The reader should be forewarned that this review is mostly negative.
Final Fantasy Tactics (FFT) was released by Square for the Sony Playstation around October 97 in Japan. The English version has been released recently.
FFT is a "simulation-RPG" using the basic game system of Tactics Ogre(SFC), with the job system from FF3(FC) and FF5(SFC) blended in.
FFT inherited the NATS ("non-alternating turn system") from Tactics Ogre, where characters take their turns at a frequency correlated with their speed. However, NATS is a misconception in the first place. Originally, the orthodox turn system in strategy games was designed to simulate simultaneous movement of all units; players take turns, so as to give us a playable game. NATS, by stressing the turn order, emphasizes individual character turns, thus becoming a simulation of a world where combatants takes turns moving, instead of moving simultaneously. Such a distortion can only be the source of problems, against both realism and playability, and I feel that such problems are rampant throughout FFT.
FFT also inherited the job and ability system from FF3 and FF5. The jobs and abilities are colorful and interesting, and a source of inspiration for the player. However, particulars of the way the system is implemented in FFT makes it a game in which the strength of your party is mostly dependent on the amount of extra experience (JP) accumulation ("leveling"), in terms of repetitious random encounters, and unsightly 'lazy actions' during battle. The rule that looting (picking up crystals and treasure chests, and stealing) can occur only during battle, and not after, aggravates the problem.
The story is an epic, involving many characters, and with lots of intrigue and betrayals, in Tactics Ogre tradition. Unlike Tactics Ogre, though, the game is very linear: there is no significant intervention in the story on the part of the player.
The graphics and movies (a couple of them) are very beautiful, and the music is very decent overall. However, the battle maps are sometimes obstructed and difficult to see clearly, when playing the game is concerned.
The game balance is harder than FF7 (and FF6). Players inexperienced in simulation-strategy games may find some of the battles difficult to win, especially the boss battles of episodes 2 and 3 (though episode 4 is rather easy because of powerful new allies: some boss characters are half dead after the first AT).
For Square loyalists and novice strategy-simulation game players, there are many colorful elements in FFT that may interest them, as long as they have overcome the complexity of the game. However, the amount of extra experience accumulation ("leveling") involved may be annoying to some RPG veterans. Finally, to players who have played those fine games that are far superior to FFT, such as "The Eternal Dagger" and even FF5, FFT may, sadly, look like too much a waste of time.
Copyright 12 February 1997 Alan Shiu Ho Kwan
Alan Kwan / tarot@netvigator.com / created 12 Feb 97