Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

 PSP
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
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  1. GameSpy
    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.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    100
    An absolute masterpiece. [Nov 2007, p.104]
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  3. Pocket Gamer UK
    100
    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.
  5. GameShark
    100
    The biggest change to the formula is a number of graphical updates to the entire system.
  6. PSM Magazine
    95
    About as perfect as games come, and you must play it. [Nov 2007, p.72]
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  7. Game Informer
    95
    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.
  8. Digital Entertainment News
    95
    Anyone who doesn’t think Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions isn’t worth owning just doesn’t like RPGs.
  9. AtomicGamer
    93
    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.
  10. Pelit (Finland)
    92
    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]
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  11. GameTrailers
    92
    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. Cheat Code Central
    92
    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.
  13. RPG Fan
    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.
  14. Gaming Age
    91
    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.
  15. Edge Magazine
    90
    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]
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  16. IGN
    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.
  17. Eurogamer
    90
    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.
  18. GameZone
    90
    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.
  19. GamesRadar+
    90
    This is one of the most in-depth strategy games and touching RPGs ever made.
  20. GameTap
    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.
  21. Play Magazine
    90
    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]
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  22. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    90
    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.
  23. VideoGamer
    90
    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.
  24. PSX Extreme
    90
    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.
  25. GotNext
    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. Thunderbolt
    90
    It will keep you busy for months to come and is easily one of the most enjoyable games on the system.
  27. PSM3 Magazine UK
    89
    Epic, tactical and polished - this will work your brain. [Nov 2007, p.82]
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  28. Game Almighty
    86
    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. Play UK
    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]
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  30. GamePro
    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]
  31. 1UP
    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.
  32. Hardcore Gamer
    85
    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]
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  33. Deeko
    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.
  34. TotalPlayStation
    85
    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.
  35. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    83
    But Tactics is still engrossing, time-consuming fun. [Nov 2007, p.116]
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  36. Game Revolution
    83
    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.
  37. games(TM)
    80
    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]
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  38. GameSpot
    80
    War of the Lions proves that even a decade-old game can pack quite a punch.
  39. GameDaily
    80
    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.
  40. Games Master UK
    77
    Tough, slow but containing oodles of depth. A proper strategy game for the PSP. [Nov 2007, p.83]
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  41. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    70
    With this many ways to organise your team and develop abilities, everyone will find something to suit their style. [Nov 2007, p.123]
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  42. PALGN
    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.

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PSP Game of 2007
1
#1 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2007
2
#2 Most Shared PSP Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 441 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 382 out of 441
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 441
  3. Negative: 26 out of 441
  1. Osidius
    Jul 7, 2012
    3
    This game has no value in the modern SRPG field. Issues include:

    1) The worst thing about this game is the AI. You often have guests -    This game has no value in the modern SRPG field. Issues include:

    1) The worst thing about this game is the AI. You often have guests - friendly AI controlled characters - on your team that screw up everything. For instance, one of them ran into a doorway, behind which was almost the entire enemy army. He was a strong fighter, so I positioned my White Mage behind him to heal why he fought. I healed him, it came to his turn...and he used a potion on himself (to restore about 15 of his 78 hit points) and ran away, leaving the enemy army against my White Mage. Horrendous.

    2) You place your characters on grey square tiles before you even get to see the map. Random enemy placement often results in team members being in less than ideal positions.

    3) The camera is horrible. It works off the four angles of the board, so if an enemy is in between walls in the middle of the map you usually can't see them. Worse, you generally have to exit the command menu to actually control the camera.

    4) There's no easy way to check the turn list or AOE on enemies attacks. You have to exit the command menu, bring up another menu, find the character you want and click on them. This really slows games down, as enemies will often charge a spell within two seconds, so you're checking every move to see where you can and can't move and wondering whether they've locked the attack to the unit or tile. The enemy always knows what you've done, but there's no way for you to know.

    5) It's impossible to keep your team alive. Phoenix Downs restore a random amount of health, which is always less than a single hit from an enemy. Trying to restore an ally to health usually results in the death of your healer.

    6) Enemies rank off your highest level character. The game's tutorial suggests you keep a balanced team, but it's impossible when in one mission your entire army dies. You go to town, hire new warriors, find a random battle, and then die instantly because the enemies are 8 levels higher than you.

    I honestly have no idea how this was ever considered any good when it was released, but it certainly isn't any good now. All the Fire Emblem games are basically the same gameplay wise, but they are infinitely better than this. The same goes for Jeanne D'Arc, the Disgaea games and Tactics Ogre.

    I would never recommend this game to anyone. My biggest regret is assuming it would be good and buying it off the PSN, since I can't return it.    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. CharlieM
    Oct 4, 2009
    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 willLet 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 »
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