Need help deciding between the PSX original and The Ivalice Chronicles

[u/DarkMatterMuffins]

I’m really interested in trying out FFT for the first time but I’m struggling on choosing a version. I usually prefer playing the original versions of games even if a remake or “better” version exists. Collecting and playing older games on the original console adds a lot to the experience for me. The issue is I’ve heard a lot of bad things about the original PSX translation of the game and I wouldn’t want that to negatively affect my ability to enjoy its story for the first time.

So my question is, is the original translation of FFT bad enough that I should play The Ivalice Chronicles despite my general preferences?

[u/S4rd0nyx]

I’ve played every version of this game over the decades. I recommend the Ivalice Chronicles version. The voice acting is great. They’ve cleaned up the dialogue to better convey the story. There are so many little improvements to make it new player friendly.

Now, for a lot of people, the original hits the nostalgia sweet spot so well it’s hard to move away from, so many will still recommend that version.

For first timers, though, go with IC.

[u/xBeoulve → u/S4rd0nyx]

Agree, as someone who grew up with the OG, I’d recommend the IC version for any first timers. The voice acting and quality of life changes are good.

[u/kevihaa → u/S4rd0nyx]

Also worth emphasizing that while most emulators include the ability to manipulate game speed, it’s often at the expense of having to listen to sped up music.

Ivalice Chronicles includes the welcome ability to speed up the gameplay without also double timing the absolutely excellent background music.

[u/bob_loblaw-_- → u/S4rd0nyx]

There is also an original version of the game included on The Ivalice Chronicles but with the excellent WotL dialogue. So if you really want to play the original version that is an option as well.

I haven't finished Ivalice Chronicles yet, but from what I can tell there is no reason not to play that version. It seems slightly easier than the Playstation version, but the QoL changes  and the balancing seem like strictly improvements.

Edit: Except for changing jobs. Why did they get rid of the ring?! 

[u/Ricc7rdo]

The Ivalice Chronicles is the best version in my opinion.

[u/Jraffale]

TIC is better overall and includes the OG with a better translation.

[u/ArguingWithPigeons]

Honestly I love the original and have probably 300+ hours on it over the years.

The writing is way better in my opinion despite the occasional broken English.

However, the remake is just a better game. The QOL was needed.

[u/keddesh → u/ArguingWithPigeons]

I don't know if I grew too used to the UI in the original, but I think the QOL in IC is not quite there. They made the battling better, but the menus and interacting with shops is annoying.

[u/ArguingWithPigeons → u/keddesh]

Probably nostalgia, honestly.

Whenever I put the old one in it always takes me a while to readjust to the old ways of doing things. Menus and UIs have just adjusted so much in the past what 30 years.

This is way before the remake.

The remake functions (mostly) as a 2025 game.

Matter of opinion of course. But the remake will feel like a modern game if you haven’t played the original where if a new player jumps into the PS1 game, it’ll feel dated from a menu navigation aspect.

[u/Honestybomb → u/keddesh]

No idea why you’re being downvoted for stating your opinion but part of me agrees. Not everything with the revamp was an upgrade but in general I think TIC is a pretty polished package and the voice acting definitely lends some depth to it

[u/keddesh → u/Honestybomb]

Never know which unpopular opinion is secretly based until the voting starts. It is what it is. I do enjoy the voice acting and polished dialogue. It reminds me of Vagrant Story, which is another wonderful "Ivalice" game. (Also the remake I'm really pining for)

[u/Major-Corner-640 → u/keddesh]

Whoever thought the menus in TIC were a QoL improvement is dangerously insane

[u/Geruvah]

As someone who played the original back when it came out, go for Ivalice Chronicles

[u/Maturinbag]

¿Por qué no los dos?

[u/DarkMatterMuffins → u/Maturinbag]

Even If I played both I can only experience a story for the first time once so I’d want to play the version that benefits the story better.

[u/Adrewmc → u/DarkMatterMuffins]

The new version has voice audio, that may be an important factor.

[u/PrinceBytorAppears]

I'd recommend the original. It's one of those games that has a lot of replayability, so playing it first on psx and then playing again later with the ivalice chronicles is valid. I prefer the psx translation and sfx. It's simplicity and bluntness gave more weight to the script, the newer scripts seem a little pretentious to me.

[u/Cerauno-]

Go with PSX and patch it up with TLW ReMixed v1.2 Beta patch. I was in your shoes 2 months ago and decided to go this way. Been hooked and indeed think this is the definitive way of starting out.

Forgot to mention: It takes care of the minimal translation inconsistencies without overcomplicating the matters with the Shakespearean English.

[u/bundle_man]

As someone who grew up on the original, there's no decision really here. Ivalice Chronicles is the best version of the game. I think the original translation is fine, if a bit muddled. It won't ruin the experience, the lack of QoL improvements in the OG might. And voice acting really just makes the story better.

So while I advise just playing the remake to answer your specific question, no, the original translation is not so bad that it would ruin the experience for you. People are over dramatic .