Square Enix launched the title on the thirteenth of June. It’s actually out on… everything! Those platforms include the Switch 2, the standard systems Switch, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. Maybe the biggest bit of news getting everyone talking is that some familiar faces and voices have returned, but for all the wrong reasons.
Then, what story will this launch give us? A freshly minted version of the oldest of tactical RPGs loved for a very long time by its fans, set in the world of Ivalice. But offshore, the topic of conversation remains the voice cast. The official announcement Tweeted from Final Fantasy VII’s account had referred to “familiar faces (and voices),” causing an angry flood of responses.
Taking on quite a debatable stance, The Reunion responded to Square Enix: “So if Cloud is from post FF7, where is Steve Burton? Did you forget your promise of bringing back the OGs for anything that isn’t FF7R? I’m disappointed with the ethics and morals of this company as of late.” This refers back to the unresolved controversy surrounding voice recasts within the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogies. Apparently, Square Enix told people—in an off-the-record press conference back in 2019—that the “OGs” would be used only for external projects outside of the Remake. Here we are again; with Steve Burton—the original English voice for Cloud—not showing up. The newcomer is filling in instead.
And so, the whole back-and-forth thread exploded by this. Pwu80d stepped in, saying: “You have never given any public explanation as to why he can’t return and is shut out from doing so… When you have his counterpart being told to act as his soundalike so it proves positive there was nothing wrong with Burton.” Accusations fly, stating Square is basically shutting out the original actor, forcing the new-one-to-imitate him. This is…messy.
Along with this is PROJ_Sephiroth: “Using the original cast in Remake to play different side characters instead of the main characters they played and were supposed to play still feels like such a slap in the face. Like ‘well it’s this or nothing, take it or leave it’ is how it feels to me at least.” They aren’t showing up in the way the fans want—that’s just lighting more fuel on the fire.
Not everyone is unhappy about the voice acting, though. Other players are hyped for the game. Robbie Tieman commented, “Really enjoyed getting back into it this morning – thank you all so much! Very smooth.” Which sounds promising, since gameplay seems good. JohnnyMP then asked, “I’m interested. Is this game good, people?” That is, after all, the question that anyone who is on the fence would ask.
The user melfrar has a very interesting take: “I hate British Aerith. I DETEST her. Bring my good old Aerith back with her American accent, neighborly and cute. This fake Bri’ish Aerith smells like beans on toast.”
Then, while the voice drama rages on, some players just want to see another one of their favorites. Vxari8 shared an image with the caption “Cloud and alt universe Aerith <3,” meaning that for some, that nostalgic feeling all too much remains. The other side, Luly Limon, simply posted “CLERITH ❤️❤️,” a shippy interpretation for Cloud & Aerith.
And now there’s a request for increased accessibility with Oscrau begging “give us Portuguese translation.” One can only hope that Square Enix considers it for future updates.
Now, seriously, let’s take a moment and look at the bigger picture: Final Fantasy Tactics is that beloved strategy game, and for it to be present on newer platforms is a huge deal; meanwhile, Ivalice is a rich setting for lore, so this one is bound to be a day-one purchase for any fan of tactical RPGs. That it is on so many platforms means accessibility for everyone, which always counts in favor of it.
That said, the situation of voice actors does cast a shadow over the festivity. It all reminds me of the passion that players have for these characters and the people who give them their voices. However, it hurts when a promise is viewed as being broken. Square Enix is known for making good games; the question is whether they’re really talking to their community or not.
Then there’s yunamuura’s snipe, written in Spanish: “The day that Square Enix stops milking the cash cow will take a step forward as a company and Final Fantasy will do better as a saga, heavyweights of shit they put 7 even in the cona.” This is a very frustrated take on Square’s overreliance on FF7 instead of innovating. It is a sentiment shared by other players, feeling that the company is playing it safe with familiar titles.
Where does that leave us? The Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is out now, which is only natural for a very solid title for the strategy lovers. But the launch is tied up in ongoing voices controversies and Square’s decision. For some, presentation truly matters big or not. For some, it does not exist-for themselves anyway, that is the joy they derive out of it. The other one has just been another barred chapter in the long crazy history between a video game developer and its consumers. Whether the talk is about casting or gameplay, so much is being said about it. And that in itself still portrays a good deal of how people care deeply about it.
