Differences & Changes

Screen Size

Because of the PlayStation Portable's screen size, the game features a 16:9 aspect ratio, as opposed to the previous 4:3. Voice-overs will not be present in the Japanese version. The developers took serious consideration in adding the anime-like sequences with visual arts illustrated by Akihiko Yoshida, and the game is complete with new episodes and cutscenes that were not in the original title, such as the encounter with Balthier. Developers wanted the game to suit both new players and with players that have experienced the original title.


New Classes

The game adds two new character classes; the Onion Knight, taken from Final Fantasy III, and the Dark Knight, which was previously only available to one character, Gafgarion. In addition, The War of the Lions contains new characters, including Balthier from Final Fantasy XII. Balthier is said to feature an "important role", branded as a heretic in search of the "Cache of Glabados". He joins Ramza (the protagonist) while he searches for his sister, Alma. Another new character, a monster hunter named Luso from Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift also joins Ramza.


Multiplayer modes

Another development added to the game is a wireless multiplayer mode, both for co-op and versus play. In a versus play, opposing teams may place traps into the battlefield, and these traps will be hidden from the opponent's views. To ease identification and avoid players from attacking their own party members, teams are assigned colors of either red or blue. The battle ends after a set number of rounds, of which the team with the most remaining HP declared the winner. The winner may then receive an item randomly generated from treasure chests, and with this chances are that the winner may receive rare items not received during normal gameplay mode.


Other features

Other additions include new items and equipment (mostly for the new classes) and an increased character party limit, as well as new scenes that flesh out the backstory of existing characters and explaining more events beyond what the player sees through Ramza's eyes. For example, certain points in the story has the player assuming the role of Delita as he continues on his separated path from Ramza.