Why Is Final Fantasy Tactics Getting a Script Update?

Big news for classic RPG fans! The iconic Final Fantasy Tactics is getting a major remaster titled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, set to drop on September 30. Yasumi Matsuno, the original scriptwriter, recently shared some insights into these updates that have fans buzzing.

In a conversation with JPGames.de, Matsuno addressed recent trailers teasing “story adjustments” and “additional dialogue.” While fans speculated about changes influenced by modern sensibilities, he clarified that the updates are primarily about integrating voice acting, not altering the game’s core message. “The concept behind the development was to present everything that was so fun and interesting about the original 1997 PS1 game in an updated format,” he explained.

Matsuno emphasized a shift to a “listening-first” approach, enhancing how players experience the narrative. “It’s the difference between a novel and a play,” he stated, highlighting the need for readability versus performative dialogue. This means almost the entire script has been tweaked, focusing on how it sounds rather than just how it looks written down.

What’s New with the Remaster?

While Matsuno indicated there might be some minor changes reflecting his evolution as a writer, he reassured fans that the essence remains intact. “If my writing technique has improved, then that’s great,” he joked. “But if it’s just that I’ve gotten older and my sense of perception has grown dull, then I’m sorry.”

Players will have two versions to choose from in this remaster. The enhanced version brings fully voiced dialogue, a sleek updated UI, and various quality-of-life improvements—ideal for newcomers. The classic version, which merges the original 1997 graphics with the celebrated War of the Lions translation, allows veterans to relive the nostalgia with some handy features like auto-save.

Marketing director Francis Santos elaborated on these distinctions in a post on the PlayStation Blog. He noted that the enhanced version’s accessibility tweaks, particularly the “Squire” difficulty setting, make it a fantastic starting point for first-time players while staying true to the original experience for long-time fans.