Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of The Lions (PlayStation Portable, 2007)

I've been a gamer since way back when Pong was new, and I think I've played every major system (and owned too many of them!) When this was first released in '97, I bought it simply because it was a Final Fantasy game. Having played Tactics Ogre, I liked the genre. And I loved the idea of a strategy based FF title. I ended up addicted to this game. I put in well over 200 hours on replays alone! So when it was released for the PSP, I just about wet my pants. Especially on seeing the cutscenes. The story is deeper, more involved, and the cutscenes just add that touch the original lacked. The addition of Luso and Balthier are fantastic. It seems the translation has really been punched up too - the dialog is now more fitting. In the original, the speech of the characters seemed too modern for the time they were supposed to be in. Now they "talk" like they should. Some of the battles are just as tough as I remember them. The music is just as grand as ever, and you'll need to plug in the headphones or the speakers to really get the full experience of it. There are minor frustrations, though. The games slows a bit when a lot of characters are on-screen or when there is a special effect, like a summoning spell. It's difficult in spots to know which abilities you'll need to defeat certain bosses. Some of the rescue and protect missions are a little too hard, and you can't even get the secret characters unless you keep one certain member alive! BUT - having said all that, it is a wonderful update of what I consider a classic game. Absolutely as must have not only for FF fans, but for tactical fans, and just about anyone else.