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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 12 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 33 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Squaresoft
Genre(s): Role-Playing Game, Turn-Based Strategy
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Release Date: December 31, 1997
Summary
The dramatic story that seeks the truth: what really occurred on the battlefield of The Lion War? The mystery of two superheroes that brought peace to the land is going to be solved. Final Fantasy Tactics takes a new twist on the traditional RPG, with its strategy-intensive gameplay. You, as the player will seek the truth that lies behind the history of the Ivalice Empire by developing complicated strategies to maneuver and battle against the toughest enemies. [Squaresoft]
Also On Metacritic
FILM: Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
GAMES: Final Fantasy Anthology Final Fantasy Chronicles Final Fantasy IX Final Fantasy Origins Final Fantasy VII Final Fantasy VIII Final Fantasy X Final Fantasy X-2 Final Fantasy XI Final Fantasy XII
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: Official Website
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Into Liquid Sky
Think of this as Final Fantasy on a 3-D chess board, where your men/women have certain movements and abilities. The spell effects are gorgeous and you can easily find yourself spending lengths of time just building your party the way you like.
Read Full Review >PSX Nation
While I still prefer "Vandal Hearts," this is still the best turn based strategy game on the market.
Read Full Review >netjak
While it may be dragged down somewhat by the brief running time, Tactics has the wonderful gameplay that makes it worth that replay or two.
Read Full Review >Absolute Playstation
After you get over this titles considerable learning curve, you can really begin to settle in and appreciate the game for what it is... a wonderfully crafted story!
Read Full Review >Games Domain
The battles, the jobs, the graphics, and the extras make this a wonderful package.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
From the impressive 3D terrain, to the expertly animated characters, to the gorgeous soundtrack, to the sheer volume of available gameplay options, Final Fantasy Tactics is a masterpiece.
Read Full Review >Electronic Gaming Monthly
Square's first entry in the strategy-RPG genre. Uneven, but a classic. [Jan 2004, p.188]
IGN
For those who are expecting an in-depth story, prepare yourself, because it is deep. Never have I seen so many twists and backstabs in a plot.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
I usually prefer the speed of real-time strategy, but FFT has made me go both ways (you know what I mean).
Read Full Review >Happy Puppy
Some console role-players might just find this style of deep preparation and chess-like battle sequences too sluggish. Strategists who have been truly bored by trying to play "Panzer General" or even "X-Com" on a TV screen, however, will appreciate how much lush graphics, soundtrack, and effects can goose up a wargaming system.
Read Full Review >All Game Guide
While interesting in the short run, this quickly becomes old as there is nothing else to do besides watch the (admittedly interesting) story unfold.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 33 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Lev gave it a9:
FFT is probably my favourite among all the games which have 'Final Fantasy' stamped on their box. Probably because- along with the new Ivalice stuff since FF12- it has the least connection to most things associated with the usual FF titles. The story and overall atmosphere of FFT doesn't have the typical jrpg cheesiness, the characters actually have to deal with real problems instead of not being able to get over some emo stuff. While I'm not a fan of stories that take themselves way too seriously, FFT pulled it off in a way that I really enjoyed it, and some parts really gave me goosebumps. All in all this game has a really decent story. The gameplay is also quite enjoyable with your highly customizable little army, although it could be hard for new players, (have to admit it was hard for me back then too) but once you figure things out everything will be smooth.
RJ S. gave it a10:
Great Game. - Great battle system, highly customizable - Strong replay value - Excellent soundtrack - Engaging storyline.
Otis M. gave it a10:
This game is amazing.
Geoff G. gave it a10:
This is by far my favorite FF game. With a unique turn-based battle system, a 500 hour long story line, and enough secrets to make the Jackson's twinge, depth is redefined.
Christian S. gave it a9:
Beautiful 2D graphics, cool storyline, too shory but cool graphics, like when you cast Meteor it looks great. This has different RPG style, but its still cool. The name ruins all.
Bryan M. gave it a3:
I don't know what it is i just hate this game. it plays different then FFVII and VIII.
Jon M. gave it a10:
Quite simply the best game that I've ever played. I have replayed it at least 5 times and it just gets better each time. People who say that it's too short obviously haven't gotten Cloud or anything like that.
