The idea of bringing a Final Fantasy Tactics remake or remaster to life has been a buzzworthy topic among fans for quite some time now. Speculation began as far back as the notable Nvidia GeForce Now leak in 2021. Since then, we’ve been treated to a mix of rumors and reported insider tips about whether Square Enix plans on reviving the PS1 classic. Despite these discussions, original creator Yasumi Matsuno has often cast doubt on such possibilities. Nonetheless, a modern take on Final Fantasy Tactics would likely be a hit with the community. As much as there’s excitement for updated features, many cherished aspects of the game deserve to remain untouched.
Imagining the direction a Final Fantasy Tactics remake or remaster might take isn’t a stretch, especially considering Square Enix’s knack for reimagining older gems. Their 2022 release, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, could serve as a blueprint for this potential project. The excitement largely comes from the potential for quality-of-life improvements, yet some argue that the game is already near perfect. If Square Enix is indeed working on revitalizing this beloved title for the current generation of gaming, fans hope they’ll judiciously balance updates with maintaining the heart of Matsuno’s original work.
What a Final Fantasy Tactics Remake Needs
An Update to Final Fantasy Tactics’ Visuals That Retains the Original’s Aesthetic
The first thing people might expect in a remake or remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics is a visual overhaul. However, Square Enix would need to handle this carefully, as the original execution—featuring 2D character sprites on 3D landscapes—holds up well even today. This unique charm is so integral to the game that even the subsequent Tactics Advance titles retained a similar look. A promising compromise might involve using the HD-2D visual style that Square Enix has employed in other projects, which could maintain the charm of Akihiko Yoshida’s character designs while enhancing their detail and the environments for modern platforms.
A Final Fantasy Tactics Remake Should Introduce New Jobs
Fans of Final Fantasy Tactics often praise its finely tuned tactical gameplay, so there’s little pressure to change much in a remake. However, introducing new jobs could add a fresh touch. The War of the Lions version offers precedent, as it included new roles while preserving the game’s balance. Additionally, incorporating cameos and jobs from more recent entries in the franchise would be exciting. Consider the addition of jobs like a "Dominant" that nods to Final Fantasy 16 or a "Prince" role inspired by Final Fantasy 15’s Noctis—these would be enthralling additions.
The Story, Music, Menus, and UI Should Remain Untouched in a Final Fantasy Tactics Remake
Certain elements of the original Final Fantasy Tactics should remain steadfast if a remake sees the light of day. The game’s narrative and soundtrack are among these, with Matsuno’s script possibly only needing a new translation, while the magnificent score by Hitoshi Sakimoto and Masaharu Iwata might just require a touch of remastering. Messing with the iconic menus and user interface would likely disappoint die-hard fans, so keeping these classic features from 1997 seems essential for maintaining the game’s nostalgic appeal.
