Are you a fan of Final Fantasy Tactics? If yes, then you are not alone. This game is one of the most popular and beloved entries in the Final Fantasy series. It is a tactical RPG that combines a deep and complex gameplay system, a rich and mature story, and a memorable soundtrack. It is set in the medieval fantasy world of Ivalice, where a civil war known as the War of the Lions breaks out. You play as Ramza Beoulve, a young noble who uncovers a sinister plot by the church to unleash ancient demons using magical stones.
Final Fantasy Tactics was released in 1997 for the PlayStation, and later ported to the PSP, iOS, and Android devices. However, many fans have been hoping for a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster or remake for a long time. They want to see the game in high-definition graphics, with improved performance, user interface, and controls. They also want to see new content and features, such as new characters, classes, items, quests, scenarios, and multiplayer options.
But is a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster or remake happening? Or is it just a pipe dream? Let’s find out.
The Nvidia Leak: A Ray of Hope or a False Alarm?
The rumors of a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster or remake have been around for a long time, but they gained more traction after a massive leak from Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service in 2021. The leak revealed the names of several unannounced games, including Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster. The leak also mentioned a Tactics Ogre remaster, another game by the same developer, Yasumi Matsuno.
This leak sparked a lot of excitement and speculation among the fans, who thought that Square Enix was finally working on a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster or remake. However, the leak was not confirmed by Nvidia or Square Enix, and some of the games on the list had placeholder dates or unlikely titles. For example, Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition and Kingdom Hearts 4 were also on the list, but they have not been officially announced yet. Therefore, the leak should be taken with a grain of salt.
The Series Creator’s Response: A Cold Shower or a Misunderstanding?
The hopes of the fans were further dashed when the series creator, Yasumi Matsuno, responded to a tweet asking about the possibility of a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster or remake. Matsuno bluntly denied the rumors and directed the fan to contact Square Enix’s customer support instead of him. He also added a sarcastic emoji, implying that he was not happy with the situation.
Matsuno’s response was surprising, considering that he had previously expressed interest in revisiting the game and tweaking some of its balance issues. He also asked the fans for their opinions on whether they would prefer a faithful remaster or a remake with new features. However, it seems that Matsuno has no control over the fate of the game and that Square Enix has not approached him for a remaster project.
Some fans speculated that Matsuno’s response was a way of hiding the truth, or that he was under a non-disclosure agreement. Others thought that he was simply frustrated with the constant questions and requests from the fans. Either way, his response did not inspire much confidence or optimism.
The Fan Wishlist: What We Want to See in a Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster or Remake
Despite the lack of official confirmation, many fans still hope that Square Enix will eventually remaster or remake Final Fantasy Tactics. The game is widely regarded as one of the best in the genre and has a loyal fanbase, who have created various mods, hacks, and fan projects to enhance or expand the game.
Some of the features that fans would like to see in a remaster or remake are:
- Improved graphics and sound quality, with high-resolution sprites, backgrounds, and effects.
- Enhanced user interface and controls, with options for touch screen, mouse, keyboard, or controller input.
- Faster loading times and smoother performance, especially for the mobile versions.
- Bug fixes and balance adjustments, such as fixing the infamous spell slowdown issue, rebalancing the overpowered characters and abilities, and adding more challenge and variety to the battles.
- Additional content and modes, such as new characters, classes, items, quests, scenarios, and multiplayer options.
- Choice of translation, with the option to switch between the original and the updated script, or even fan translations.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between the original game and the possible remaster or remake:
| Feature | Original Game | Remaster or Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Low-resolution 2D sprites and backgrounds | High-resolution 2D or 3D graphics |
| Sound | MIDI music and sound effects | CD-quality music and sound effects |
| User Interface | Clunky and outdated | Modern and user-friendly |
| Controls | Limited to controller or touchscreen | Multiple options for input devices |
| Loading Times | Slow and frequent | Fast and rare |
| Performance | Laggy and glitchy | Smooth and stable |
| Bugs | Many and annoying | Few and minor |
| Balance | Unfair and broken | Fair and challenging |
| Content | Limited and linear | Expanded and diverse |
| Modes | Single-player only | Multiplayer and online options |
| Translation | Inconsistent and inaccurate | Consistent and faithful |
Conclusion: A Dream Worth Fighting For
Final Fantasy Tactics is a game that deserves a remaster or remake, as it is one of the most influential and acclaimed games in the Final Fantasy series. However, the chances of that happening seem slim, as the series creator has denied the rumors and Square Enix has not shown any interest in the project. The fans can only hope that the company will change its mind and give the game the treatment it deserves, or at least make it more accessible and playable on modern platforms. Until then, the fans can enjoy the game as it is, or try some of the fan-made mods and projects that enhance the game. Final Fantasy Tactics is a game that will never die, as long as there are fans who love it.
