Published on: August 31, 2025
Square Enix has unveiled the highly anticipated opening movie for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, giving longtime fans and newcomers alike a first glimpse into the enhanced strategy RPG's rich narrative and visuals.
Debuted today during a panel at PAX, the cinematic is now available to watch online, generating significant buzz ahead of the game's launch on both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 platforms.
The game is set for a global release on September 30, 2025—a landmark date for tactical RPG enthusiasts and followers of the Final Fantasy series.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles revisits the storied kingdom of Ivalice, a land imbued with the blessings of the gods and rife with political turmoil.
Set in the aftermath of the Fifty Years’ War and the untimely death of the king, the realm is thrown into a power struggle, with rival nobles Duke Goltanna and Duke Larg—known as the Black Lion and White Lion—vying for control as regent.
Against this dramatic backdrop, players follow the intertwined destinies of Ramza Beoulve, scion of a distinguished military house, and his friend Delita, a commoner raised amongst nobility, as they navigate the era's shifting allegiances and mounting conflict.
The gameplay in The Ivalice Chronicles stays true to the tactical foundation that defined the 1997 original, while introducing refined mechanics and quality-of-life improvements tailored for the Nintendo Switch family.
Players must strategically position their units on detailed 3D battlefields, utilizing environmental features and mastering the turn order to outmaneuver foes.
A hallmark of the series, the expansive job system returns, boasting over 20 unique classes, such as white mage, black mage, and dragoon, each with distinct skills.
Abilities learned in one job can be retained when switching to others, allowing for deep customization and strategic combinations.
Taming chocobos and other creatures for battle further diversifies party-building options.
This remastered edition elevates the experience with improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and an expanded feature set.
An easier "Squire" difficulty option has been introduced, making the game more accessible for first-time players or those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Meanwhile, longtime fans can enjoy the classic version, which fuses the art and feel of the original PlayStation release with the acclaimed War of the Lions script, offering a nostalgic yet refreshed way to relive the tale.
"This enhanced version of Final Fantasy Tactics provides the ideal entrance to Ivalice," a Square Enix spokesperson summarized during the PAX panel, highlighting the team's commitment to both newcomers and veterans.
The September 2025 release on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 ensures the tactical RPG will reach the series' broad audience and new players eager to experience one of gaming's most beloved stories.
For more news on Square Enix releases and Nintendo Switch updates, be sure to follow our coverage leading up to the Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 Final Fantasy Nintendo Switch Square Enix Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Enix Square Final Fantasy Tactics Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles The Ivalice Chronicles Ivalice Ivalice Chronicles War of the Lions Ramza Delita Goltanna Larg