Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift English version dated, screenshots

Fans of the Ivalice Alliance can now mark their calendars for Square Enix‘ Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift. Yes, the sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance has been dated for these shores: June 24. Click the link below for more info.

Tactical RPG fans have been waiting for the English version of Final Fantasy Tactics A2: The Sealed Grimoire (or Grimoire of the Rift, whatever floats your boat) since it first came out in Japan last October. Well, some part of waiting game is over at least, as Square Enix has just announced a release date for the said Nintendo DS title: June 24.

In case you haven’t been following the newest addition to the Ivalice Alliance, here’s a bit of a primer. Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift centers on young and very mischievous Luso Clemens who gets sent to Ivalice from the real world by a magical book. It’s a turn-based grid strategy game and it follows the events shortly after Final Fantasy XII. According to Director Yuichi Murasawa:

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift makes the tactical RPG genre accessible to fans who may be unfamiliar with the grid-based battle system. While maintaining the classic functionality of the much-loved gameplay, this newest release boasts upgrades that enable a more engrossing and fulfilling tactical RPG experience.

What else do we expect from the sequel to the GBA title, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance? Here’s a quick list:

• Explore the fantastic world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from Final Fantasy XII – Vaan, Penelo and Al-Cid
• All-new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, new jobs, new classes, and a new clan system that enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike
• The North American release will allow players to command characters in battle and navigate through menus all with a tap of the stylus
• Witness vibrant and colorful visuals in dual-screen presentation, made possible by Nintendo DS
• Increased replay value with up to 400 available quests, allowing players to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted storyline

Mark your calendars, people. While we whittle away the time between now and June, check out the screenshots from the game courtesy of IGN.