Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a tactical role-playing game developed by Square and released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan on 14 February 2003; Nintendo published it in the West, with North America receiving it on 8 September 2003 and Europe in October 2003. Yasumi Matsuno produced it, Yuichi Murasawa directed it, and Hitoshi Sakimoto led the music, with a main theme by Nobuo Uematsu.
Matsuno described the game as an 'advance' of Final Fantasy Tactics' mechanics rather than a traditional sequel. The hero, Marche Radiuju, is transported to Ivalice through the Gran Grimoire, and battles follow Laws enforced by Judges, who hand out yellow and red cards. Two players can link their systems to trade units and items, cooperate or fight.
A sequel, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, was later released for the Nintendo DS.1
Names and releases
| Region | Title on the box | Platform | Date | Publisher | Src |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | Final Fantasy Tactics Advance | Game Boy Advance | Sep 8, 2003 | Nintendo | 1 |
| NA | Final Fantasy Tactics AdvanceVirtual Console; Western release | Wii U | Jan 28, 2016 | Nintendo | 1 |
| JP | ファイナルファンタジータクティクスアドバンスFainaru Fantajī Takutikusu Adobansu | Game Boy Advance | Feb 14, 2003 | Square | 1 |
| AU | Final Fantasy Tactics Advance | Game Boy Advance | Sep 19, 2003 | Nintendo | 1 |
| EU | Final Fantasy Tactics AdvanceSpanish Wikipedia gives 23 October 2003 | Game Boy Advance | Oct 24, 2003 | Nintendo | 1 |
| JP | ファイナルファンタジータクティクスアドバンスUltimate Hits budget re-release | Game Boy Advance | Mar 9, 2006 | Square Enix | 1 |
Also known as: ファイナルファンタジータクティクスアドバンス JP1Fainaru Fantajī Takutikusu Adobansu JP2
Box art by region
NA Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 
EU Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 
JP ファイナルファンタジータクティクスアドバンス
Box art © its publishers, shown to identify each release. Scans: libretro-thumbnails.
Version differences
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GameplayGBA (NA)GBA (EU)
The international versions add a combat tutorial led by Mr. Leslaie and Ritz; the Japanese version starts the first battle with minimal instruction.2
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CensorshipGBA (NA)GBA (EU)
In the Japanese opening Cid is drunk and praises alcohol; the Western versions show no drinking, likely to keep the E rating, and the ending was changed to match.2
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GraphicsGBA (NA)GBA (EU)
The international releases use a new logo reflecting the April 2003 Square Enix merger, add Enix to the copyright and drop the Japanese title text from the title screen.2
Reception
The game sold over 224,000 units in its first week in Japan; by November 2003 sales were about 460,000 in Japan, 760,000 in North America and 330,000 in Europe. It holds a Metacritic score of 87/100, Famitsu gave it 34/40, and it won Handheld Game of the Year at the 7th Interactive Achievement Awards.1
In lists
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13Text reviewed: 2026-10-13
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