Final Fantasy‘s next game isn’t even out yet, and I’m already thinking about how good a follow-up could be. While FF7 Remake Part 3 and the inevitable FF17 are still a ways away, we’re getting a remastered classic before either drops. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the next on the slate, and I’d love to see Square Enix spend a little more time in the tactics zone after its release.
I’m admittedly not as excited about the remaster itself as some fans. While Square Enix’s approach looks a lot better than some other Final Fantasy remasters, I’d still rather stick to playing the original PS1 disc on a CRT. That’s obviously not convenient for everyone, though, and even though I might not pick up The Ivalice Chronicles myself, it could still lead to greater things.
Ivalice Chronicles Could Lead To More FF Tactics
Let’s Keep This Momentum Up
Final Fantasy Tactics has had follow-ups before, with both Tactics Advance and Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift taking the premise to handheld systems. It’s never gotten a true sequel, though, and it’s been nearly two decades since the last proper installment (I’m not eager to count a 2013 mobile game that was shut down barely a year later).
In the meantime, other tactical fantasy RPGs have been major hits. The Fire Emblem series picked up more popularity than ever from Awakening onward, Unicorn Overlord received glowing reviews, and Square Enix’s own Triangle Strategy earned fans and acclaim. If Ivalice Chronicles finds an equally strong audience, developing a modern sequel would be in Square Enix’s obvious best interest.
New Tactics Games Might Be What Final Fantasy Needs
An Answer To The Franchise’s Struggles
A grid-based tactics game doesn’t require the same resources that a modern mainline Final Fantasy game would, and after struggling to meet sales expectations with Final Fantasy 16 and FF7 Rebirth, that could be just the ticket for the franchise. Square Enix’s HD-2D games are going strong, indicating a sustainable return on money and time when working in a smaller scale.
Final Fantasy has been struggling to find its identity in the modern era. Despite the critical acclaim for games like FF7 Rebirth, the industry-leading status that’s always been associated with the series continues to slip. It’s still a powerhouse IP, but it’s no longer consistently best-in-class.
A new Final Fantasy Tactics game would provide the opportunity to focus on a compelling story without worrying about open-world structure or blockbuster graphics. While Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles could very well be a one-off, I’m already hoping that Square Enix decides to follow it up with a long-overdue successor.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Systems
- Released
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September 30, 2025
- ESRB
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Teen / Fantasy Violence, Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Language, Drug Reference
- Developer(s)
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Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
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Square Enix
- Number of Players
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Single-player
- PC Release Date
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September 30, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
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September 30, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
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September 30, 2025
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
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September 30, 2025
