Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

Square Enix strikes again with another addictive tactical RPG: Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift for the Nintendo DS!

For some tactical RPG fans, the Final Fantasy Tactics series is about as good as it gets. The complex job system, a multi-layered hex-based gameplay and compelling narratives have always been trademarks of the series and the latest chapter, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, continues the fine tradition set forth by its predecessors. It's an excellent title and one that's sure to keep your DS glued to your hands for a long time to come.

Neverending Story

Grimoire's interesting if somewhat clich?d narrative centers on a mischievous boy named Luso Clemens who finds himself thrust into the mysterious realm of Ivalice via a mystical book. Almost as soon as he arrives in this storybook world, Luso is taken in by the benevolent Gully Clan and in, typical Final Fantasy fashion, Luso gets embroiled in grand adventure. The narrative isn't particularly great but it serves as a nice backdrop for the game's true strength-the tactical battles.

Battles are very similar to past Tactics titles, utilizing a three-dimensional playing field and relatively simple turn-based combat. Judges make their triumphant return, laying down specific laws before each battle-they may forbid ice attacks in one battle and decide that ranged attacks do extra damage in another. In exchange, you get to choose one Privilege, a power up that grants you a bonus, such as increased speed or damage, for the duration of the battle. It should prove instantly familiar to anyone who's played a Tactics game before and even if you haven't you'll get the basics soon enough. Just be warned that the finer intricacities can take a long time to master.

Happy As A Clan

Grimoire also features the extraordinary Clan dynamic through which you'll guide Luso and his cohorts through various quests and missions. It's extremely deep and very customizable-it really feels as if you are training a functional army and I really have to applaud Square Enix for the level of freedom that they instill in the player. And talk about deep-with nearly 400 missions available, you'll have plenty to do during your time in Ivalice.

Of course, I did have a few issues with the game. I hated that I couldn't rotate or move the battlefield when planning my next strike, which really cut down on my strategic capabilities. Things also got problematic when the screen became overcrowded with units and scenery; the isometric view does a competent job of showing you the battlefield but the fixed perspective can lead to a lot of frustrations.

The Final Verdict

Okay, I admit that Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift isn't the best installment in the Tactics franchise. However, it's certainly an entertaining and lighthearted title that's worth your time, especially if you liked any of the previous installments. With its deep Clan system and 400 missions worth of downright addictive quests, I can't help but recommend it.

PROS: Deeply customizable Clan system; entertaining and addictive turn-based battles
CONS: The story isn't that great; static battlefield camera hampers gameplay at times

Comments [26]

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DoubleUp

Man, the reviews for this are completely mixed, I can't decide if I should get this game....

greyscale

Honestly, DoubleUp -- if you like strategy games or Final Fantasy games in general, I'd definitely recommend picking up FFT A2 -- just don't expect a story nearly as deep as War of the Lions, and you'll be good :)

DoubleUp

greyscale Posted at: 06/25/08 at 12:13 AM PST Honestly, DoubleUp -- if you like strategy games or Final Fantasy games in general, I'd definitely recommend picking up FFT A2 -- just don't expect a story nearly as deep as War of the Lions, and you'll be good :)
Well I've never played any of the games in the Tactics series but I do like strategy games, so maybe I'll pick this up, thanks :)

AntiAmericanArmy

This looks lame... But all rpg's do... That is to me they all look lame. I'm board, and I want to go home on the range!

AntiAmericanArmy

don't think I have ever had a conversation here on gamepro.com. I always post so late that no one is on to comment back...

feanaro

Awesome. Definitely getting this. I have over 200 hours for my FFTA file, so with 400 missions instead of 300, this should take up even more. I'm a bit disappointed that you didn't talk about the stylus control, though.

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