Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster Gets New Game+, but War of the Lions Content Still Absent

Square Enix's latest update for the Final Fantasy Tactics remaster introduces New Game+, sparking debate among fans about whether Ramza's story truly needs it and what fresh possibilities this could unlock for the beloved turn-based strategy game.

Update 1.5.0, released on June 17, brings a host of UI improvements and adjustments to Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. However, the headline feature is New Game+, a mode absent from the original 1998 release. This allows players to carry over units and inventory from a completed save into a new game, grinding them up to Level 100.

Other enhancements include the ability to view a unit's status effects at a glance and instantly remove all gear from a unit—a useful tactic for drawing enemy fire. The new Zodiac Compatibility function on the status screen reveals how well units synergize based on star signs, affecting accuracy, damage, and healing.

Fans are excited about New Game+ enabling multiple copies of the missable Genji equipment, which can only be stolen from Marquis Ondore during the Chapter 4 battle on Linberry Castle's roof. It also offers a chance to recruit optional party members missed in the first playthrough.

However, New Game+ lacks new difficulty levels or level scaling, reducing the challenge for veterans. Disappointment lingers that the remaster still omits content from 2007's PSP version, The War of the Lions. Fans urge Square Enix to add Lions-exclusive features like FF12's Balthier as a playable character, the Onion Knight job class, and extra story scenes.

Original director Yasumi Matsuno explained on X that "New Game+ was a feature I had been requesting since the very beginning of the remaster project. With so many guest characters, I felt they didn't have enough opportunities to shine in a single playthrough. However, budget and resource constraints postponed it." He noted that the remaster's commercial success enabled further updates.

Some question whether The Ivalice Chronicles truly needs New Game+ in its current form, given the lack of multiple endings or challenging secret bosses. Others hope Matsuno's comments signal ongoing development, possibly adding endgame content like a new dungeon.