Mr.Deflok's Profile

Square Enix can be thanked for re-releasing one of the best games to grace the PlayStation on the PSP, while fixing virtually every issue and improving on things that were fine to begin with. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions adds a spot-on translation, beautiful cut scenes, acceptable multiplayer, and a few other crunchy bits to the already-classic Final Fantasy Tactics. If you're the type to skip everything past the introduction, let us get to the point: if you like strategy RPGs, you need to buy this game.

Through the world map, you'll follow pre-arranged paths between the civilized castles and towns of Ivalice. Advancing the plot requires heading to certain points to trigger key story battles, but cities offer the chance to send soldiers off on missions, buy new equipment, deal with poachers and recruit new soldiers. In between the civilized areas lie the various battle sites of the game, all of which have random encounters.

The core tactical gameplay is the real gem here, and its quality still shines 10 years after its first release. It's grinding, demanding gameplay that presumes a level of dedication and competence that many modern games don't have, and it's all the better for it. Buy it, set aside 30 to 80 hours (depending on your tolerance for leveling), and start looking forward to your train rides and plane flights once more.