Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical role-playing video game for the Sony PlayStation, which combines thematic elements of the Final Fantasy system with an original game
engine style. This game uses a completely different battle system than the other games, comparable to a game of chess in many ways. This game was Squaresoft's
answer to Quest's
successful Ogre Battle series, which is similar both in concept as
well as plot to Final Fantasy Tactics. This was due to the core members behind the Ogre series, including director
Yasumi Matsuno, character deseginer Akihiko Yoshida, art director Hiroshi
Minagawa and composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, moving from Quest to Square.
In stark contrast to the other PSX Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy Tactics used a 3D, isometric,
rotatable playing field, with bitmap sprite
characters (the exact opposite approach taken with Final Fantasy
VII).
Plot
The plot revolves around Ramza Beoulve, the youngest son of an aristocratic nobleman, and his best friend Delita Hyral, who
was taken in at a very young age by Ramza's family. Ramza and Delita are caught in the turmoil of the Lion War, a power struggle between two rival princes for control of the kingdom of Ivalice. Ramza must
choose between his conscience and his duty, while Delita must come to grips with his family's lack of nobility, despite his
upbringing by the Beoulves.
Characters
- Ramza Beoulve A son of nobles, Ramza is the hero of FF Tactics. His absolute inability to abide wrongdoing
leads to a long and arduous quest to discover the truth and right the wrongs in Ivalice. He gets along very well with his sister
Alma (whom he continually has to rescue from those who wish to use her) but not as well with his other two brothers, Zalbag and
Dycedarg (who were from different mothers). At first he believes that he's fighting to clear the Beoulve name from the horrors
Dycedarg has caused it, but later, a conversation with Rafa opens his eyes to his true nature - his kindness.
- Delita Hyral, although ultimately an idealistically honorable man (who thinks of himself as the people's "hero"),
holds of the unfortunate maxim of "the ends justify the means". After his sister's death because of a manipulative plot, he vows
never to be manipulated again, but instead to manipulate others. His manipulations lead to his eventual rulership of Ivalice,
while he lets everyone else deke it out. He uses Ovelia for his purposes, but actually falls in love with her while he's doing
it. Although his goals coincide with those of Goltana and the Church at points, he always plans on double-crossing them. He
intends on letting Ramza and his friends live so that they can destroy the Church's new Zodiac Braves and allow Delita to become
king himself. Delita was born to poor farmers on the Beoulve land. Balbanes adopted him and his sister Teta, and they became fast
friends with Ramza and Alma. While growing up, Delita attended the Gariland Military Academy with Ramza. He followed Ramza
through the rescue of Algus, the kidnapping of Teta, and the decisive battle at Fort Zeakden, where Algus kills Teta. Delita
kills Algus, but Golagros (Teta's kidnapper) ignites the ammunition inside Fort Zeakden. Teta shields Delita with her body,
saving him. Delita's plan begins to form. He rises in rank in the Nanten Black Sheep Knights and then switches sides (after an
assassin group called the Ryomoku destroy the Black Sheep Knights, including their leader, Baron Grims) and joins the Hokuten
again to go undercover during Larg's scheme. Throughout all this, he's in contact with the Murond Glabados Church, vowing
allegiance to their scheme to dethrone BOTH Larg and Goltana. He's sent to kidnap Ovelia for Larg, but instead takes her for
Goltana. However, after a fight with some Nanten Knights, he leaves Ovelia in Ramza's charge.
- Princess Ovelia Although her real identity is shrouded in mystery, Ovelia acts every inch the princess. She's brave in
the face of adversity, but her courage is offset by her weakness and people are always taking advantage of her (especially
Delita, without even realizing it). The real Ovelia is the sister of King Omdolia; the current Ovelia was adopted by Omdolia.
Whether the two are the same is a matter of doubt, but we'll assume they were. However, she's not Omdolia's real daughter; that's
for certain. After Ovelia's adoption, she was taken to Orbonne Monastery, under the auspices of Simon Pen Rakshu. Her bodyguard
is Agrias and her two knights Lavian, and Alicia. (Before going to Orbonne, she was in a different monastery where she made fast
friends with Alma.) Gafgarion is also hired by Larg to protect her. However, a kidnapping scheme perpetrated by Larg and her
stepmother/sister-in-law Ruvelia has the Hokuten Knights, posing as the Nanten, kidnap her. Delita takes her from them, intending
to take her to Zeltennia Castle, but decides to leave her with Ramza and Agrias for the time being. Ovelia and Ramza head to
Lionel Castle, where she assumes Cardinal Draclau will protect her.
- Alma Beoulve is a very brave and kind-hearted girl, who's much closer to Ramza (her full brother) than her other
half-brothers. She fights when she can, but Ramza constantly has to rescue her: she is the only eligible body for St. Ajora and
Altima, the Bloody Angel; she is the cornerstone of the Lucavi plan. Alma attended the Igros Aristocratic School with Teta. After
the coup at Fort Zeakden when Ramza disappeared, she was at a monastery where she befriended Princess Ovelia. Later, she lived in
Lesalia Imperial Capital with her brother Zalbag. She met Ramza there and accompanied him to Orbonne Monastery (she wished to
know the truth about the Holy Stones, and Ramza being a heretic would find it hard to enter the monastery alone). There, she is
kidnapped by Izlude and taken to Riovanes Castle. When Vormav goes on a murderous rampage in the castle, she finds Izlude
wounded; Izlude gives her his Pisces Holy Stone. Ramza tries to save her, but she is again kidnapped by Vormav; she is taken to
Murond Holy Place. When Vormav finds the true location of Murond Death City, she is taken there. Her body is at first taken over
by St. Ajora, but she somehow gets it back. After St. Ajora and Altima are defeated, Alma is buried by the Church, but history is
unsure whether she really died, or the burial was just a ruse.
- Dycedarg Beoulve is a man driven completely and incessantly by greed, Dycedarg is the only Beoulve who dishonors his
family name. He's sneaky, too, but isn't very good at tact. Definitely someone to stay away from. His goal is to become king;
first by killing his father, then Prince Larg. Dycedarg slowly poisoned his father Balbanes during the Fifty Year War in a
long-term goal to become king; after Balbanes dies, Dycedarg becomes the aide to Prince Larg; the two become inseperable.
Dycedarg goes along with all of Larg's plans, including the kidnapping of Princess Ovelia. He and Larg also wish to get rid of
the anti-aristocratic Death Corps. Dycedarg pays a Death Corps fencer named Gustav to kidnap Marquis Elmdor, in an excuse to wipe
out the Death Corps. However, Ramza (against Dycedarg's will) rescues the Marquis anyway. (Larg tells Dycedarg it doesn't
matter.) In an effort to redeem himself, Dycedarg sends Ramza to deal with the Death Corps hiding in the Thieves' Fort. During
that time, Golagros (a Death Corps member) tries to assassinate Dycedarg but fails, leading to Teta's kidnapping. Three months
later, Dycedarg hires Gafgarion to kidnap Ovelia and blame it on the Nanten. He tells Gafgarion to kill Ramza if he gets in the
way. Much later, during the coup on Fort Zeakden, Dycedarg is poisoned by the Mosfungus poison spread by Balk (but not badly). In
front of Zalbag, he kills Prince Larg, and tells Zalbag to put a knife in the hands of a dead Hokuten Knight, claiming that the
knight was a Nanten spy and killed Larg. However, the dying words of Larg, alluding to Dycedarg's killing Balbanes, sets Zalbag
wondering...
- Zalbag Beoulve is A noble and devout knight who refuses to hear any bad words about his brother Dycedarg... until
events point otherwise. When he finally sees the truth, he pursues it without heed. Zalbag, at Balbanes' behest, took over the
Hokuten Knights when Balbanes died. He meets Ramza, Delita, and Algus at Igros, and tells them that a spy following the Death
Corps was headed towards Dorter (little knowing what repercussions those few words would have). Later, Zalbag foils Golagros's
attempt on Dycedarg's life, but can't save Teta from him. By Dycedarg's order, Zalbag pursues Golagros to Fort Zeakden and tells
Algus to kill both Teta and Golagros. Ashamed, he then returns to Lesalia Imperial Capital. Many months later, he's visited by
Ramza, who tries to tell him of Dycedarg's treachery, but Zalbag refuses to listen. After the decisive battle at Bethla Garrison,
Zalbag finds both Dycedarg and Larg mildly poisoned. Dycedarg suddenly stabs Larg, and tells Zalbag to put the knife in the hands
of a dead Hokuten, claiming that the Hokuten was a Nanten spy and killed Larg. However, Larg's dying words, accusing Dycedarg of
killing his father Balbanes, shocks Zalbag and he resolves to find out more. He travels to Igros, meaning to find out more, but
ends up overhearing a conversation between Dycedarg and Rofel where Rofel gives several strong hints regarding Dycedarg's
poisoning Balbanes with Mosfungus. Zalbag decides to find out once and for all; he hires a chemist to go to Balbanes' grave. The
chemist confirms that Balbanes was killed by Mosfungus poisoning. Zalbag, in a righteous rage, heads back to Igros to confront
Dycedarg. He kills him, but Dycedarg turns into Adramelk and destroys Zalbag, not even leaving a body. Zalbag is later
resurrected against his will as a zombie, forced to fight Ramza in the basement of Murond Holy Place. He begs Ramza to kill him;
Ramza reluctantly complies, and Zalbag finally rests in peace.
- Prince Larg is Prince of Gallione, and supreme leader of Hokuten Knights. Larg is only slightly more honorable than
his enemy Goltana. He's a good deal more devious, hatching long-term plots and a long string of blames and red herrings. However,
as events prove, he's not shrewd enough. His link to the throne is through Queen Ruvelia, his sister, and her son Orinas. Because
of his flag, he's known as the White Lion. Larg's first entry into the Lion War is to commend Ramza for his work in rescuing
Marquis Elmdor (even though Dycedarg, his right-hand man, set the kidnapping up). Larg thinks Ramza may prove useful in the
future. Later, Larg is visited by Gelwan, an aide to Goltana who wishes to double-cross his master. Together with Queen Ruvelia,
they hatch the following plot: Larg is to hire Gafgarion's troupe to guard Ovelia, who is stationed in Orbonne Monastery; this
will prove Larg's intentions to protect her. At the same time, he is to send a cadre of Hokuten Knights, disguised as Nanten
Knights, to kidnap her. He knows that they'll lose to Gafgarion, but while they're fighting, Delita (a Hokuten, as far as Larg
knows) is to kidnap her. This way, Ovelia will be out of the way, and Goltana will be framed for the kidnapping. However, the
plan backfires when Delita turns out to be a Nanten, bent on taking Ovelia to Goltana. Larg tries to chase Ramza (the only other
one who knows of Larg's plot) and fails to catch him. He counts his losses and bides his time until the death of King Omdolia,
when he declares that Prince Orinas is the rightful heir. Since Orinas is only 3 at the time, he declares himself Orinas's
regent, which would put him in rule of Ivalice. However, Goltana simultaneously proclaims Ovelia as true ruler; the Lion War
begins. However, Gelwan's true actions are exposed by Delita, who demands that Ruvelia be captured and kept in Bethla Garrison
for her crimes against Ovelia. Larg's Hokuten eventually storms Bethla Garrison. However, they are paralyzed by an epidemic of
Mosfungus, spread by Balk of the Temple Knights. Larg himself is
poisoned, but not badly. However, Dycedarg takes advantage of Larg's state and stabs him, becoming the head of the White Lion
flag.
- Druksmald Goltana is the prince of Ivalice, supreme leader of Nanten Knights, and the leader of Zeltennia. Goltana is
a bit paranoid, not very moralistic, and wants to rule Ivalice by declaring Princess Ovelia as ruler and not letting her out of
Zeltennia. He is not as underhanded as his enemy Larg. Because of his flag, he's known as the Black Lion. Goltana was framed by
Larg for kidnapping Ovelia, but had his own ace up his sleeve: Delita, Larg's backup, was really working for Goltana. After
Draclau's death and Ovelia's arrival at Zeltennia, Delita exposes Gelwan's plot and demands that Goltana storm Lesalia and
capture Queen Ruvelia, who ordered the kidnapping of Ovelia. She is to be held in Bethla Garrison for her crimes. Goltana agrees.
During Ruvelia's capture, Larg insists that Prince Orinas is the ruler; Goltana retorts with his claim of Ovelia being the true
ruler, and the Lion War begins. Despite heavy losses for both sides, Goltana would rather raise taxes to ridiculous heights then
try for a peace treaty with Larg. During the battle at Bethla Garrison, Goltana hears reports of Orlandu (his most trusted aide
and leader of his Nanten Knights) plotting rebellion; he sentences him to death. (Orlandu escapes afterwards.) He appoints Delita
as head of the Nanten. At the same time, he knows of Delita's ties to the Murond Church and asks for a sanction of his claim. (He
knows that the Church poisoned the Hokuten and therefore they must be on Goltana's side.) After the battle, Goltana is
assassinated by Delita, who frames it on Orlandu (but he kills an impostor Orlandu so that the real Orlandu can be at
peace).
Gameplay
An example of the
isometric battlefields found in the game.
Gameplay in Final Fantasy Tactics differs from standard Final Fantasy fare in several key areas, the most
important of which is the battling system. Instead of a generic battle screen, with the player's men on one side, and the enemies
on the other, encounters take place on three-dimensional, isometric fields. On the battlefield, characters move about in a
grid-like pattern, the size of which is determined by the character's statistics and job class. Battle is turn-based, with a
unit's turn coming up when its CT (Charge Time) reaches 100. Charge time is increased once every Clock Tick (a measure of time in
FFT battles) by an amount equal to the unit's speed statistic. When CT reaches 100 or greater, the unit takes its turn. During
battle, whenever a unit performs an action successfully, it gains both EXP (Experience Points) and JP (Job Points).
The battles themselves also require a greater use of strategic planning in order to emerge victorious. Rushing headlong into
combat may quickly result in defeat. Many different factors can determine the outcome of the battle. Certain magical attacks
cause splash damage. Many of the more powerful magical attacks require
several turns of charging, and compensation must be made, lest the enemeis move out of the path of fire. Certain attacks, such as
archer attacks, become much more effective on higher terrain. Move a unit too far into the field alone and enemies may try to
surround it.
Another difference is the manner in which random battles are encounterd. As in other Final Fantasys, random battles
occur on the world map. However, in Final Fantasy Tactics, random battles only occur in pre-set locations, marked in green
on the world map. Passing over one of these spots may result in a random encounter. Movement on the worldmap is limited to a
number of pre-defined paths connecting the towns and battle points. The towns cannot be entered, rather, when over a town, a menu
can be opened with the options "Bar", for taking sidequest job offers, "Shop" for buying supplies, and "Soldier Office" for
recruiting new troops. The player has very little control outside of battle sequences, and this lack of freedom of often
discourages players new to the tactical-RPG genre.
Job classes
Much of the popularity of the game stemmed from its usage of most of the original character classes seen in earlier Final
Fantasys, including Summoners, Wizards (Black Mages), Priests (White Mages), Monks, Lancers (Dragoons), and Thieves. Proper usage of the Job Class system is essential to victory. In the beginning, every new recruit
starts out as either a squire or a chemist, the base classes for warrior and caster jobs, respectively. New jobs are unlocked by
leveling up in your current job class. When a set level is reached, new job classes are made available. In battle, JP (Job
Points) are rewarded for every successful action, such as attacking, or casting a spell. Accumulating enough JP results in a job
level up. JP are also used to "buy" new abilities within each job class. Once all of the abilities of a job class have been
learned, the class is said to be "Mastered", and a gold star appears by its listing.
Each job class has an innate skill that it can always use no matter what, such as "White Magic" for a priest, or "Basic Skill"
for a squire. Job skills from one class can be equipped to a character of another job class, leading to many combinations and
possibilities in character customization. There are a total of twenty job classes that can be accessed by normal characters in
Final Fantasy Tactics, which are listed below:
- Squire: Basic job for all warrior units. The starting point to becoming a fine warrior.
- Knight: Fine warriors, bold and brave, with etiquette. Uses 'Battle Skill' with the powerful knight's sword.
- Archer: Useful in preemptive attacks, the Archer is best utilized in high locations to extend arrow range.
Final Fantasy Tactics offers a wide selection of Job Classes.
- Monk: Monks are warriors who train their bodies in the ways of martial arts. Their battle ability 'Punch Art' drives
enemies away.
- Thief: Warriors who can steal anything from anyone. Their skill and boldness are legendary.
- Geomancer: Warrior who knows of good and bad luck, from the earth. Uses 'Elemental', which brings mysterious
geographical powers.
- Lancer: Warrior 'Jumps' high and attacks enemies despite heavy arms and weapons. An expert with spears.
- Dancer: Warrior who dances in battle in charming costumes. Can 'Dance' and disturb enemies. Only female units may
become dancers.
- Chemist: Basic job for all caster units. The Chemist perscribes items to restore HP and treat abnormal status. Item
throw ability.
- Priest: The Priest controls holy magic by borrowing the power of the soul. Often uses recuperative and support magic,
i.e. 'White Magic.'
- Wizard: The Wizard controls the elements which make up this world. Uses offensive magic, i.e. 'Black Magic'.
- Oracle: The Oracle has control over elements of life itself, through the manipulation of Yin and Yang.
- Time Mage: The Time Mage controls time and space. This sorceror toys with the laws of the universe.
- Mediator: Warrior who fights battles by talking to the enemy. Uses clever 'Talk Skill.'
- Summoner: Warrior who can call illusionary monsters, spirits of the highest rank. Uses 'Summon Magic', a special
contract with the spirits.
- Bard: Warrior who uses his voice as a weapon. Can 'Sing' songs that protect allies. Only male units may become
bards.
- Samurai: Foreign warrior who strengthens their soul by improving swordsmanship. Uses skill that draws out the spirit
of the sword.
- Ninja: Combatant who hides as a means of battle. Can throw weapons at distant enemies. Can hold a weapon in each
hand.
- Calculator: Scholarly warrior who creates phenomenon through math. Uses 'Math Skill' to drive away the target.
- Mime: Warrior who can 'Mimic' others. When an ally takes action, he mimics it.
Other information
Beyond this, the game includes references to several specific characters, places and situations from earlier games - you can
get FFVII's Cloud Strife as a playable character, for example, and
through the "Proposition" system in bars scattered around the world map, you can locate treasures and lost areas such as "Matoya
Cave" (a reference to FFI) and various colors of Materia (from FFVII).
The U.S. release of the game was fraught with several indications of a rushed import job. The translation seems to be quite
rough and is nearly unintelligible in some places, rendering an already intricately plotted storyline even more cryptic. Names of
characters and locations are often spelled more than one way ("Omdolia" vs. "Omdoria", "Murond" vs. "Mulondo"). Several
historical and mythological references are reduced to gibberish by translators: for instance, the Norse World Tree, Yggdrasil, makes an appearance as Yugodorasil; the word "breath" is consistently rendered
as "bracelet" in attack names; and the idealistic yet deluded antihero Wiegraf is actually named for Wiglaf, a character in Beowulf, to name a few.
Final Fantasy Tactics was notorious for being one of the rarest, priciest, and most sought-after PSX games in
existence, until it was re-released under Sony's "Greatest Hits" label in 2001.
In 2003, Squaresoft (now Square Enix) released Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the
Nintendo Game Boy
Advance. The game setting and engine are similar to the ones of its predecessor, but the characters and plot are notably
different, because director, character designer and art director were busy working in the doings of Final Fantasy XII and could not get involved.
Final Fantasy Tactics logo
The upcoming Final Fantasy XII is also apparently set in the world of Ivalice (probably a Matsuno's reference to his
previous work), continuing the nascent trend begun with FFX-2 of placing games in previous games' settings. The developers have
made it clear that FFT characters will not be making an appearance in that game.
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