Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles Brings Back Cut Sound Novels in English for the First Time!
Remaster to include never-before-translated content, revamped visuals, and quality-of-life upgrades for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Fans of the Final Fantasy Tactics series have something major to celebrate—Square Enix has officially updated the game’s website and confirmed that the long-lost Sound Novels, which were cut from the original English release, will be making a comeback in Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles.
These immersive text-based stories will be unlockable by collecting specific books within the game. And for the first time ever, they’ll be fully localized into multiple languages, giving a global audience access to content that was once exclusive to Japanese players.
A Surprise Return of Sound Novels
The inclusion of Sound Novels is a welcome surprise, but it’s just one of many improvements coming to this remastered edition. Players can expect:
- Full voice acting for characters
- A modernized UI to improve user experience
- Enhanced graphics that stay true to the original style but look sharper than ever
- Several quality-of-life features to make the game more accessible, especially to newcomers
One standout addition is the “Squire” difficulty mode, designed for players who may be new to tactical RPGs. This mode eases the challenge while still preserving the depth and strategic elements that made the original a classic.
More Than Just a Game – Bonus Content for Hardcore Fans
Square Enix is going all-in with extra content and merchandise to please longtime fans of the series. Here’s what’s on the way:
- The Art of Final Fantasy Tactics: A premium artbook releasing in Japan on October 2 for 2,750 yen. It includes illustrations from the original 1997 game, War of the Lions (2007), and The Ivalice Chronicles. The book will also feature unreleased concept art, including unused job classes, maps, and character sketches.
- Final Fantasy Tactics Best Selection Vinyl Soundtrack: A special edition vinyl set arriving October 1 for 4,620 yen, complete with a stunning jacket illustration by Akihiko Yoshida. The set includes a 102-track MP3 album, featuring 31 never-before-heard tracks that didn’t make it into the original game.
Release Date and Platforms
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is set to launch on September 30, and will be available on:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 4 & 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Steam)
This remaster revives the legendary turn-based tactical RPG, known for its deep narrative of power, betrayal, and honor set in the medieval world of Ivalice. The story is told through the eyes of Ramza Beoulve, a noble-born soldier whose true legacy was hidden from history.
Final Thought
The return of the Sound Novels in The Ivalice Chronicles represents more than just added content—it’s a restoration of the game’s original vision and a celebration of the fans who never stopped asking for more. Square Enix’s effort to localize previously cut content, polish the visuals, and add modern accessibility shows real respect for both the legacy of the title and its passionate community. Whether you’re revisiting Ivalice or exploring it for the first time, this remaster might just be the definitive way to experience one of the greatest tactical RPGs ever made.
