Final Fantasy Tactics is a great game with a great plot, even though it is very difficult to understand sometimes. The battle style uses a new, unique form of the ATB battle system (the one used in Final Fantasy 3 and 7). In battle, you can (and need to) move around instead of remaining stationary. There are a variety of "Jobs" you can take, each being able to use certain attacks (i.e, Wizards can use Black Magic, Knights can break weapons and armor, etc.) For every action you recieve Exp. and JP (Job Points). JP can be used to "buy" more abilities in a certain profession (i.e., Wizards can "buy" Fire 2, Knights can "buy" Armor Break). The game is divided into four "Chapters." I suggest that you rent the game and play it for awhile before you consider buying it, though, because I have heard that some people like the game and some people hate it (this even applies to RPG fans).

The story takes place after a "50 Year War" in a kingdom known as Ivalice. In the end, both sides laid down their arms and called a truce. Even so, the strength of the people and the available resources became low, and the King died a year after the war. Also, Princess Ovelia was kidnapped, sparking a conflict between two families, Gallione and Zeltennia, ruled by Prince Larg and Prince Goltana respectivally.

Because the King's only heir was two years old, the law said that the guardian of the child would become King. Prince Larg, the Queen's older brother, was supposed to be legal guardian, but parliament instead declared Prince Goltana, the King's younger cousin, as guardian. This conflict started a war between Larg and Goltana, that would later be known as "The Lion War," because the crest of Larg is the White Lion, and the crest of Goltana is the Black Lion. Not everyone is with either Larg or Goltana, some are neutral, and even someone are following another a different plot...

It is stated in historical records that a young man by the name of Delita helped put a end to the war, and later became king. There is another person who played a vital part in ending the war, though, that is not mentioned in the history books. This young man is named Ramza.

Characters:

Note: It is hard to classify who the main characters are in this game, so I will use the two mentioned in the booklet.

• Ramza Beoulve - A soldier who was born to the noble family of Beoulve and served Larg for years. His two brothers head the military corps of Ivalice. After Ramza joined and graduated from the Gariland officer academy, he joined the protection team for Princess Ovelia. Unfortunately though, she was kidnapped. He searches for the Princess, and later gets marked as a heretic (someone with unorthidox beliefs) for defiance against them. He is a very good fighter and is best as either a Squire or a Knight. (Does anyone know for sure how to pronounce "Beoulve?")
• Delita Hyral - A friend of Ramza, born to the a family of horse breeders that served the Beoulve family. He graduated from the Gariland officer academy along with Ramza. He follows and helps Ramza in chapter one, and seemingly dies. Afterwards, though, Ramza notices him kidnapping Princess Ovelia. Delita seeks an end to The Lion War and vengence for the death of his sister. He is a strong character, but only in chapter one and a stage in chapter two is he in the party, even though the game focuses on him as well as Ramza (but not as much). His job is best as the one he comes as.

+ Great plot. Nice combo of polygons and pixels to make intresting graphics. Like Lufia 2, it uses speech balloons and thought bubbles instead of just text boxes. The game comes on only one CD. Unique, new battle system has you move around instead of standing in one spot. New and unique way of obtaining abilities by using JP. Using the "Brave Story" option on the menu lets you review certain plots and characters in the game. Game plot seemingly not as linear as FF7. 20 basic "Jobs" in the game (including Mime). You can warp in Cloud from FF7!

- Plot can be difficult at times to some people. Not as many CG sequences as FF7. Graphics can be disappointing to some people. Names can be confusing and difficult to pronounce (more than other games). Noticable loading time. It may seem like a ripoff of games like Ogre Battle to some people. To non-RPG players, it might be a VERY difficult game. Lack of traditional Final Fantasy music is disappointing. Sometimes it is difficult to see where a certain character is and where he/she can move to. The new battle system may seem confusing (especially the first time you fight the first battle). Battles may seem too long for some people.

What do I say? Rent it before you pay cash for it. Some people (like me) love it, while some people don't.