Editor’s Review:

Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL is one of the most beloved tactical role-playing games ever made. Originally released on the PlayStation in 1997, it set the standard for grid-based strategy RPGs. Unlike traditional Final Fantasy games that focus on exploration, this title places you on battle maps where every move matters.

The story is deep and political, following Ramza Beoulve during a time of war and betrayal. It’s filled with twists, complex characters, and a level of maturity rarely seen in RPGs of its time. Fans often compare it to a medieval drama, complete with conspiracies, shifting alliances, and moral dilemmas.

The gameplay is equally impressive. Players build a party of characters, customize jobs, and fight battles on 3D grid-based maps. Every choice, from positioning a unit to selecting a job ability, can change the outcome of a fight. It’s punishing but rewarding, challenging you to think several steps ahead.

Over the years, the game has received ports and remakes, including the popular War of the Lions version for PSP and mobile. Even decades later, it remains a must-play for strategy fans. Its blend of storytelling and tactical gameplay ensures its place as a true classic.

How to Play?

Step 1: Build Your Party. At the start, you command Ramza and several generic soldiers. Each unit has a job class, such as Squire, Chemist, Knight, or Archer. As you win battles, units gain experience and Job Points (JP). JP unlocks new skills within a job and eventually allows you to switch to advanced jobs like Monk, Wizard, or Ninja. Customizing jobs is the heart of the game. You can mix abilities across jobs. For example, a Knight can learn White Magic from a Priest, or a Wizard can gain Monk martial arts skills. Experimenting leads to powerful combinations.

Step 2: Understand the Grid. Battles take place on grid-based maps. Each unit has movement points and action points. On your turn, you move your character, choose an action like attacking, casting a spell, or using an item. Terrain and height matter. Archers shoot farther from high ground. Melee fighters struggle if blocked by walls. Positioning is crucial for both offense and defense.

Step 3: Turn Order and Strategy. Turn order is determined by a unit’s Speed stat. Faster characters act more often. Planning around turn order is key. Sometimes it’s smarter to heal an ally before the enemy attacks rather than dealing damage immediately. Facing direction also matters. Attacks from behind deal more damage and are harder to dodge. Placing your characters wisely at the end of a turn can save them from big hits.

Step 4: Progression and Story Battles. The game progresses through story missions. After battles, you return to the world map to prepare. You can visit towns to buy weapons, armor, and items. Random encounters also occur, letting you grind for experience and JP. Boss fights and story battles can be very difficult if you don’t prepare. Leveling up and unlocking the right abilities is essential. Many players build balanced parties with healers, ranged attackers, and strong melee fighters.

Step 5: Win Battles. To win, you usually defeat all enemies on the map. Some missions require killing a specific boss unit. If Ramza, the main character, falls in battle and isn’t revived quickly, it’s game over. Careful planning is always required.