During Sony’s latest PlayStation State of Play broadcast, Square Enix finally lifted the curtain on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a modern reimagining of the beloved tactical RPG first released in 1997. The reveal took many fans by surprise and was easily one of the standout moments of the event. Scheduled to launch on September 30, 2025, the game will be available for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, with pre-orders already opening later today.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Cover

Final Fantasy Tactics: Classic Meets Modern

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a turn-based tactical RPG set in the rich, political world of Ivalice. Players command a squad of units on grid-based battlefields, combining deep strategy, job-based character customization, and an epic storyline that explores themes of war, betrayal, and class struggle.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles New Gameplay  

The new release comes in two distinct versions:

• Enhanced Edition: Features high-resolution visuals, reworked character models, improved animations, and newly recorded voice acting. Gameplay refinements are also being introduced to improve pacing and accessibility for modern audiences.
• Classic Edition: A faithful recreation of the original PlayStation game, maintaining its pixel-art graphics and retro systems. This mode is aimed squarely at returning fans who want the game exactly as they remember it.

Square Enix is positioning this release as both a nostalgic revival and a new entry point for first-time players interested in the legacy of Final Fantasy's strategy spin-offs.

What Was Shown in the Trailer

The trailer, revealed during the State of Play stream, delivered a balanced blend of old and new. It opened with nostalgic key art and scenes directly lifted from the original game, followed by side-by-side comparisons showcasing the improved visuals. Fans were treated to a glimpse of Ramza Beoulve in full voice, along with brief snippets of combat highlighting the enhanced tactical interface and updated spell effects.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Combat  

The job system was also briefly teased, with updated menus and animations confirming that classic roles like Knight, Black Mage, and Summoner will return in full force. The music, an orchestral arrangement of Hitoshi Sakimoto’s original score, played throughout and gave the trailer a dramatic emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles marks the return of one of the most influential tactical RPGs of all time. Square Enix’s dual-version approach shows an understanding of what longtime fans want, while also making the game more approachable for newer audiences. With the release date set for September 30, 2025, and pre-orders opening soon, this re-release could become a defining RPG moment of the year.