Final Fantasy Tactics review

Final Fantasy Tactics is the best strategy game on the PS1 and the hardest to learn here. Square Enix's page for The Ivalice Chronicles sets out the story: after the Fifty Years' War, two dukes fight to rule for a child king, and Ramza of House Beoulve and his commoner friend Delita are pulled into the War of the Lions. Battles are turn-based on 3D maps, where terrain and turn order decide fights, and over 20 jobs with hundreds of abilities let you build your own party. A used PS1 disc lists at $56.99 at DKOldies before sales. Emulator and PC players have a strong legal choice: The Ivalice Chronicles, released September 30, 2025, includes a classic version that pairs the original 1997 graphics and gameplay with the War of the Lions translation, plus an enhanced version with an easier Squire difficulty. The original's learning curve is real, so it ranks below easier games despite its depth.

Who it is for

Strategy fans who want deep turn-based battles and a political story.

Price

Used PS1 disc from $56.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $56.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Story of Ramza of House Beoulve and his companion Delita during the War of the Lions
• Turn-based battles on 3D battlefields where terrain and turn order matter
• Over 20 jobs, including white mage, black mage and dragoon
• Hundreds of abilities that carry over when you change jobs
• Re-release includes a classic version with the original 1997 graphics and gameplay

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The deepest battle system on the list
• Strength: Square Enix's 2025 re-release keeps a classic mode for purists
• Strength: Re-release adds an easier Squire difficulty for new players
• Weakness: Steep learning curve on the original PS1 version
• Weakness: $56.99 used before sales
• Weakness: Political story with many names takes attention to follow

Key facts

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Original version: 1997
• Jobs: Over 20
• Main characters: Ramza and Delita
• Re-release date: September 30, 2025

Where it ranks

Final Fantasy Tactics is No. 7 in our Best PS1 Games of All Time verdict.