Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release: TBA
What separates
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance from most other handheld SRPGS? Its level of polish. As with the original
Final Fantasy Tactics game for the PlayStation, Square Enix put its talents and resources behind
FFTA's soundtrack, character designs, and solid mechanics. Even today, five years later, the GBA title's presentation outclasses releases like
Hoshigami Remix and
Luminous Arc.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift continues that high-budget, high-quality tradition. While Square Enix hasn't yet announced a US release date, and we're disappointed about the the game's
lack of both online and offline multiplayer features, we're excited about all the sequel's additions -- 400 missions,
Revenant Wings-esque item synthesis, a reworked law system, bigger enemies, an expanded map with distributed "area maps," and a ton of new job classes.
FFTA2 now boasts over 45+ different professions, ranging from Chocobo Knights (Chocobo-riding Moogles) to
Bastards (a surly lot). Just as interesting as the vocations included are the ones that were cut from the final release due to time constraints or continuity issues. We came across their design documents while sifting through Square Enix's dumpster for discarded
figurines, and we've posted the never-seen-before job classes right here for you!
Chimney Sweep
Action Ability
- sweeps your chimney
- walks around covered in soot
Combo Ability
- after years of choking on grit and dust, dies an early death due to cancer caused by inhaling carcinogenic chemicals in the soot
Real World Roommate
Action Ability
- accuses you of disrespectin' her
Reaction Ability
- refuses to accept any apologies or assurances that you had no intention of disrespectin' her
Support Ability
- tells everyone in the house that you're disrespectin' her
Damn Cargo Shorts-Wearin' Kids
Action Ability
- wears those damn cargo shorts every day
- has too many pockets for their own good
Support Ability
- perpetuates the misbelief that wearing camo anything is acceptable fashion (e.g. camo cargo shorts)
Gangsta Rapper, Circa Early-to-Mid 90s
Action Ability
- checks himself before he wrecks himself ('cause shotgun bullets are bad for his health)
- is the capital S oh yes so fresh N double O P -- D O double G Y D O double G, ya see
Reaction Ability
- calls his crew while you call your crew so you can rendezvous at the bar around two
Combo Ability
- is better than your favorite rapper
Overbearing Asian Mother
Action Ability
- belittles any and every measure you take to establish yourself as an individual
Reaction Ability
- repeatedly insists that you should've become a doctor or a lawyer, like your successful cousins, instead of studying "computer"
Support Ability
- leaves you with crippling feelings of inadequacy and social ineptitude
Cute Friend Whom You Have a Crush On
Action Ability
- hair smells of strawberries, sunshine, and summer possibilities
- is a kindred spirit; totally on the same wavelength as you
Reaction Ability
- looks at you pityingly when you ask her out
- just wants to be friends
- isn't ready to date anyone right now
Combo Ability
- sleeps with four other dudes -- simultaneously! -- the following week
ALF
Action Ability
There's simply no in-between when it comes to PAL localizations of Square Enix games: they either take absolutely ages to arrive, or no time at all. Happily, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 2: Grimoire of the Rift will fall into the latter category, with the game appearing across Europe on June 27th, three days after its U.S. debut. We're attaching another gold star to your record, Square! Nintendo and every other company out there who puts Euro gamers through the mill far too frequently: take note!
Though $25 might not sound like much of a sale for a DS game, this is the lowest price we've seen for 
_thumbnail.jpg "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King")
