“It Was An Era When Many Were Robbed Of Hope” – Why Final Fantasy Tactics Is More Relevant Than Ever

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In September, “Final Fantasy Tactics” makes its comeback – not merely as a revived classic, but as a poignant echo of the political and societal disenchantment that originally molded it, and which remains strikingly relevant today.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t contain my excitement as Square Enix has finally made it official! We’ve been eagerly waiting for “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles”, the much-anticipated remaster of the legendary tactical RPG, to hit our gaming platforms. Mark your calendars for September 30th because that’s when it’ll be available on PS4, PS5, and Steam!

There will be two options: a “classic” one that changes very little except for incorporating features such as autosave, and a more advanced version known as the “upgraded” edition, which includes voice acting, user interface improvements, and other modifications intended to give a fresh feel.

There will be two choices: a “classic” option that keeps most of its original features while adding modern amenities like autosave, and an “upgraded” version with voice acting, updated user interface, and other adjustments meant to provide a contemporary experience.

Born From A Broken Era

1997 saw the release of Final Fantasy Tactics, a period when Japan was grappling with severe economic hardships nationwide.

The bursting of the nation’s asset bubble caused a catastrophic downturn in its economy, marking the beginning of a period that has since been referred to as the “Lost Decade.

Multiple eras witnessed the postponement or relinquishment of people’s aspirations. Wages barely increased, businesses collapsed, employment stability disappeared, and a group of young adults were left stranded in a society that appeared indifferent towards them. This generation faced mental health struggles in great numbers.

For many generations, their dreams were put on hold or cast aside. Earnings remained flat, businesses shut down, job stability vanished, and a cohort of young individuals found themselves struggling to fit into a world that seemed to have lost interest in them. Rates of mental health issues soared.

It was against these difficult realities that Final Fantasy Tactics was written.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire Yasumi Matsuno, the mastermind behind our beloved game. With a background in foreign policy and economics reporting, Matsuno brought an exceptional level of political realism to the genre that feels incredibly authentic. Recently, when discussing the remastered version, he shared his thoughts:

“I’m thrilled to see this classic reborn, as it was always my intention to create a game that mirrored the complexities and nuances of real-world politics.”

Matsuno’s insights and dedication to detail truly set this game apart.

“Nearly 30 years ago, the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy engulfed the nation’s financial institutions in mountains of bad debt, triggering a wave of corporate bankruptcies, a sudden and extreme rise in unemployment rates, and stagnation of Japanese society as a whole. It was an era when many were robbed of hope, when dreams were measured by their price tag.

Against this historical backdrop, I crafted a story. It was the story of Ramza, a young man who fought tirelessly against the entrenched social class system. It was the story of Delita, who sought to take advantage of this confusion and despair to advance his own social position. It was a story of a peculiar destiny, in which friendship and betrayal intertwine. And now, in 2025 – a time when inequality and division are still deeply rooted in our society – I offer this story once again.

The will to resist is in your hands.”

In common parlance, a developer from Square Enix expressing “we hope you enjoy the game” is quite typical. But when Matsuno delivers a press release with a tone reminiscent of a rallying cry for revolution, that’s distinctly Matsuno-esque.

A Story About Power

The story unfolds around Ramza Beoulve, a young aristocrat, who unwittingly finds himself caught up in the Lion War, a fierce power struggle among contenders vying for the throne of Ivalice.

At first glance, it seems quite similar to other epic fantasy stories, even reminiscent of the world depicted in “Game of Thrones.

However, unlike other tales that focus on the intricate plots of monarchs and treacheries at court, Tactics centers around its aftermath: the hardships endured by the masses, the exploitation of faith, and the unyielding harshness of class.

Instead of emphasizing the allure of lineage or divine right for rulership, the game Tactics highlights that victories in warfare are frequently achieved more through manipulation than bravery.



Ramza persistently strives for justice in a realm that appears to systematically suppress altruism. On the other hand, Delita adjusts himself, skillfully maneuvering within the system to ascend and gain power.

It’s not surprising that modern gamers continue to refer to it as one of the finest political narratives in gaming. Even a player who isn’t fond of politics expressed appreciation for it, saying, “I don’t usually enjoy politics, but I absolutely loved this.

Why It Matters Now

The political situation Tactics was written in is not so different from our own.

Come 2025, youth globally are confronted with a familiar challenge: finding optimism amidst uncertainty. This new generation encounters the same volatile job markets, deepening social disparities, and ominous existential risks. The belief that change is attainable may sometimes seem unreachably distant.

In this climate, video games do more than entertain.

Some provide escapism – necessary and welcome in hard times.

In many games, political ideas have stealthily moved to the forefront. For instance, games such as Disco Elysium delve into topics like capitalism, identity, and revolution. Similarly, titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Last of Us Part II address themes of moral dilemmas and societal deterioration.

Games such as “Final Fantasy Tactics” pose thought-provoking questions for the players. They invite reflection on one’s current world and aspirations for a desired one, querying: “What sort of reality do you inhabit? What kind of reality would you like to construct?

Fortunately, the games aren’t solely about dismal endings. In “Final Fantasy Tactics,” change is indeed achievable! It lends a voice to individuals ensnared by historical events, demonstrating both the price and worthiness of striving for change.

Perhaps the reason why this game remains significant even after almost 30 years is not due to any fresh features or aesthetic upgrades, but rather… it’s because of its enduring value and impact.

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2025-06-09 17:10