Let’s play Final Fantasy Tactics - which to play
I’ve been addicted to Final Fantasy Tactics lately. The game intrigued me way back in 1998 when it was originally released. The ‘Tactics’ series really captured my heart when its sequel was released for Gameboy Advance.
Years later the original reared its head once, no make that twice again. For many weeks I’ve been playing these two different versions. One version is an emulated version of the original Playstation title playable on either the PSP or Playstation 3, and the other is actually specifically made for the PSP.
After much deliberation, (very extended deliberation) I came to the conclusion that I enjoyed playing the emulated original.
My reasoning behind this is due to the slowdown that is present in the PSP version of the game. If you have played the original before, the drop to 30 frames per second is insanely noticeable.
It took me such a long time to decide which one I should play primarily basically because the PSP version does have a fantastically reworked script along with it being filled with a ton of beautiful new cut scenes. The acting, I might say… actually I am saying, is surprisingly good too.
The game is almost worth another play-through due to the better translation and new cinematics. I do warn you though, the slowdown will at times be hell. Simple battles are bearable, but add any magic attacks to the battle and you’ll find yourself tapping your foot every now and then. (Not because of the Bee Gees record you’re playing in the background either).
So, yeah, in a way both of the versions have their ups and downs. You will end up loving the story on one and being tolerable on the script of the other. It all comes down to gameplay I guess. In the end, it felt much more satisfying to have a fluid battle that lasted 10 minutes instead of thirty.
So, now, what’s more important to you — a better presentation and amazing script or fast and fluid gameplay?
