Square Enix has just unveiled an intriguing interview featuring Kazutoyo Maehiro, the director behind Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. In this candid chat, Maehiro sheds light on the creative process that revitalized one of the most beloved tactical RPGs of all time. Notably, he addresses why the team chose to focus on the original Final Fantasy Tactics instead of the enhanced War of the Lions edition that debuted in 2007 on the PSP. Dive into the highlights from the interview below for some insightful revelations.
Why did you decide to focus on updating the original FINAL FANTASY TACTICS rather than the War of the Lions version?
The development team, including myself, didn't participate in the War of the Lions project. However, I believe it met player expectations at that time. Fast forward to nearly 30 years later, and we reflected on what we could do to present the essence of the original FINAL FANTASY TACTICS to a new generation of gamers.
This introspection led us to a clear decision: to honor the original experience and recreate it as faithfully as possible, maintaining its core charm.
Did you consider adding elements from FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: THE WAR OF THE LIONS like Balthier, Luso, and the Onion Knight and Dark Knight jobs?
We certainly weighed the possibility of introducing new jobs, abilities, and characters, including those from War of the Lions. Nonetheless, the original FINAL FANTASY TACTICS stands as a well-rounded game, both in design and narrative. Adding significant alterations could detract from the experience, potentially alienating both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
With this understanding, our primary goal became reviving FINAL FANTASY TACTICS while keeping its original spirit alive. We focused on the authentic characters and jobs, ensuring the gameplay experience resonated with both old fans and new players.
Our team is genuinely passionate about delivering an experience that remains true to the original. We’ve reimagined the visual and sound effects from the classic game, and I sincerely hope that longtime fans will appreciate this faithful homage as they embark on their journey once more.