Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster to Feature Voice Acting

The script for Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster has been revised to better support voice acting. Discover the specific changes implemented by the development team and the reasoning behind launching two distinct editions of the game.

What’s New in the Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster

Script Overhaul for Voice Acting

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles will feature a reworked script specifically designed to incorporate voice acting. In a June 21 interview with JP Games, Yasumi Matsuno—the original scriptwriter, scenario writer, and editor—confirmed that while the core story remains unchanged, the script itself has undergone significant revisions.

Matsuno explained that the remaster aims to "present all the fun and compelling elements of the original 1997 PlayStation game in a refreshed format." Additionally, the script was fine-tuned to enhance both the reading and auditory experience for players.

He added, "This process led us to adjust nearly every line of the script. Essentially, we adopted a ‘listening-first’ philosophy to complement the newly implemented voice performances."

Matsuno humorously acknowledged that some adjustments might reflect his own evolving perspective over time. He remarked, "You might notice subtle phrasing differences in certain lines as a result. If my writing has improved, that’s wonderful. But if it’s just a sign of my advancing age and duller senses, then I apologize."

Introducing Final Fantasy Tactics to a New Generation

The upcoming FF Tactics Remaster will offer two editions: a Classic version that stays true to the original and an Extended version with enhanced visuals and gameplay refinements. Fans have questioned why the game didn’t receive a full HD-2D graphical overhaul like other Square Enix remasters, such as Dragon Quest and Live A Live.

In a follow-up JP Games interview on June 22, Director Kazutoyo Maehiro and Art Director Hiroshi Minagawa clarified the decision to create two versions and their choice to forgo an HD-2D style.

Maehiro emphasized the team’s goal of introducing FF Tactics to a modern audience. He recognized that presenting the game exactly as it was thirty years ago wouldn’t resonate with today’s players, which motivated the creation of an "Enhanced version." At the same time, the team wanted to honor long-time fans by preserving the original experience through the "Classic version."

Maehiro elaborated, "Rebuilding the original game from scratch may not sound extraordinarily difficult, but for us, it essentially meant developing two games simultaneously. Considering factors like staffing and budget, it was a substantial undertaking. However, the driving force behind both versions was our desire to give back to the dedicated fans who have supported us all these years."

Minagawa shared that while 3D character models and detailed maps were considered, the team ultimately chose to preserve the original artistic assets. He explained, "As we revisited the original graphics data, we were once again impressed by how the original developers creatively worked within the technical limitations of their time."

He noted that their visual approach shares technical principles with HD-2D games, despite aesthetic differences. Minagawa stated, "The atmosphere differs from titles like OCTOPATH TRAVELER due to variations in color palette and sprite composition, but from a technical standpoint, the foundation is similar."

For nearly three decades, FF Tactics has held a special place in gamers' hearts. This new remaster, crafted to appeal to both veteran fans and newcomers, ensures the legacy of this beloved turn-based strategy title endures.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is scheduled for release on September 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC. For the latest updates and news about the game, explore our related article below!