The merits of Final Fantasy Tactics

[StriderKyo]

Trying to sidestep flame wars and general foolishness...

Great, intricate, awkwardly translated plot. Draws alot from English history, and the part where you actually got read that entire book was great.

Music - the all-synth soundtrack doesn't have the same impact as when the game first hit, but you can't knock the composition. Love that intro, too.

The job system's intricacies are great, and where the game derives its depth. There was a ton of work put into this, and the ability to completely customize your party is awesome.

Battle system - Totally wack. Maybe it would seem okay if you've never played Vandal Hearts, but unfortunately (for this game) I have, and it's battle system demolishes FFT's. Positioning plays no part, aside from determining whether someone's in range of an attack. Marching in formation has no effect whatsoever. In other words, this tactics game pretty much has no tactics beyond what any other rpg offers (ie., balancing healing/attacks and their timing).

It's the battle system that hobbles the game and keeps me from thinking this is an all-time great title, this being a "strategy" game and all. Even as a straight-ahead rpg, there's better on the system. But the story, music and job system still make it worthwhile. Any sane thoughts?

[xS]

The importance of strategy depends on how much you've levelled up.Most people just try to goto level 99 and just hack and slash their way through the game. Try playing the game with a weaker party.

[Green]

I liked Vandal Hearts better. FFT is a wonderful game, though. The story lost me, and alot of the level upping and hunts felt like a chore. I attempted to get Cloud up to par, but that would be insane. The music, art, and in-depth gameplay make worthwhile, if you're up to it.

[rezo]

I'm not much for the actual strategy in FFT. I did not spend my time levelling my people up(its annoying). At most I attempted to stay on par with the story enemies. but the battles were overly simple. the
The "tough" battles seemed to rely on gimmicks.
areas were often too small as well. Its pretty much, get a good opening, and continue. Nothing goes into setting up that opening. Considering the engine is so similar to Tactics Ogre, its a wonder that I don't have these same problems with that game.

I played it before Vandal Hearts. Vandal Hearts has the best scenario direction I've seen in any SLG.

hey. take the scenario style of Vandal Hearts, area warping of Kartia, active character system of Battle Robot Retsuden(Hoshigami sounded similar, but I haven't played it), unit work of Langrisser,
in a game where you can't really get around your units dying(geneuinely dying, or simply being removed from the current fight), and you'll have something great. Not sure if it should be
active time by character, or if you should have teh whole team go at once.

But the story, music and job system still make it worthwhile. Any sane thoughts?

pretty much. play it to see what all the abilities are. thats how I look at it. Its like playing a really easy "beat-them-all" that has a
a large move list at your disposal.

[Hero]

well, I still play and love my FFT. I haven't found Vandal Hearts yet, so...

As far as Tactics goes, I think the story and music do the most for me, but the job system, graphics, and fights do well too.

[zidane747]

That sounds good. I still have to get FFT, since I passed it up for Star Ocean(which I regret). I checked back at Software Etc. and both copies(used)were gone. I have no clue when they'll get another. For shame, I heard the game was great.

[Kidnemo]

Originally posted by StriderKyo
Battle system - Totally wack. Maybe it would seem okay if you've never played Vandal Hearts, but unfortunately (for this game) I have, and it's battle system demolishes FFT's. Positioning plays no part, aside from determining whether someone's in range of an attack. Marching in formation has no effect whatsoever. In other words, this tactics game pretty much has no tactics beyond what any other rpg offers (ie., balancing healing/attacks and their timing).

Incorrect.

Positioning plays a huge part in battles. When you get further in, many of the characters you fight block/counter any attack done onto them via the sides and especially the front.

Also, many of the special abilities (break/steal/etc) are way more difficult when using it on an enemies protected flank.

[Jay]

The game is as hard or as easy as you make it. If you want to just make life easier and level up endlessly, you'll win cheaply. If you want to experience it how it was meant to be played, you will not take the easy way out. You will use strategy, and you WILL analyze your positioning in an effort to maximize the damage done to your foes. By doing that simple thing right there, you can make the game easier.

[amerlop]

I am a huge FFT but I do admit that I am not overly impressed with the battle system. It is passable and, at times, challenging but thta's about it.

What makes the game for me is it's atmosphere and plot. It really felt like a religious experience to me. I trully felt that I was transported to another world. Add to that, It didn't really resemble any domestically released game that came before it.

If that means that FFT is more an "experience" than a "game", that's fine. Either way it was more than enjoyable.

btw, I didn\'t know that the soundtrack was entirely synthesized. I guess that gives us bedroom musicians some hope

[FirstBlood]

Shining Force 2 is better... but i still think FFT is a fantastic game...

sure... the story became somewhat garbled, mainly because of the awkward translation... but i think it came through in the end

i'd really like the pick up Vandal Hearts some day...