How Final Fantasy 12 Retconned One of the Greatest PS1 Games Ever Made

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Square Enix is well-known for creating detailed and captivating game worlds, and the Final Fantasy series is a prime example of this skill. With 16 main games released, each one offers a unique setting and introduces players to fresh characters and stories. One of the key reasons for the series’ enduring popularity is its memorable atmospheres, which also carry over into spin-off titles. Sometimes, these worlds connect in surprising ways, and Final Fantasy XII is a notable case. Many fans originally thought it was a completely separate story, but a later discovery altered the way a beloved PlayStation game was understood.

Final Fantasy XII and Square Enix have rewritten the backstory of another game – a PlayStation title that wasn’t initially connected to the Final Fantasy series. Vagrant Story was a fantastic, yet overlooked game, existing as its own separate story. However, the game’s lead developer, Yasumi Matsuno, later revealed that the PS1 game actually takes place in Ivalice – the same world featured in Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics – largely to please fans.

Fan Service Rewrote Vagrant Story

Square Enix often delights its dedicated fans – the ongoing support for Final Fantasy VII is a great example. However, that game isn’t the only one to receive special attention. When creating Final Fantasy XII, the developers cleverly connected it to Final Fantasy Tactics, and even included references to Vagrant Story. While Vagrant Story already contained subtle nods to the world of Ivalice, this development officially established it as part of the same universe.

This change upset some fans, who felt it diminished the distinct personality built in Vagrant Story and that the reasoning behind it wasn’t strong enough. However, others didn’t mind, as it didn’t negatively impact the game as a whole and simply connected it to another series. Ivalice was already a beloved setting thanks to Final Fantasy Tactics, and placing another game in a different era allowed for a richer story. While Square Enix never officially stated when these games occur, most believe Final Fantasy XII is the most recent title set in Ivalice.

Why This Matters for the PS1 Classic

As a big fan, I always thought Vagrant Story was one of Square Enix’s most daring games. We were all so used to the classic turn-based battles in Final Fantasy, or the more strategic movement of Final Fantasy Tactics. So, the real-time with pause system was a total surprise – honestly, it felt way ahead of its time! It was impressive, for sure, but it also left a lot of players, myself included, a little confused because of how complex everything was and the tutorial wasn’t the best. But even with that, it didn’t take away from the amazing story and how much I loved the characters. They were great on their own, but knowing it shared a world with Final Fantasy XII just made everything even better, especially during combat.

You could argue that the combat in Vagrant Story laid the groundwork for the Gambit System in Final Fantasy XII. Square Enix initially explored these ideas on the PlayStation 1, and then refined and built upon them in Final Fantasy XII for the PlayStation 2. The feeling of directing characters and choosing their actions, then watching it unfold in real-time, is particularly satisfying in FF12 if you’ve played Vagrant Story. Beyond the gameplay, the stories share common themes, blending smaller, personal stories with a larger, overarching plot. Both games emphasize religion, politics, and the development of their characters, adding a compelling level of depth.

Vagrant Story’s Legacy

Vagrant Story isn’t remembered by everyone, but it had a lasting effect on the Final Fantasy series and other games from Square Enix, even years after it came out. That’s why many people get upset at the thought of changing its established story, worried it will lose what makes it special. Some people even believe it’s not truly a Final Fantasy game, but rather a game set within the world of Ivalice – connected to the series, but still its own thing. In the end, any changes don’t really affect the original game and can mostly be overlooked.

Vagrant Story hasn’t gotten a sequel or remake yet, so fans hoping for more content will likely need to appreciate the small nods to the game if they want to see this world expanded. Although Final Fantasy Tactics received a remastered version, Final Fantasy XII is probably the game most similar to this PS1 classic. It introduces changes that improve the gameplay without losing what made the original special. Thanks to newer technology, the game looks and plays better, and it feels like a logical continuation of Vagrant Story.

Square Enix frequently revisits and reimagines its classic games, particularly the Final Fantasy series. While fans speculate about a link between Final Fantasy VII and another game, this hasn’t been officially confirmed. This is different from the established connection between Final Fantasy XII and Vagrant Story. I’m hoping this trend will result in a remake of Vagrant Story, though Square Enix hasn’t hinted at that possibility. Even so, acknowledging these connections is a clever way to expand the game’s lore and revitalize its legacy.

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2025-10-05 16:12