]
  23. Square did just about everything right the first time around, so despite not taking big enough strides with this remake, they can fall back on something that was damn close to perfection in the first place. And that's not a bad way to look at it.
  24. With more than seventy hours of tactical RPG battling, intricately woven story and an army of characters to build up, Final Fantasy Tactics is an immensely addictive and rewarding experience, even for those who managed to import a copy of the PSone original.
  25. 90
    A couple of years ago it was easy to recommend the must-own titles on the PSP, but with so many stellar games these days, I'll simply say that if Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions disappoints you, then maybe this genre isn't what your looking for.
  26. Epic, tactical and polished - this will work your brain. [Nov 2007, p.82]
  27. 86
    Tactics is as immense as it is intense. With a brilliant storyline and a wealth of options for creating and customising characters, there is no finer RPG on the PSP. [Issue#159, p.88]
  28. There are some programming errors on the game that some veterans find game breaking. Any simple moves such as throwing a stone during battle, causes this relatively long slow down.
  29. This game is a must have for any RPG-fan out there past and present because we still know Cloud make you guys cream your silkies.
  30. 85
    Its intricate gameplay isn't for everyone, but there's a reason it commands such deep devotion among its fans -- and this definitive version of the game is the perfect place to learn why.
  31. 85
    Overall, FFT: The War of the Lions is an impressive port to the PSP. A solid title is always welcomed in the rather hungry for games handheld and this game packs so much content you'll be busy with your PSP for a while.
  32. 85
    A decade after the original's release, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a faithful improvement on what is still one of the best tactical RPGs around. [Nov 2007, p.97]
  33. While the flow of battles are definitely slower by today's gaming standards, the strategic depth is still far better than most games released today. [Nov 2007, p.60]
  34. But Tactics is still engrossing, time-consuming fun. [Nov 2007, p.116]
  35. Althought wrapped in a mediocre package, Final Fantasy Tactics is a stellar game. If Square Enix had spent just a bit more time on the in-game graphics, writing, and user interface, this could have been one of the top titles for the PSP.
  36. As for consolidation and logical expansion, Final Fantasy Tactics: War Of The Lions achieves more for SRPGs than recent efforts from other studios. [Aug 2007, p.108]
  37. The original PSOne game finds a new home on the PSP, sporting some new features that enhance the already incredibly deep tactical role-playing game, but at the same time retaining some of the flaws.
  38. War of the Lions proves that even a decade-old game can pack quite a punch.
  39. Tough, slow but containing oodles of depth. A proper strategy game for the PSP. [Nov 2007, p.83]
  40. With this many ways to organise your team and develop abilities, everyone will find something to suit their style. [Nov 2007, p.123]
  41. 70
    War of the Lions is a good game, but players who've never played Final Fantasy Tactics might find it a bit old and cumbersome, while veterans may find the new game a little scant on new content.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Negative: 7 out of 36
  1. CalebW
    10
    This game is amazing i have the ps1 game and i dont have a ps1 memory card so i could never save it i never new this game existed when i tried to look up the ps1 game and found this i ordered it and am very impressed it is an almost exact copy (exactly what i wanted it to be) and is great in every way imaginable i dont really like the way they make them talk different but that dosent change how great the game is. BEST GAME EVER! Full Review »
  2. CharlieM
    10
    Let us see, I have sunk 190 hours into and I am still finding things to do, the replayability borders into the insane, The main story will take about 30 or so hours to complete, then level your party to 99 takes quite a bit of time. Finally getting Mastered Dark Knight is one of the greater feats of this game. A level 8 Onion Knight is the other. A master of magics with an Arithimatics special ability.There is just so much to do after you beat the game, there is even an added dungeon called Midlight's Deep where you can learn the fabled Zodiarc summon. A new multiplayer mode with hundreds of great items, some exclusive. Grab a friend and play, or for the extremely hardcore, just get a second psp, maybe you need an upgrade anyways? If you are a completionist this game will keep your plate full for a long long time. Anyone who gives this game an actual zero is just plain ignorant, especially if they claim this game was their favorite game. This was one of my favorite games from the Psone and I welcomed the new victorian english dialogue, it made the playthrough more interesting, instead of guessing every line. I enjoyed 12 as well, props to putting in *Spoilers* Balthier! *Spoilers* Anyways if you give it anything less then like a 4 you are just plain donkey and an attention who.re trying to purposely bring one of the greatests games of all times rating down just because you can. Full Review »
  3. GautamMahajan
    8
    Ok...So I finally finished playing the entire story in under 30 hrs..without the bonuses and secrets....and yes it was a fantastic game...the first srpg i completed and just very very deep and addictive.But more than a fair share of problems popped up.firstly the graphics are truly dated considering the power of the PSP and there is still a lot of slowdown during spells.The story arc went to very infantile in the last few hours and i found the story very difficult to follow because of the sheer number of characters and events.But to be fair,there is a neat chronicle section that can help you rewatch all the awesome new cutscenes and storyline.I also felt the difficulty arc was a joke.the first 8-10 hours i felt like i was going through some sick sadist's idea of a joke.it was THAT hard.i remember having to level grind 8-9 levels more to beat a certain boss character somewhere in the middle of the story line.but after i got a couple of storyline characters and after all the powerlevelling the ending felt like a joke.I beat the final boss in less than 10 minutes counting both forms.Inspite of all this,i still felt it was compelling and very very well made albeit they could have definitely improved it a LOT more in 2007.recommendation for all srpg fans.for people new to srpgs play jeanne d'arc or even ffta first to get the hang of the genre and then come back to fft. Full Review »