Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

1. DenverH

   Sep 19, 2014

   10

   Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hearkens back to a golden age of video game design where a game had to stand largely on the meritsFinal Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions hearkens back to a golden age of video game design where a game had to stand largely on the merits of its gameplay, and the mechanics of this turn-based strategy opus stand the test of time. Not content to simply port a classic title to a newer, portable platform, Square Enix has added beautifully animated, watercolor-style cutscenes complete with fantastic voice acting. These help convey a tale that is complex, dark, and strikingly human in nature. If you're a fan of strategy games and/or good stories, this is a must-play.… Expand

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2. MazrimTaim14

   Oct 7, 2019

   10

   Played the original around 10 times. So what would entice me to play this again? Lots and lots of new features and quality of life.
   
   Orig isPlayed the original around 10 times. So what would entice me to play this again? Lots and lots of new features and quality of life.
   
   Orig is around a 9 for me but this, this is a great example of a remaster. pushes it to 10. Loved balthier in this too.
   
   Game is a masterpiece. Story, graphics, and grinding. This makes grinding so bearable unlike other games.… Expand

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4. Kai82

   Aug 25, 2021

   10

   The improved version of the best Final Fantasy spin off if not even Final Fantasy game. It was overhauled and improved. There are newThe improved version of the best Final Fantasy spin off if not even Final Fantasy game. It was overhauled and improved. There are new characters, 2 new jobs and an expanded the rooster of 24 characters (very welcome for me) a top of more changes I wont summarize here. Of cause it has the same strengths as before the remarkable deep and engaging story full of plots, opposing factions, twists, betrayals and character development. Machiavelli would see them as good students. Atop of that the turn based RPG gameplay works really well. The story actually starts far in the future and is told by historian Arazlam Durai. Your hero Ramza is actually viewed by history as a failure as the last disgraceful member of a high respected noble family while the antagonist Delita the best friend of him is one of the greatest heroes of this age. However the historian has uncovered the truth and you will see how things really happened. The story takes place shortly after the end of the 50 years war where the country of Ivalice has repelled an invasion in a hard and costly war. Now there is the problem that there are more soldier than needed for peace times and it is bad to have this many people who are just good at fighting. Later the event which will be called “The War of the Lions” starts (Both factions leaders have a lion in their crest). This is unfold when the king of Ivalice dies and his heir is just a child (4 years old if I remember correctly). So a Regent has to be picked and this draws a lot of attention by the nobles as who ever becomes regent can rule like a King without interference for a long time. Two factions start to gain momentum and each is supported by many nobles and their armies. This is the start of the story and it works magnificent as our protagonist is drawn into this. There are a lot of schemes, groups and organizations involved and twists. It has a lot of depth, lovable characters, growth and progression. For me and many others it is a masterpiece and often on the list of best plots in RPGs. The characters were also excellent. Ramza is a true hero in a world which eats heroes. He will struggle a lot as his worldviews will be shattered. Delita is one of the most interesting characters I have encountered in games. It ends not there as Orlandu, Melladoul, Argath and others all have interesting stories and character development. All the antagonist work well and some are intimidating. So the characters and story are truly good but it would not matter that much if the gameplay was awful. Luckily the gameplay works even better than before but I should warn you that the game is a bit difficult at the begining. It uses the job system that was introduced in Final Fantasy 5 but with adaptations. Each character has a job class (that can be changed). These have abilities you can unlock with job points. Each action rewards you with some job points and you level up the job level too. This unlocks other jobs if you meet the conditions. There are the usual Knight, Black Mage, Priest and Summoner but also Arithmetic, Samurai, Ninja and more. Some characters have unique jobs that cant be learned. Abilities are divided into categories. You have 2 slots for usable abilities, a move ability, a support ability and a reaction ability. A lot of fun comes from combinations of different abilities and some combos are impressively efficient. I give some advice: Squires JP up ability is immensely useful. You get more job points for each action. Monks have some great abilities. Critical Restore HP heals you when in critical condition and this can be annoying for your enemies and there is a preemptive counter. It worked well for me but I read that others evaluated those as barley working. Possibly because for physical abilities you need a high brave value and for magic high faith (Beware too high faith and characters leave). Back to the advice. Ninjas have an ability to use 2 weapons and Dragons can ignore heights. I end this here. Of cause there are more like heights, terrain, speed, brave, faith, class restrictions and more. It has a lot of depth as you have to learn a lot of the mechanics but it is rewarding. I recommend a guide as some things are hard to figure out. Of cause there are side quests, hidden characters, hidden items, secret abilities, recruitable monsters and poaching. While I view it as 10/10 game it has a few weaknesses. Firstly there is a battle which is nearly unwinnable if you do not know it is coming at Riovanes Castle. Many used 1 save file and their playthrough ended there. With the right abilities it is really easy but you will not have those and cant leave. Not all jobs are equally good. Like I said the beginning is a bit hard. The presentation is excellent and I would buy an artbook. The soundtrack is one of the best I encountered in gaming. Overall this is an improved masterpiece and should belong to the library of each RPG lover. A classic made even better.… Expand

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5. Adam

   Nov 4, 2007

   9

   This game is addicting, and well worth your money. This game will annoy some games with it's supreme difficulty. If you don't mind This game is addicting, and well worth your money. This game will annoy some games with it's supreme difficulty. If you don't mind challenge, pick this gameup for the PSP.… Expand

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6. Shmouton

   Nov 19, 2020

   9

   If I could describe this game by renaming it it would be, "Final Fantasy: Game of Thrones".
   
   The ever-changing story of Tactics is anIf I could describe this game by renaming it it would be, "Final Fantasy: Game of Thrones".
   
   The ever-changing story of Tactics is an absolute roller-coaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. Being a huge Final Fantasy fan, this game gave me an adventure that I was not used to. I loved the battle system with a huge amount of jobs to explore. And exploring and grinding I did as this game is probably one of the hardest Final Fantasy games ever until you have leveled up enough, understood how the mechanics work and tried the many jobs this game offers.
   
   The game takes place in the beautiful world of Ivalice with an Art style that aged very well. The characters and their connections were very deep and complicated but very human. This is a must play for any JRPG fan.… Expand

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7. RobFreeland

   Feb 26, 2008

   8

   A good but flawed game. Battles are small and involve too few characters. Squares are sometimes impossible to see from any direction becauseA good but flawed game. Battles are small and involve too few characters. Squares are sometimes impossible to see from any direction because of trees/buildings. Based on its merits/gameplay alone rather than nostagia of a beloved FF title, it just doesn't hold up against similar titles like Disgaea that have improved on the basic concept. It's a good game but not nearly as perfect as nostalgic reviews make it seem.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. HosenmangelWerner

   Sep 29, 2007

   0

   This game is too hard without cheats!

   • 0 of 11 users found this helpful

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