Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Exclusive Q&A with the Producer and Director

[Exclusive Interview] Producer and Director of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

The legendary tactical RPG returns for a new era

Many players grew up with Final Fantasy Tactics on the original PlayStation. Now, the iconic tactical RPG is officially returning in a brand-new version called The Ivalice Chronicles for current-generation platforms. Recently, This Is Game SEA had the opportunity to speak with Kazutoyo Maehiro, the director, and Shoichi Matsuzawa, the producer, to discuss the project’s inspiration, creative challenges, and what fans can expect from this long-awaited revival.

The Beginning and Revisiting the Past
Q: What inspired the team to develop this project?

K: A few years ago, I replayed the original Final Fantasy Tactics and was impressed by how timeless its gameplay and story still felt, even after so many years. That made me wonder what it would be like if the game were developed for modern hardware. We also saw this as a great opportunity for many players to experience the game for the first time.

Q: The art style of the game is incredibly unique. Was it difficult to recreate the assets while keeping the original feel intact?

K: Personally, I didn’t think it was too difficult. It felt like we were breathing new life into the original artwork. Some people might think there are many ways to remake a game visually, like using HD-2D or full 3D graphics. At first, we considered those approaches too. But Final Fantasy Tactics has a very distinct identity, from its charming pixel art to its 3D battlefield environments. We wanted to emphasize that core identity as much as possible.

Voice Acting and Bringing Characters to Life
Q: This is the first time the game will feature character voice acting. How did the team approach imagining the characters’ voices?

K: It was quite challenging. The original game is almost 30 years old, and I believe each player already has their own imagined voice for each character. Casting was tough because we had to find actors that truly fit the roles. We worked closely with Yasumi Matsuno, the original writer, who helped us maintain a consistent image of the characters and make them feel authentic.

Q: Storytelling is a core part of Final Fantasy Tactics, and the Enhanced Mode adds new dialogue. How did the team ensure the new content remains consistent with the original?

K: Matsuno worked very closely with us. Much of the expansion is related to voice acting, as the original script wasn’t designed for spoken dialogue. We adjusted and rewrote lines to flow naturally when voiced. As a result, the dialogue now feels more emotional and multidimensional. We were very strict about making conversations sound natural and well-paced. The new script allows players to experience deeper character development and livelier interactions.

Q: Many of the voice actors are familiar faces from the Final Fantasy series. How did you approach casting for this project?

K: Yes, many of the English voice actors have previously worked on other Final Fantasy titles. They already had a sense of how to express the characters’ emotions. Honestly, we didn’t plan that intentionally — it was more of a coincidence that they fit the roles so well. For example, Ben Starr is one of them.

M: I’d like to add that during auditions, one key factor was the accent. Since The Ivalice Chronicles is set during a period of war, we focused on casting actors with a British accent rather than an American one to better match the tone and setting of the game.

Not a Remaster or a Remake — A Complete Reimagining
Q: Many players feel the game’s balance, especially with the Job system, is what makes it so strategic. How did the team approach rebalancing without losing the original experience?

K: The Classic Mode retains the same balance as the original game, so players can enjoy that traditional experience. For Enhanced Mode, we introduced three difficulty options, from easy to hard, to suit different play styles. Those who want to focus on the story can play on easier settings, while those seeking a more intense challenge can choose the hardcore option.

Q: Typically, remakes and remasters include added features. What was the team’s main objective when developing The Ivalice Chronicles?

K: Our main goal was to make the gameplay experience smoother and more accessible, improving quality-of-life elements without significantly changing the game’s structure. The original version was limited by the technology and hardware of its time. After 30 years, we wanted to prove that it could meet today’s standards without losing its essence.

Q: Whether it’s a simple remaster or a feature-heavy remake, both approaches are challenging. How did you ensure a balanced player experience with The Ivalice Chronicles?

K: Our core concept was to honor the original game as much as possible. We focused on enhancing replayability and improving quality-of-life features. At the same time, we knew many hardcore fans loved the original difficulty, so we created a Classic Mode inspired by that traditional experience.

Q: Many players noticed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version is sold as a physical box but doesn’t include a cartridge or even a Game Key Card. Why did the team choose a download code instead?

M: We know a large portion of the player base still uses the original Nintendo Switch, and we wanted to give them options. The initial boxed version comes with a cartridge that allows players to download a free patch and upgrade to the Switch 2 version. This way, players can buy the original version and upgrade later if they want to keep the physical box.

Q: Do you have a message for players eagerly waiting for the game?

M: Thank you all for your continued support. While the game may not be fully complete at this time (at the time of this interview), we are planning to add new language support for the Asian market in the future, so please stay tuned.

K: We want to support as many languages as possible so that players can fully understand and enjoy the game. Thank you very much for following and supporting us.

About Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
This long-awaited turn-based tactical RPG has been rebuilt with modern graphics, full voice acting, and brand-new items not found in the original. The story follows Ramza, the third son of a noble family serving the military, as he fights amid a political war in the kingdom of Ivalice. Players can customize characters, choose jobs, and strategize their way to victory.

The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It will be offered in both Standard and Deluxe Editions, with the latter including exclusive bonus items like special skins and weapons. Pre-orders are available now, and the official launch is set for September 30. Stay tuned to This Is Game SEA for more updates on this exciting revival.

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