Final Fantasy Tactics is the definitive tRPG experience. FFT is a must play, but is the iOS version worth your time?

User Rating: 8 | Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions IOS
By subyman | Review Date:
Final Fantasy Tactics began as an experimental side step from the traditional JRPG combat system. A team lead by Hiroyuki Ito, the creator of the Active-Time Battle system in previous FF games, set out to create a game that kept the player in combat for longer periods of time and could develop story elements while in a battle. Hiroyuki achieved this by creating a large map, making the camera isometric overhead, and creating a grid system much like early table top games. Instead of battles being small encounters with only 3-5 enemies and only lasting a few minutes like in the previous FF games the new system allowed for enemies in the double digits, many player controlled characters, and battles that can last over an hour.

FFT was released to massive fan fair and critical acclaim for its innovative departure from traditional RPG elements. The game has since seen a few re-releases, most notably on the PSP. The game is now available for the first time on iOS.

Instead of focusing on what FFT is as a game, let's focus on this particular release. There are many resources out there to see what FFT is all about. The real question is: is it worth playing on iOS?

The Good

The old fixed camera rotation system on the PSP and PS versions was pretty cumbersome but it got the job done. The game was designed around the camera, so there aren't many situations where the player couldn't see relevant information. The iOS version takes it a step further by implementing zoom, pan, and rotate with double finger actions. This makes zipping around the battlefield very easy to do.

The iOS version brings with it all the fixes that have been implemented since the original game released. Remastered cut scenes and a smoother story arc are well needed improvements.

The touch controls are intuitive and easy to learn.

The Bad

Although touch controls would lend themselves to a tactical game, FFT is a full fledged videogame release, not a bite sized game, therefore it is hard to accurately touch the many commands needed. The deep menus can be somewhat hard to navigate on the small iPhone screen compared to the larger PSP screen or a TV.

While the graphics still hold up today because of their sprite and FF charm, the textures simply look more pixelated on the iOS version when compared to the PSP and PS1 release. Also contrast issues make the text hard to read at times.

The graphics engine didn't make an entirely smooth transition. There are times when the game stutters and slows down and the maps can look muddied or dark. This is not as bad on the iPhone 4, but older versions of the iPhone can get bogged down.

Should You Buy?

If you have never played FFT and are looking for a deeper RPG experience than can be had on most iPhone games AND you do not own a PS1 capable device or a PSP, then go for it. If you are a fan of FFT and have played it before, then there isn't anything here to make you re-buy the game. If you have a PS1 device or a PSP, pick it up for those instead. A used copy of FFT for the PS1 or a new copy of the PSP version can be had for around 10 dollars. 15.99 for the iOS version is a bit steep, but the game offers more than enough value if the iOS release is the only way you can play it.

NOTE: A lot of the issues are currently being considered by Square. Also, an iPad version is coming out, which has the potential to be the definitive version of this game.

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