first off, tactics is a great game. the addition of cloud or any other character was never for a gimick, it was for making a fun reference and also to experience what that character would be like in that particular arena. even though cloud might be worthless, it's a side quest and something that's fun to do. as for balthier being in this game, there's a few questions i have....what's the connection between FFXII Ivalice and FFT Ivalice, and how are they going to weave his character into Ramza's storyline? I don't think they're going to do it all for gimick's sake, let's just say that. it's going to make sense, and it's going to be fun. let's not take so much credit away from the Ivalice Square team guys.