Preview of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion Wars
Posted October 9, 2007
Today marks the release date of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion Wars in the United States market -- the Japanese market saw the game earlier this year on May 10, 2007 and Europe a few days ago, October 5, 2007. "The Lion Wars" is a remake of the hit Sony PlayStation game Final Fantasy Tactics. It is a tactical strategy role-playing game (strat-RPG), and one of the best in the genre. For those who have been waiting to pick it up, now is your chance.
For the most part, the game play, look, and feel resemble the original version. There are a few noticeable differences, such as different names for jobs and skills. However, everything still seems the same -- the game's controls, AI, menu navigation, graphics & sounds, etc. Granted the PSP controls are not quite the same as the PS1/PS2 controller and using controlling the 3D camera view may not be as natural; it is not exactly a challenge to pick up on.
The biggest difference is the cut scenes; developer Square Enix has added numerous cell-shaded CGI cut scenes to give the story a livelier feeling. The game also has a few new characters, two new job classes, and a few changes in storyline/characters. However, these changes are generally minor (beyond getting a couple new character classes). Fans of the original game will genuinely appreciate the intriguing storyline and addicted game play. Something else that is new is wireless play. Gamers have the chance to face their friends in battle or work together in cooperative play.
Regardless, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion Wars is a game that is destined to succeed. It captures all of the fun of the original game and still produces a challenging and addictive gaming experience (even for someone who has played through the original multiple times.) This game is clearly one worth double-dipping.
Here are some screen shots from the game:
For the most part, the game play, look, and feel resemble the original version. There are a few noticeable differences, such as different names for jobs and skills. However, everything still seems the same -- the game's controls, AI, menu navigation, graphics & sounds, etc. Granted the PSP controls are not quite the same as the PS1/PS2 controller and using controlling the 3D camera view may not be as natural; it is not exactly a challenge to pick up on.
The biggest difference is the cut scenes; developer Square Enix has added numerous cell-shaded CGI cut scenes to give the story a livelier feeling. The game also has a few new characters, two new job classes, and a few changes in storyline/characters. However, these changes are generally minor (beyond getting a couple new character classes). Fans of the original game will genuinely appreciate the intriguing storyline and addicted game play. Something else that is new is wireless play. Gamers have the chance to face their friends in battle or work together in cooperative play.
Regardless, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion Wars is a game that is destined to succeed. It captures all of the fun of the original game and still produces a challenging and addictive gaming experience (even for someone who has played through the original multiple times.) This game is clearly one worth double-dipping.
Here are some screen shots from the game:
