bit-tech Shopping: Square Enix Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP)

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Excellent tactical gameplay, characters, deep + rich story

Weaknesses: bit of slowdown on PSP, but for a game like this who cares?

Summary: I remember when the original tactics came out for PS1; it was as if chess had suddenly taken on a full-fledged medieval/magical upgrade that actually made it interesting. The game showed all of the depth and intricacy that only the gurus at square (now square-enix) can give, full of unexpected twists and intrigue, betrayals and dissension. And the battles themselves played out in multi-various way where no two battles would ever play out in the same way twice; it was a welcome change from the somwhat meditatively repetetive battles of the regular FF franchise (not that there's anything wrong with summoning Ifrit for time No. 220,678). We all know this is not the first Tactics-type game (ogre battle Tactics is a precursor as well as others) but this game gave it a deftly produced quality of gaming experience that to my mind has yet to be equaled fully today. Overall: A classic in every sense of the word, worthy of the staus and an excellent gaming experience for anyone.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Graphics, gameplay

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a worthy PSP port of the original Final Fantasy Tactics on the Playstation. First, it's portable. Second, it is much improved with updated graphics, cut scenes and new content. Third, it has some nice extras thrown in such as bonus side quests where you can pick up hidden characters.FF Tactics PSP is essentially the same turn-based SRPG game with a job system. It is a fantastic update to a masterpiece. Whether you have the original FF Tactics or a new novice to the game, there are enough great contents to engage yourself in hours of fun.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Final Fantasy goodness, graphics, challenging

Weaknesses: might be too difficult, needs a lot of level grinding and patience

Summary: Just started in on this title and it seems to be a good follow up to the previous GBA FFT. This PSP version does pretty much everything better: better graphics, better (more difficult) battles/enemies, more weapons, etc. The only thing I?ve found that it?s much more difficult than the GBA version. In this version, you really can?t afford to make many mistakes early on. The enemies are well organized and weaponized so that if you run back to back battles and forget to heal your characters, they?re toast. If the difficulty is offputting to you, I?d recommend going a step down and trying the Fire Emblem series. Similar gameplay and you can choose your difficulty levels once you go through the game once.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4

Strengths: New and improved tactical game

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a new and improved port of the original Final Fantasy Tactics (for Playstation), now on the PSP system. It is a strategy turn-based RPG with a great job system. The main story lasts about 40 hours, and in additions there are side quests and challenges.Also improved is the more accurate translation of the game and new animated cut scenes.Final Fantasy Tactics is one of the best Final Fantasy games so far. It is entertaining and rewarding with the job system, and adds a lot of replay value.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 11

Strengths: Portable form, better translation this time, extras.

Weaknesses: Might be hard to understand the game for newcomers.

Summary: If you've played the original PS1 version, then you know what you're getting; one of the best Final Fantasy games produced thus far. If you're new to the series however, you may be wondering what the fuss is about. It's really hard to explain it in words in a mini-review, but you really should give it a shot if you have a PSP. The battle system might be a little complicated at first, but give it a little time and you'll have all the basics down before you know it!