Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster Adds New Game+, but War of the Lions Content Still Missing
The latest update to Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Tactics remaster introduces New Game+, sparking discussions among fans about its relevance and the potential it brings to the iconic turn-based strategy game. Released on June 17 as Update 1.5.0, the patch includes several UI improvements and adjustments for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. The most anticipated addition, however, is the New Game+ mode, which was absent from the original 1998 version of the game. This feature lets players carry over their units and inventory from a completed game into a new one, allowing them to level up their characters to Level 100.
Among the other changes in the update are features that improve gameplay clarity and efficiency. Players can now view a unit’s status effects at a glance, and there’s an option to instantly remove all gear from a unit — a useful tactic for luring enemy attacks toward a single character. A new Zodiac Compatibility function on the status screen reveals how well each unit works with others, shedding light on the game’s complex star sign mechanics that influence accuracy, damage, and health recovery.
The introduction of New Game+ has raised excitement among players, particularly regarding the possibility of obtaining multiple copies of the missable Genji equipment. These high-tier gear items are only available by stealing them from Marquis Ondore during the rooftop battle at Linberry Castle Keep in Chapter 4. The mode also allows players to recruit optional party members they might have missed in their first playthrough.
Despite the new feature, some fans are disappointed that New Game+ lacks new difficulty levels or level scaling, which could have provided more of a challenge for experienced players. Additionally, the absence of War of the Lions content — a version of Final Fantasy Tactics originally released on PSP in 2007 — continues to be a point of frustration. Fans are urging Square Enix to incorporate elements from this version, including playable characters like Balthier from Final Fantasy XII, additional job classes such as the Onion Knight, and extra story scenes.
Yasumi Matsuno, the director of the original Final Fantasy Tactics, recently shared on X that New Game+ was a feature he had requested from the start of the remaster project. He explained that the game’s many guest characters needed more opportunities to shine during a single playthrough. However, due to budget and resource constraints, the feature was initially postponed. Matsuno added that the remaster’s commercial success allowed developers to continue working on updates for the game.
Some critics argue that New Game+ may not be as impactful in its current form, given the lack of multiple endings or challenging secret bosses. Others, however, hope that Matsuno’s comments indicate that development on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles will continue, potentially leading to the addition of optional endgame content like a brand new dungeon.
