Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles review – remastered 1997 classic is even more politically resonant now

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, now remastered for modern eyes, offers a richly layered narrative that feels more timely than ever in today's climate. At its core, the game tells the story of Ramza, an idealistic nobleman navigating the treacherous landscape of medieval-inspired Ivalice, as it is ravaged by peasant revolutionaries and gilded monarchists. As Ramza becomes embroiled in this complex web of power struggles, he must confront his own ideological awakening.

The game's strong narrative case can be made against its contemporary classic, Final Fantasy VII. While Cloud Strife and his eco-terrorist allies take on the megacorporation Shinra, Ramza and his comrades face a far more insidious enemy: the rise of fascism. The two may seem worlds apart, but in reality, they are closely intertwined.

In this remastered version, the plot remains as compelling as ever, with Shakespearean dialogue that is now fully voice-acted to devastating effect. One can almost feel the venomous spittle on their face as a royalist delivers a scathing tirade against the common folk.

What truly sets Final Fantasy Tactics apart, however, is its turn-based combat system. With an astonishing level of customization, each character has their own unique "job" that can be changed and remixed with ease. This flexibility is matched only by the exquisite diorama levels, where battles unfold like a symphony on a chessboard.

These encounters are not just a riotous romp; they are also poignant. As Ramza navigates this maelstrom of events, he must confront the tragedy that has befallen everyone around him – heroes and villains alike mere pawns on the battlefield, hurtling towards their predetermined fate.

The Ivalice Chronicles is a game that eschews narrative flexibility in favor of a more rigid framework. Its framing as a historical account in the distant future makes this abundantly clear: events are not resolved with ease; instead, trauma begets trauma in an endless cycle of battle and consequence.

This might sound bleak, but it's precisely this moral clarity that suffuses writer Yasumi Matsuno's gripping tale of inequality, division, and the power struggles of the elite. Matsuno himself has described Final Fantasy Tactics as a work of "class struggle," and it's hard to deny that the game feels even more resonant in today's world.

Ramza offers a powerful model for resistance, one that is both principled and uncompromising. He seeks to do what is right, no matter the cost, and his reward is to be branded a heretic by those in power. In an era marked by protests against monarchies and the erosion of civil liberties, Ramza's story feels like a clarion call – a reminder that opposition must always be principled, even when it seems futile.

Ultimately, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a game that will continue to resonate in today's world. It is a testament to Yasumi Matsuno's skill as a storyteller and the enduring power of its themes. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and experience this classic for yourself – but be warned: once you enter the world of Ivalice, there's no turning back.
 
I'm telling ya, 2025 is crazy! Remasters like Final Fantasy Tactics are just what we need to bring back some good ol' fashioned storytelling in games 🤯. This one's got it all: complex characters, morally ambiguous themes, and turn-based combat that'll keep you on the edge of your seat 😅. The way Ramza navigates this treacherous world is super relatable, especially with the rise of fascism and inequality in our current climate. It's like looking into a mirror 📺. And don't even get me started on the voice acting – it's spot on! I can almost feel the venom on that royalist's face 😂. The game's rigid framework is actually kinda refreshing, gives you no room for excuses when it comes to moral ambiguity. It's like Yasumi Matsuno just laid it all out there and said "listen up!" 📢. Anyway, if you haven't played this one yet, what are you waiting for? Get ready to enter the world of Ivalice... but be warned: once you're in, it can be a real emotional rollercoaster 😳!
 
the way they're bringing out final fantasy tactics again is so sick 🤯 i remember playing it on my ps1 as a kid and being hooked from the get go 📚 the story is so deep and complex, it feels like you're really experiencing everything ramza goes through 💥 and the combat system is insane, i mean who doesn't love switching up their characters' jobs all the time? 🔄 but what really gets me is how it still holds up today, especially with this whole fascism thing going on in the world 🌎 it's like yasumi matsuno knew exactly what he was doing when he created ramza and his crew 🙏
 
👀 The game is like so deep man... I mean, Ramza's story is really relatable to what's happening in the world right now 🤯. It's like, he's fighting against this oppressive system and trying to do what's right, even if it means going against the status quo 💪. And the way the game portrays the consequences of war and trauma is so vividly portrayed... it's like you're right there on the battlefield with him 🌊.

But yeah, I think one thing that sets this game apart from other final fantasy games is its combat system... it's so customizable and strategic 🤔. And the levels, oh man... they're like a work of art 🎨. But what really gets me is how the game tackles themes of class struggle and power struggles... it's like, Yasumi Matsuno really knew how to write a compelling narrative 💡.

I think people should play this game just because it's so thought-provoking 🤯. It's not just about some epic quest; it's about the human condition and what it means to stand up for what you believe in 💥.
 
omg i just finished playing ff tactics for the first time and i'm still reeling from the experience 😲 it's crazy how relevant the themes are even 20 years later - like yeah we're still dealing with inequality and power struggles in today's world... it's so hauntingly familiar 👎 what i love about ramza's character is that he's not a typical hero, you know? he's got his own motivations and flaws, making him way more human 🤖 the combat system is also insane, i spent hours just mastering my job classes 📚 and the level design is so cool, it feels like a living chess game 🎲 i'm definitely going to replay this one again, but after experiencing how intense it is on my first playthrough 😅
 
this game is like nothing i've ever played before, the way it makes you think about power struggles and social inequality is really messed up in a good way lol i mean, the main dude ramza is like the ultimate hero but he's also super flawed and you get to see him struggle with his own morality which is wild. and that combat system tho, its so cool how you can customize each character's job and it makes battles feel super tactical
 
🤯 I mean, can we talk about how relevant FF Tactics is right now? Like, the commentary on power struggles and inequality feels eerily familiar 📺. It's not just a medieval setting; it's a warning about the dangers of unchecked authority 👑. And let's be real, Ramza's story is basically a modern-day call to action for those fighting against systemic oppression 🚫. The game may have come out in 2000, but its themes are still super timely ⏰. Give it a try if you haven't already; trust me, you won't regret it 💯
 
🤔 I was just thinking about trying out this new coffee shop downtown that serves really good cold brew... have you guys tried it? 🍵 It's got a sick atmosphere and the baristas are super friendly. Reminds me of that one anime show where the main character goes to this trendy cafe and gets involved in all sorts of shenanigans... anyway, back to the game... I'm not sure about the whole "remastered" thing, don't want to be spoiled if you haven't played it yet... but seriously, have you seen any good shows or movies lately?
 
I'm surprised they're remastering this old game now, like they're trying to cash in on its "timely" themes 🤑. Newsflash: it's not like anything has changed since then. The whole "rise of fascism" thing is just a rehashing of the same tired tropes we've seen for decades. And don't even get me started on the melodrama – all that over-the-top Shakespearean dialogue and angst-ridden nobles 🙄.

But hey, if you're into that sorta thing, I guess it's still got its fans 💯. The combat system is pretty cool, I'll give them that. But let's not forget, it's just a game 😐. And the narrative? More like a dated warning about the dangers of revolution 🚫. Give me a break.

What really gets my goat is how they're trying to pass this off as some sort of "class struggle" commentary 💸. Please, it's just a simplistic tale of good vs evil with a fancy historical veneer 🤪. And don't even get me started on Ramza being some kind of hero who's always right 🙄. Give me a break.

I mean, if you're into this sorta thing, go ahead and play it. But don't come crying to me when you realize it's just another old game with outdated themes 💔.
 
man this game is so deep 🤯 i mean ramza is like the ultimate anti-hero, always trying to do what's right even when it seems impossible. and the way they portrayed fascism in the game is super realistic, it's not just some generic "evil empire" vibe. the combat system is also insane, love how you can customize your characters' jobs to fit any playstyle 💥
 
omg i just played thru this game again after like 10 years and it still gives me chills 🤯 the combat system is so sick its like a beautiful symphony of buttons 🎹 but seriously the writing in this game is insane i mean yasumi matsuno is a genius how he makes you feel like your playing through history while also being totally invested in ramza's story ❤️ the themes of class struggle and resistance are so relevant today its like they knew what was coming 🌪️
 
I'm not gonna lie, this remastered version of Final Fantasy Tactics looks like it's still got some issues 🤔. The game's plot might feel timely now, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a bit heavy-handed back in the day. All those Shakespearean monologues and melodramatic scenes can come off as cheesy if you're not careful 😒. And don't even get me started on how predictable some of the character developments are – Ramza's whole "awakening" thing has been done before, trust me 🙄.

But hey, I guess the game's combat system is still pretty solid 👊. That turn-based stuff can be a blast to play, especially with all the customization options available. And those levels? Yeah, they're some of the most beautifully designed in any game 🎨. But let's not get too carried away – it's still just a game, after all 😏.

What really gets me, though, is how the game frames itself as some kind of "historical account" from the future 🕰️. It's like they're trying to make everything feel more serious and profound than it actually is. And that message about class struggle? Yeah, we've heard it all before, folks 👊. Still, I guess it's better than playing some mindless action game every once in a while 🤷‍♂️.
 
I'm still thinking about how Final Fantasy Tactics is like, totally relevant to what's going on in the world right now 🤔. I mean, it's not just some old game with outdated politics, it's actually exploring real issues like fascism and class struggle. And Ramza, dude, he's like the ultimate symbol of resistance 💪.

I was reading this one thread where someone was saying that Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII is basically a hero for the common people, but I'm like, nope 🚫. Ramza might be more nuanced than we think. He's not just fighting against an evil corporation; he's fighting against a system that oppresses its own people.

And can we talk about how great the game's combat system is? It's so much fun to play and customize your characters, but at the same time, it's also really intense because you know that each battle could be your last 💀.

But what I love most about Final Fantasy Tactics is how it makes you think about morality. Ramza isn't just a hero; he's also flawed and makes tough choices. It's like, okay, maybe we can't always be right or wrong; sometimes we have to make sacrifices that hurt us.

I think this game would be a great watch for anyone who's interested in politics and history 📚. It's not preachy or anything, but it just makes you think about the world in a different way. And who knows, maybe Ramza will inspire some people to stand up against injustice 💥.
 
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