Summer of Retro Entry #7 - Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Developer Square Enix launched Final Fantasy Tactics Advance on the Game Boy Advance back in 2003. Acclaim from retro reviewers and fans were almost universal, and the title became an instant hit selling well above 1 million copies worldwide. While time has stood still for Square Enix' strategy roleplaying game, the genre and handhelds have evolved. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance today must be measured against top games like Disgaea and Jeanne d'Arc on PSP and Nintendo DS.

Faraway lands and strange adventures

In Final Fantasy Tactics Advance we follow the story of a group of children, that's pulled into the imaginary world of Ivalice. Here the children find themselves thrown into a warring nation, where they have no other choice that to pick up arms and try wrestle a place for themselves amongst Ivalice's many clans.

Tactics Advance is played on a world map, where you travel from town to town and pick up missions, battle other clans for turf while building your ultimate fighting force. Each battle is conducted in small arenas e.g. wildernesses, cities or mountains. Combat is turn based, and you control your soldiers, healers, magicians and so forth directly.

Command and I shall obey

As expected you can retro customize and tweak your army to your hearts desire. Weapons, armor and various items can be acquired in shops paid for by victor's spoils. Ability and skills can be picked to bring into the field, and you can evolve your party members in all manners of ways through the game's 'job' system.

The title handles very well - menus are generally well laid out and you're able to quickly and confidently command your troops. That said, I initially felt the user interface employed too many clicks to issue orders, a feeling that subsided after a handful of missions.

Enough... enough!

The campaign is comprised of more that 200 battles, so armchair generals will not feel cheated of content. Enemy AI is effective, so no engagements will be won without using your troops effectively and tactically sound. Add to that fact, that the rules of engagement changes for each encounter, then you've got the recipe for a 'just one more round before bed' addiction.

Graphics are diminutive yet detailed and beautiful; your troops are easily recognizable, battlefields gorgeous, while spells and attack animation look a bit old by today's standards. A fine sounding orchestral soundtrack accompanies what is barely acceptable combat noise.

One for the books

Despite technical advances on handhelds consoles - Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is very much still on top of its retro game. Square Enix' title is addictive, deep, detailed and overflows with content. Any players worth their mettle owe it to themselves to take a trip back to Ivalice on either the Game Boy Advance or DS.