10 Amazing Tactical JRPGs That You'll Absolutely Love! | Backlog Battle

[@crucibleraven]

"There won't ever be a game like Fire Emblem Three Houses for many years to come." I wholeheartedly agree.

[@joejames9974]

Yeah that game went hard no doubt

[@ZephyrK_]

Thank god. We do not need that much pandering and social elements in an SRPG again, it’s tedious as hell.

[@turn-basedcarl9331]

Hopefully a sequel gets announced soon. Fire Emblem Engage ain't it.

[@UnicyclesGameRoom]

And I'm glad to hear it. That game spent more time with nonsense dialogue than it did creating good gameplay; took most of what I loved about Fire Emblem and tossed it out to make a casual-friendly dating sim. Good list outside of that.

[@Eclin]

3 houses characters and stories are well thought and is different compared to other FE titles, but i think they fall short if we’re talking about the tactical rpg aspect of the game. I don’t clearly remember anymore, but i feel like the character feels the same to play because of the overly customizeable system, and they re-used maps too much?

[@toshiro3456789]

Really happy to see Valkyria Chronicles get a shoutout. Both Valkyria 1 and 4 on the switch are some of my favorite tactical RPGs.

[@hugbuzzard]

FF tactics is the best. I was pretty blown away by triangle strategy too!

[@dennisdavidov782]

Some more games in the genre worth playing: Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga, Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark, Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children, Lost Eidolons and Dark Deity.

[@richardcaraballo1185]

The original Brigandine: Legend of Forsena is one of my all time favorite RPG's, and the successor does the original justice. Both are HEAVILY underrated IMO.

[@realinvalidname]

It’s not top-10 material, but last year’s “The DioField Chronicle” puts an interesting spin on tactical RPGs, with a system that’s kind of a hybrid of 13 Sentinels’ stop-time-to-enter-commands charge time system, and Final Fantasy XII’s auto-battle concepts.

[@bullfrogjay4383]

Fire Emblem Echoes - Shadow of Valentina is a must play in my opinion. I recently played through the campaign and was hooked immediately. I am still playing it every day long after beating it just to experience the fun battles and max out each character and weapon.

[@SirKupoNut]

Triangle Strategy is one of the best games of all time, love the story and the gameplay. So fucking good

[@austinseph1]

It was definitely the one TRPG I really enjoyed since FFT, the quality, HD2D style, and music were all outstanding.

[@carlosaugustoayresdesouzam8739]

I would find place to hororably mention SD Gundam G Generation (some of the modern with english translation) and Super Robot Wars 30. I somehow got a copy of one of the first SD Gundam G Generation for psx and had to find one the combats in japanese without knowing any of it, but had a blast anyway. Some of the games try some new story inside the Gundam universe, but the modern games focus on retelling key moments and mecha collection. Gameplay is pretty stable since back then with a style of assisting allies attack and resetting actions once you get a kill, but with a limit to 2 times per turn. SRW is an odd beast to tackle. I tried playing other games in the series, but the mix of visual novel and turn based strategy with a janky narrative didn't work for me. Most of those IPs are uninteresting to me even tho I love Gundam. But the gameplay was pretty solid. Happy you mentioned Shining Force 2. It was my first Genesis RPG back in the day (42 years old here) and my love for this style of game started there. Other than that, I didn't dig Tactics Ogre Reborn. I still think the oldest version the best one. I know it's not as polished, but everytime they try to refresh the mechanics somehow they make the game bloated and uninspired. But great overall list, Alex!

[@Eikon_FF]

Just finished 13 Sentinels Aegis Rim and its a wonderful gem and cannot find any narration that is so good. One of my favorite games of this generation

[@KseRBanshee]

I love the game too for its storyline, I just wish the gameplay is better visually and harder. It’s way too easy and I really don’t look forward to the combat

[@stephenscott9200]

​@@KseRBansheemust agree with you here. I put it down because the combat was too boring. Story was great so far, will get back to it someday

[@WaruiDeshou]

If you're looking to delve even deeper into the tactics backlog, I'd recommend Growlanser (especially the PSP game Wayfarer of Time), Langrisser and the Arc The Lad series. All very solid games and a good variety of approaches to the genre among this group as well.

[@hhaammzzaattaarraaff3313]

More tactics games that are even more niche Gungnir: ( a fantastic game with a lot to offer great pacing and story and one of the deepest tactical RPGs you can get) Growlanser II ,III,and IV (A series of real time tactical games all with different stories unique gameplay and art style which could be challenging) Knights in the nightmare (oh boy if you find normal tactics games like fire emblem or FFT to be completed then be ready "Knights" is probably the most unique and complected game I ever played it's a game that you'll keep learning more about until the end And despite the complexity it's quite worth putting the time into it) Note use a guide in KITK if you want the good ending believe me

[@KrsJin]

Great list, of the ones I’ve played that I think are worth mentioning I would add Jeanne d’Arc. Relegated to just PSP and lacking in some ways, it’s definitely one of the more fun battle and profession systems in the sub genre.

[@100Servings]

Oh, and Alex, the Sega Genesis Mini 2 has Shining Force CD on it, and it's a masterpiece. HIGHLY recommended. Maybe put it on your Christmas list? Edit: Also, Naoto Date released a doujin this year of updated Shining Force artwork and it's INCREDIBLE. Mae has always been my favorite character, and she looks tough, yet pretty. Definitely worth it if you can find it.

[@Tekhelet75]

Valkyria Chronicles is really nice! The artwork is beautiful too.

[@devinreed21]

Great list! I would put Stella Glow from the 3DS on the list as well. It’s a great game!

[@100Servings]

Part of why Devil Survivor is such a masterpiece is the OST by Takami Asano. The guitarist for Godiego on over 55 albums over 40 years, Asano didn't do much video game music, but the Devil Survivor soundtrack is his magnum opus. Every song fits perfectly, and the amount of feeling he squeezes into that tiny DS card is incredible. He died only a couple years ago, but his music lives on. I recommend everyone listen to it. It's part of my daily workout mix.

[@jgreysquirrel]

Picked up Valkyria Chronicles ages ago and need to go back to it.

[@ryanoneill9333]

Yoooooo so glad you mentioned shining force 1 and 2!! Lol some of my favorite games of all time

[@r1ckNz]

Missed Rondo of Swords, stuck on DS until these days.

[@Rohit.Nayyar]

Front Misson 3 and FF Tactics was both great games!. 🎉

[@dannysimion]

I tried the original Final Fantasy Tactics War of the Lion but found it too serious just like Ogre Tactics (which is a hell of a learning curve of a game). I found the Gameboy versions of FF Tactics A1 and A2 much more enjoyable and light hearted and enough strategy to not make me want to give up the game in the first hour of play.

[@BacklogBattle]

That’s actually one of the big reasons why people love FFT and Ogre Tactics and why people didn’t like the Gameboy games. Interesting perspective, nonetheless!

[@GameDelay]

I consistently enjoy your videos. I don't play video games nearly as much as I did even a year ago, but I enjoy hearing what you have to say about them.

[@patozf]

Thank you for this list!

[@WolfPhoenix0]

Where's Persona 5 Tactica on this list? It doesn't matter that it hasn't released yet. 😂 Seriously though, these are some great choices. I had a great time with Triangle Strategy and I hope to play 13 Sentinels and Three Houses someday.

[@clintjones214]

You should try relayer

[@BryanFleming1982]

FF tactics is awesome but thanks for putting shining force 1 and 2 on the list. One of my all time favorite games for tactical rpgs and giving them the notoriety it deserves!!

[@maryandherpurpletea341]

I love FFT and FFTA so much 😭 I still play the game from time to time for the past 20 years. I really hope they’ll get a remake 😔

[@turn-basedcarl9331]

Great list, I've played and loved many of these. Others are definitely on my list to play. I don't know if western tactical RPGs are your thing, but I'll drop a list of a few great ones worth trying. Wasteland 3 Warhammer 40k Chaos Gate Daemonhunters Wartales Wildermyth Expeditions Rome Baldur's Gate 3 Marvel's Midnight Suns Gears Tactics Shadowrun Trilogy

[@loodyyy123]

Hyped you included 13 sentinels. Such a sleeper hit. Currently 14 hours in and loving it.

[@HellPedre]

the shut out to Shining Force is amazing :D btw, I think you should have highlighted that it does one thing that not other, ANY, game, EVER, in the genre has done, which is a semi-open world map exploration. You dont just jump from battle to battle, you have towns and dungeons like any other JRPG, its amazing

[@leisureseeker3891]

Man, I finished Triangle Strategy (more than once...), but I just can't seem to stick to Tactics Ogre Reborn, I don't know why.

[@austinseph1]

I've loved FFT for decades, and the Gameboy advanced version was super fun as well! I also really enjoyed Triangle strategy and I hope Square Enix makes more TRPG's of that quality! Tactics ogre just didn't do it for me and I stopped part way through because I didn't enjoy the constant level cap. I didn't like that some units became utterly weak and almost useless. Eventually it just wipes the floor with you. The stats were overcomplicated and under explained... I just fell out of love with it. Maybe it is just too dated for me to enjoy now.

[@alejandrosunshadow6041]

Devil survivor is top 3 of the ds for me. Triangle strategy and fe 3H and valkyria chronicles 4 are top 3 trpgs of switch (valkyria 1 is close to 4 for me, but 4 was my first and improves what 1 does). I agree with most of your list but probably 13 sentinels... that is a 9 or 10 game, but the tactical part... well, i don't think it's the best xd, i will say is a 10/10 VN. I agree with all the other games being great for a list like this one

[@wolfmech]

Now this is one list I can truly say is filled with 10 out of 10 games. Though I would say that if your looking for some more mech based tactical jrpg goodness, then Super Robot Wars 30 is going to be the game for you. As its fully crafted love letter to all things giant robot. Along with adding the war time classic Advance wars which just got the reboot camp not to long ago I believe on switch. If you like alt history games, I recommend Jeanne d'Arc for psp. And I'm sure their is a lot more that I have yet to mention. So in short yeah get out their and enjoy some turn based tactical goodness everyone.

[@LeoSiegfried]

Devil Survivor Remains one of the Best Tactics game i have played and 13 Sentinels one of the best VN stories i have played

[@feeamerie5011]

I couldn’t take hearing how great Devil Survivor 1 & 2 were any longer! Bought both (CIB,LN) for a total of £110(!) I know I’m crazy but I’m an hour in and hooked already 🫶 Can’t wait for FM3 too!

[@paxhumana2015]

Honestly, if you are going to mention great SRPGs/TRPGs, then you need to put in La Pucelle: Tactics, or its arguably even longer, as well as better, modern day update in La Pucelle: Ragnarok, as either version of the game is a good one, and ditto for Phantom Brave, which are games that are made by the same people that are behind the Disgaea series, into the list of great SRPGs/TRPGs, because, while everyone focuses on games like Tactics Ogre, Jeanne D'Arc, Final Fantasy Tactics, or the Disgaea series, those two games get grossly overlooked, as well as underestimated, and that is just plain wrong.

[@msvgameschannel5429]

when i see best tacticsl RPG TO or FFT will be 1st n 2nd place, superb SRPG unmatched , and TO or ogre battle saga is one of the best story in game history

[@josephafrica23]

A list about Tactical RPGs would never be complete without Final Fantasy Tactics.

[@eliotwildermann]

This is a great list very much enjoyed all these games except for front mission and smt 😅😊

[@ty_sylicus]

Every time I here such praise for Three Houses I disagree. As a Fire Emblem fan, I did enjoy the game but, it fell short for me of being "the greatest ever" like so many others claim it to be.

[@kevingrenald129]

Shining Force I & II were great. I would add Shining Forces III and Ogre Battle 64. Not sure if it fits the tactical genre the same

[@rodelcorton8815]

My favorite would be the Super Robot Wars Series I have played almost every game of this series and i love the suoer over the top cast and battle animations here

[@dangox3370]

Stella Glow might not be top ten material but it's still a good game...waifus galore!

[@ejirokirishima4604]

Fire emblem is a great tactical rpg franchise but if you want great tactical gameplay three houses is not the fe for you. Three houses has a very good stories, good characters and a lot of option for sandbox but if you want mainly tactical gameplay there are definitly better ones, like the tellius saga, engage or the gba ones

[@professorpenne9962]

three houses is fantastic but there are some things I dislike about it compared to older entries. I think there should be no option to turn off perma death in FE and actually making it a thing you have to go out of your way to turn on.

[@professorpenne9962]

to me it's a no brainer if someone dies in a war, they are just dead and that's it. kinda lame they make more games to soften up challenges or to protect peoples feelings or whatever.

[@Clampotaku]

Ever play Vandal Hearts? I loved that one.

[@BacklogBattle]

I sadly have not! But many people have told me I should give it a shot!

[@dwasp27moto41]

saint agrias was real. and she had a statue sculpted for her. so then is there a chance beowulf was real too? im currently 4th gen in my agarest war. going to play again after i finish starocean2

[@SilentLongplays]

Thanks for the credit! Awesome list!

[@ChicCanyon]

If Devil Survivor got a port id play it immediately

[@wcjerky]

Agrias carries so much of the mid-game that her place as the thumbnail is earned.

[@nicolara2082]

I had a good chunk of these already but adding them to the Backlog thank you!

[@BL4CKF4NG]

Can't associate a turn base CRPG to a turn base JRPG.. specially BG3 is a dungeon and dragons style game..

[@BacklogBattle]

Plenty of people cast a blanket statement saying turn based games are dead. That perfectly covers any turn based RPG

[@Grayald]

I'll always have a fondness for Vandal Hearts.

[@warrendesenberg]

Great recommendations, thanks!

[@seanbcusack]

fell seal, god wars, utawarerumono as well

[@Haarwyvern]

Interesting top ! Fun to see front mission here. However I don't think Three Houses is that good "as a tactical". It's more or less loved for other reason charcters, world building, story (i do not fully agree about this one) but on the tactics aspect even if it's far better than Awakening (being the worse) recently some others games are better as a tactical. It's the case for Engage ! It was even better before with old school FE like Thracia, PoR or Radiant Dawn ! I do understand that you want to give a good game which is a tactical not the best tactical on the tactics aspect so it's not problematic, I just wanted to warn people that it's not the strongest point of 3H. Still decent tho, I do think FE games works even when the level design is average because the gameplay is really fun ! As for my hidden gem it would be Brigandine on switch. This one also have a pretty average level design but the best part was the planification !

[@navarre35]

Fell seal is a pretty good one

[@Rohit.Nayyar]

The game that deserves in your list is PS1 - Breath of Fire IV. The game is super awesome turn based. The graphics were ahead of its time. You can still feel like playing a ps2 title.

[@ophidianmind333]

These are some great recommendations and the early Shining Force games are a good entry into tactical RPGs. The Devil Survivor games are a lot of fun and for those wanting more SMT tactical RPG spin-offs should check out the Majin Tensei series on the Super Famicom.

[@HybridAngelZero]

FF Tactics is the game that both introduced me to and made me fall in love with the genre, and a lot of the games on this list are ones I'm excited to play very soon. But man, I couldn't help but notice only a single one of these, Shining Force, is available on an Xbox platform. Hopefully that can change in the near future and bring more of the genre to that segment of the audience. Though, Valkyria Chronicles 4 actually did make its way to Xbox One

[@professorpenne9962]

to this day I love langrisser 4, also love tactics ogre. also cant forget other obvious classics like shining force. amazing stuff in the srpg scene to be found.

[@volrathseigfried8048]

It was a good list, but instead of those mechs ones I probably would have had Langrisser or Vandal hearts

[@Darkfire0507]

I think the Mercenaries Saga games are also pretty nice. They are not so hard and so newcomers in the genre can explore and enjoy the tactical aspects of those games.

[@zachholstine]

Great list but anyone reading that’s unsure about Valkyria chronicles, let me reiterate these are amazing games and they generally get pretty cheap during psn sales

[@MattDorsett300]

Brilliant video! What I especially enjoy about Baldur’s Gate 3’s turn-based combat system is how it is deeply interactive with its environment, incorporating movement, terrain, traps, cover etc. etc. I wonder whether the games listed also have some sense of environmental interaction?

[@BacklogBattle]

Triangle Strategy kinda does! It's not at the same level of options as Baldur's Gate 3 (though to be fair, what is?), but it does have environmental interaction and several very cool classes! Not one character plays the same as another! There's a demo available if you want to try it out!

[@VanguardCommanderAC]

*Seeing Fire emblem engage not on the list* I know people didn't like it but still 😢

[@ZephyrK_]

The gameplay absolutely deserves to be praised, in that aspect personally it’s the best of all the games mentioned. Could’ve been an all timer though if it wasn’t an anniversary title, had stronger writing for both the narrative & characters and better art direction/ character designs.

[@hoihoi13]

I like 3 house best but am enjoying playing engage now too, it’s a good game that not getting the praise deserved. Although the dialogues are really bad😂

[@Zero_Tester]

You dont think Growlanser 4(psp) is good? I think it would deserves place over FE 3 Houses

[@BacklogBattle]

Just because it's not here, doesn't mean it's not deserving of a place in it. I wrote about games I'm absolutely familiar with. I've never played any Growlanser games.

[@Zero_Tester]

@@BacklogBattle i hope you would try it,Growlanser series is solid game especially 4,since it culmination of G1 with improved,bigger and added good stuff from 1 till 3,nice town/city sim on smaller scale returning from G1,choice with great consequences,impact to the story,dozen of customization,very interesting fight,themes and ambitious plot,if you interested on this series,do try them all as well,5 was fine as well(it focused bigger on political plotline

[@BacklogBattle]

Oh, it's on my "want to play" list, for sure! I'm on the lookout for Growlanser Generations!

[@mandatorial]

5:35 why is that? They could easily do it again, couldn't they?

[@BacklogBattle]

They probably could to some degree, but this is a lightning in the bottle moment for Fire Emblem - if they keep just doing the same thing over and over, the formula gets stale. That's why Engage was such a huge departure - they didn't want to get comfortable with the success of Three Houses and wanted to take a bold risk.

[@emposiblethegamer639]

​@@BacklogBattle imo 3h is the one that made the departure and engage was a more classic fire emblem

[@crucibleraven]

@mandatorial , they could, but there are teams that are a match made in heaven, and I think that the team that made Engage is not the same from 3H. Sometimes, what's harder to replicate is not the mechanics or the structure/template of a game, it's just the synergies of those behind it and the way they chose to tell a story.

[@bryansmethers8936]

triangle strategy felt like reading an encyclodepdia 😅 I'm glad so many games put out demos first so you can get a feel before spending

[@BacklogBattle]

That demo is truly unique in that it's one of the few that got updated after the developers read the fan feedback!

[@RPG_Bliss]

Fire Emblem Engage is an amazing title you want to check it out

[@BacklogBattle]

I reviewed it

[@RPG_Bliss]

@@BacklogBattle i loved it so much I beat it twice (which I almost never do!) now I’m on to star ocean 2nd story r. So far it’s amazing

[@brandisucks]

I missed Diofield Chronicles, Langrisser, Growlanser and Eternal Poison from the list