11 MORE Tactical RPGs For Newcomers | Backlog Battle

[@BacklogBattle]

Like what you've seen? Buy it here and support the channel! Tactics Ogre Reborn Console: amzn.to/3DdteW6 PC: greenmangaming.sjv.io/P07MXz SEGA Genesis Classics Console: amzn.to/3AnvWXf PC: www.fanatical.com/en/bundle/sega-mega-drive-and-genesis-classics-bundle?ref=backlogbattle Super Robot Wars 30 Console: amzn.to/3tGkxOc PC: www.fanatical.com/en/game/super-robot-wars-30?ref=backlogbattle Langrisser I & II Remake Console: amzn.to/3UGCfgw PC: www.fanatical.com/en/game/langrisser-i-ii?ref=backlogbattle XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC: www.fanatical.com/en/game/xcom-enemy-unknown?ref=backlogbattle

[@ricflair4052]

there 2 more older versions of Tactics Ogre in PS1 and PSP.

[@davidsalvador8989]

I have never found one as good as FFT was when I was younger. I loved the ability to grind levels up, feeling over powered, and being able to take bits and pieces from each class to make whatever type of character you wanted. I literally sunk THOUSANDS of hours into it.

[@RVBFan182]

I was a little surprised to not see the Luminous Arc series or its spiritual successor Stella Glow mentioned here! These were a collection of fun tactical RPGs for the DS (and Dtella Glow on the 3DS) that emphasized characters and story, but still let you get into the minutiae of stat grinding and unit building. My brother and I had a blast with these games when they were new and I highly recommend anyone who's able to check them out do so!

[@100Servings]

I remember being on the phone with my friend when Final Fantasy Tactics came out as we read the strategy guides and tried to figure out how the battle system worked. I've easily invested over 1000 hours in the game over the years, and still never beat it. One of the greatest games ever made with amazing depth and complexity.

[@PVS-2024]

That thousand hours/never completion thing is one of the MAJOR detractions for me and tactics titles. I love a slower pace and a good creative and brain scratching puzzle, but I work a lot! It's hard to come home and one "chess move" takes an hour and then I fall asleep.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@PVS-2024 Then play something quick, like Into the breach.

[@PVS-2024]

@@danieladamczyk4024 I have tried into the breach, love the game! But it also feels more like a mobile / go title than a full game. It would be nice to have a middle ground with a decent amount of depth and a fast campaign, or even multiple short campaigns.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@PVS-2024 Im am looking for games like those right now. Didn't found yet. If i do, i gona tell about them.

[@PVS-2024]

@@danieladamczyk4024 that would be very appreciated! Another commenter pointed out gears of war tactics and I have to agree that very much fits the bill

[@roflstompkillr]

Im glad more people are pointing newcomers to Shining Force. I played it so long ago but I rarely meet people that have heard of it let alone tried it even though they are huge TRPG fans

[@danieladamczyk4024]

True, SF is simple and easy to understand. Yet main problem for tactiacal neophytes is reality of just pointing and click with dice rolles. Out side that you as player don't do much. So something for start must be more action based.

[@TheTateful]

Great couple of videos! Glad to see you enjoyed Shining Force 1&2. If you have the means to do so, I highly recommend Shining Force 3.

[@kupomogli]

Brigandine The Legend of Forsena on PS1 and Brigandine Grand Edition which is a remake of that game also on the PS1 but it's a Japanese import only with a fan translation that even includes Engliand runesh audio somewhere online. To a lesser extent, a sequel Brigandine The Legend of Runersia, which has the same core gameplay with poorly implemented changes still keeps that a great game worth playing but not quite as good as the other two. Brigandine is a grand strategy game mixed with being a TRPG, however it removes a lot of the busy work the grand strategy genre is often known for, keeping the strategy on the world map more simplistic on which characters guard bordering countries and summoning monsters to fill their ranks. Each "rune knight" in Brigandine stands for a leader character that can be of multiple classes, cavalier, berserker, mage, priest, samurai, grappler, etc. Each knight starts at varioius levels with various stats, rune hex range, and rune power. Rune hex range and rune power really is really what determines the best characters because it determines how many monsters can fill their party and what range those monsters can be away from the leader without taking a nose dive in statistics. The knights themselves are of decent power, but they're generally as powerful as one decent monster. If a knight falls, that knight will be wounded for a month and its party will be forced to retreat to the main castle, so while you can have the knights in combat, if they go down that could be the deciding factor on winning or losing. As important as the knights are and you may see them as most important, the monsters can also be seen as the most important. Monsters are summoned on level 1 and they retain their levels for as long as they live unlike knights which will always retain their levels. So monsters are just important in that regard if not more so because the time it will take to level them up. You really feel it if you lose any monster level 10 or more. Between the rune knights and the monsters, they all have various unique class types. The knights are able to cross class once they level up five times allowing them to master a class. So a level six mage can then turn into a priest and still use all of the magic they've learned as a mage. Any passive abilities between melee characters will carry over, etc. Monsters on the other hand cannot cross class, but they have very specific types and some can even rank up when they get to level 10 to different types instead of just a specific upgrade. While dragons are the most powerful level 1 monster, they also cost 75 rune power, but that is well worth it. Hellhounds are a low cost rather weak type, but they have high speed and also hit and away meaning they can attack then move again to allow someone to take the same spot, meaning they are good to battle against the more slow golems, giants, or dragons to avoid damage or high speed enemies to have a better chance at hitting the enemies. Wyverns are a more high cost and they have the highest speed. My favorite monster is the lizard man, very low 30 rune power cost, with average stats and a fairly good defense, at level 10 they can turn into lizard guards who have more defense than most monsters, an extra water element and a two range breath attack and are now comparable to a fisrt tier dragon in power with a very low rune cost. The ghoul is like a tier 0 monster, it is straight garbage, but the benefits of carrying this monster and feeding it kills is massive as once you upgrade it on level 10 to a tier 1 monster, it's atleast slightly better at surviving, but once you get it to level 20 which may seem hard but all monsters have different experience rate gains and this one has the highest, as long as it survives its battles and can gain kills every once in awhile, at level 20 you'll see a vampire lord, and the difference in power jumps substantially. Not does the vampire lord have some fairly good defense, it recovers a good amount of life at the beginning of every turn and drains life when it attacks, and finally it gains necro rebirth, so any enemy you kill you can resummon to participate in the remainder of battle with you(or until they die.) Roc is one of the better monsters straight out of the gate as they have a chance to petrify enemies they attack and it's a really tough choice if you want to turn them into a Phoenix or not, Phoenix being an incredibly powerful and high defensive monster with healing every turn plus an amazing two hex AoE healing spell. Of course there are other monsters like the unicorn, demon, and angel which are healing and damage, fairy which is support, etc. The game is just incredibly well balanced and it's one that I can play, finish the game which is just take over the land, and then replay. Brigandine Grand Edition does have some last bosses that are actually in the first game's storyline but you never fight them. Additionally there are some tweaks to the gameplay. Both are 10/10. Brigandine The Legend of Runersia on the other hand does well as it takes the core gameplay of Brigandine and it adds skills to your knights. It also changes up how the classes work and it honestly does this very well. But one thing it doesn't do very well is the leveling. On the original Brigandine and Grand Edition, leveling matters, sure, it definitely makes a difference, but it doesn't make the difference that Legend of Runersia does. The original games keep the entire game balanced where a level 1 monster is still a solid monster and stat gains and growth of other monsters make them more powerful but not annihilation powerful. A higher level on Runersia makes a much greater difference and the rune knights themselves despite needing more protection on the previous game are more powerful than a many of your monsters combined even with comparable levels. Again the core game itself is great, but it's disappointing that the developers who worked on the remake didn't understand how well the original game was balanced and did this. It's still a great game, just not as good as the original games. There is a sort of slight fix to the balance issue though. The game includes an extra campaign mode where you as the player only has a single castle. The more castles you take over the more the enemy levels jump. At the end, enemy levels will be a minimum of level 20+. It starts off difficult as everyone is on level 1, it does get easy if you don't die, but then the difficulty does pick up closer to the end or can be outright impossible if you keep losing monsters and have to return with level 1 monsters as like I stated, levels make far more of a difference in Runersia.

[@Sigmalyn]

After seeing one of your videos about tactical rpgs, I've spent yesterday about 200 bucks for those games. Thanks I guess!

[@BacklogBattle]

I think they’ll all be worth it! Been playing a ton of these myself, so you’re not alone!

[@Sinn0100]

Wow...what an incredible video! You can now count me as a subscriber. I started playing the SRPG genre back when Shining Force was virtually unknown to most. Just all of this was great and you even showed me a game I was not aware of! Consider the first mech game you introduced a purchase, like today. Oh and in my opinion Tactics Ogre is the best SRPG ever created bar none. Disgaea is one of the best SRPG's ever created. The entire series is a satire run amok that breaks all conventions of the genre in pure comedic fashion. Everything in the entire series is ludicrous from the 999 level cap, to damage values hitting in the hundreds of thousands of points, and well written storylines that are completely insane. You can literally sue the games justice system so you can employ cheats. If you lose your case you can challenge the entire courtroom to a fight tactics style! What's that? So I can't have triple exp growth and 10 times more money per fight?! Have at you! Addendum- Both my fiancee and I are diehard gamers. We play everything across all genres, platforms, and across every generation in gaming. We even have two large 4K setups (CRT's in the game room)with our own consoles so we can play side-by-side every night after work. Right now I am enjoying Tactics Ogre Reborn on our PS5 while she is playing Triangle Strategy on our Switch. After which I will move onto Sonic Frontiers on our Series X and she will likely be playing either God of War: Ragnorok on the PS5 or Tactics Ogre Reborn for the first time. Don't worry about the latter she is a veteran SRPG player like me. We actually still have my original copies of Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together on the PSX (complete).

[@markh5572]

Great video. I highly recommend Wasteland 3 too. Not as combat heavy as some of these games but it has the player choice of a obsidian game with the combat of an xcom game.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

I played W2, is W3 better?

[@markh5572]

@@danieladamczyk4024 definitely for me W3 is a much better game.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@markh5572 Perhaps i will give it a try. Thank you for your time.

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

Lots of great recommendations!

[@lutziolutzus]

late to this, but incredibly happy to see Into the Breach in there (it's likely my favorite tactical game!) love the focus on defending units rather than defeating enemies and the many different ways you can use terrain or enemies themselves against them! (it's on mobile exclusively through Netflix, so if anyone happens to have that, do check it out)

[@BacklogBattle]

I forgot that the mobile version is through Netflix!

[@kythlyn]

Definitely recommend the Mario + Rabbids games for X-com style combat in a casual format!

[@georgec6405]

one solid mention for you would be to try Jagged alliance 2 , its on steam these days and is a true tactical rpg gem , all your mentions in your video are also amazing choices , such a great genre of games.

[@100Servings]

I have all three SMT games on the DS, and I will never part with them. In particular Devil Survivor has an OST composed by Godiego guitarist Takami Asano. Over his 40+ years with the band, they released 55 albums and played concerts around the world. He didn't do much video game music, but his Devil Survivor soundtrack is among the best in SMT, which is really saying something considering the quality of SMT OSTs. Deep Night is one of the most rocking tunes in all of video games, and is seldom covered due to the complexity. He passed away a few years ago, but his contributions to the SMT franchise will be remembered for decades.

[@BacklogBattle]

You couldn’t just edit one of your comments and put these all in one? 😅

[@100Servings]

@@BacklogBattle No! You're talking about my favorite subject! I have a lot to say!!! 😜

[@100Servings]

There's also an OUTSTANDING port of Shining Force 1&2, as well as Shining In The Darkness, on mobile platforms. I think I paid $10 for all three on my phone from SEGA to unlock them with no ads. It includes a rewind feature and save states, and is great for a quick game on the go. While not as impressive as a full remake, they're a lot of fun and super convenient.

[@BacklogBattle]

I recently heard about that pack for mobile! Another great way to experience these games.

[@GreyCartridge]

As a note for the mobile version of FFT: It’s great. It’s the War of the Lions version, but without the slowdown that PSP has. It also introduces a more free camera system, which makes selecting tiles and units much easier. I’ve played through most of it now, and it’s seriously a great way to experience it.

[@BacklogBattle]

The free camera system sounds awesome! Thank you for sharing! I really wish more fans of the genre give mobile a shot. It's a legit great way to play these games.

[@shanewilliams4614]

As a long time fan it's got some great features but also some freaking horrible ones. The inability to link a controller is a pretty big pitfall and selecting a square can be excessively difficult for any area with an overhang

[@BacklogBattle]

@@shanewilliams4614 that’s what I was afraid of. I know that some SE games on mobile, Pixel Remasters included, don’t feature controller support

[@acidwizard6528]

Growlanser is a tactical JRPG series I really enjoy. If you like real time strategy like Ogre Battle and Ogre Battle 64, Growlanser might be right up your alley. I haven't played Diofield Chronicle, but it looks like it may have similar battle mechanics. Growlanser has several entries with some on PSP and other Playstation platforms.

[@Outshinedsg]

Thanks for featuring my comment! By the way, my favorite animation from SRW is for Chiriko's Scope Dog. The attack sequence begins with Chiriko unloading all his conventional weapons before dramatically popping the cockpit of his mech open to deliver a finisher with his handgun. There's a hilarious video elsewhere on youtube of Chiriko blowing away galaxy-sized Anti-Spirals from Gurrenn Lagann and other god-level enemies with his 9999 damage pea shooter XD. If you want to get into more obscure tactics recommendations, my vote for "cult classic" status would be Yggdra Union. It has a very unique and engaging chain mechanic where you try to position your units into formations where they can potentially attack (or be attacked) with multiple units at once. The character themes are super catchy and it has a super under-utilized mechanic where the tempo of the music changes depending on whether you are being aggressive or defensive. There is an interesting power-to-mobility mechanic too where you can essentially choose cards with high movement on the map or high damage output, but usually not both at the same time. It's a very deep game. I did not mention it in your original video because it is 1) A little more complex as an entry point for TRPGs 2) It's a bit unforgiving because you sometimes have to plan things several maps in advance 3) It would likely be difficult to play on a real console nowadays. If I recall correctly it's only on GBA and PSP.

[@Outshinedsg]

Oh wait, I'm wrong here! Apparently there was a Switch port of Yggdra Union for Switch in 2020 so it should be more accessible than I thought. So I would definitely recommend it if you want to try a TRPG that is a bit different and more complex. It can be quite hard though.

[@BacklogBattle]

The Switch port is Japanese only, I’m afraid. Never ported to the West.

[@Outshinedsg]

@@BacklogBattle Ahh, what a waste! I hope it gets a re-release, or a new entry in the series, at some point so gamers on current gen can experience it.

[@jjc1232]

I’ve been enjoying Brigandine: Legend of Runersia on the PS4. It doesn’t have the most in-depth story, but it does a good job of combining tactical RPGs with board games like Risk.

[@UberQQ]

Definitely not the most accessible (especially considering PC spec requirements) but I can wholeheartedly recommend Harebrained Schemes' Battletech and its many community run overhauls (that are regularly updated) for those that enjoy big robots hitting each other. HBS also being known for the Shadowrun Trilogy among others.

[@michaeldavis0722]

Late to the party, but there’s an old school tactics Rpg that is called Vanguard Bandits. Great game! It’s pretty expensive now though…

[@BacklogBattle]

I remember that game! Didn’t Working Designs localize that?

[@seikojin]

Bought so many games back in the day and this nostalgia made me check and sure enough, I have it (Genesis classics). LOL

[@schyllic]

I’ve been watching videos about tactical rpgs. Truth is i do not have time but its nice to get a taste for what games are out there

[@wintonspiller707]

You can also get final fantasy tactics on PS3 if you happen to have one. Its still my favorite system. Just so many great memories

[@Sylentmana]

Shining Force my first tactical rpg ever. I played in on a Sega collection for PC back in the early 2000s. Only games that old run on my computer at the time.

[@jeffhernandez7594]

I have all of these but I love this series

[@BacklogBattle]

Thank you!

[@diegoarmando5489]

Langrisser has obscenely good music. Most of the music in the series was composed by Noriyuki Iwadare, who's more acclaimed in the West for his Ace Attorney, Lunar, and Grandia OSTs. The three best Ace Attorney OSTs are undoubtedly Trials and Tribulations, Investigations 2, and Chronicles. Iwadare did the first two.

[@irlshrek]

Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is probably my favorite game of all time. The characters, the dialogue, the story...and that's to say nothing about the battle mechanics themselves. Anyone even remotely interested in strong stories and writing should be prepared to be blown away. The PSP version is the one to play.

[@sifantastic94]

I enjoyed playing Devil Survivor. I would also recommend Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis & Banner Saga Trilogy.

[@BacklogBattle]

I backed Banner Saga! Crazy to think that it’s a trilogy now!

[@Qub3rs]

I was introduced to the Super Robot Wars series on the Gameboy Advanced and I've played every English version I could get my hands on. The games are fun and each mech feels like it's own protagonist. You team never feels like it's being filled with generic characters.

[@VampguyN85]

Final Fantasy Tactics was my first ps1 game. I saved up as a kid and had to restart the opening battles over and over, because I had enough allowance saved up to buy the console and the game, but not a memory card lol. That came later.

[@LordValzy]

Shining Force CD was rereleased with the Sega Mega Drive Mini 2, which is a great option to add onto Shining Force, even if they are only combat + buy/revive at town.

[@graymars1097]

You talked about XCOM so can't let this go: Valkyria Chronicles Both VC 1 and VC 4 are on MASSIVE sales on Switch eShop right now for black Friday reasons. VC 2,3 are playable on PSP/VITA with fan translations VC 1 is on PS4, PS3 too. Very good games, very cheap (right now) and very accessible. Cannot recommend them enough Also, Mario + Rabbids games on switch. Don't look at the Mario and Rabbids cartoony shapes. This is a very good tactical RPG. Very well thought out. If you're up for a technical challenge, go for Natural Doctrine on PS4, PS3 and VITA. It's like operating a 4 dimensional machine from a 3 dimensional world! Finally, one for the handheld people like myself. Lost Dimension. an excellent tactical RPG on PS VITA. Seriously a must play for all fans of this genre. Don't say "I never knew". For this game, that's just a childish excuse. You cannot like tactical RPGs but not have/try this game. That's my stance. Great video buddy. Thanks for uploading.

[@Haarwyvern]

I've just seen your 2 videos about trpg and I have a lot to say ! I'm already sorry for my english Firstly about 13 Sentinels. I don't think it's a good game to start the genre. YOU HAVE TO PLAY IT PEOPLE READING THIS POST !!! But not as someone who wants to play TRPG. 13S is amazing, beautiful and have a really interesting storyline. Like the Utawarerumono Series it's a must play but the gameplay part isn't the best. It's not like it's bad, it's pretty fun to play actually.. buuut. 1- It's a fun and basic tower defense, but it's not the most important part of the game (really heavy focus on the story part here) 2- Due to how the game is structured people love the story and then they have to do the battle. Even if you can approximatively chose when to play the battle I know few people not really knowing the genre who were unhappy to have to stop reading the story and play those battles. And I can understand unlike the majority of the Tacticals the story part is the biggest part and funniest part of the game. Most of tacticals are on the other side of the balance or in the middle. 3- In conclusion you have to try this game really, but not for that Tactical RPG aspect. You don't want to be one of the few which have a bad start with the battle phases of Tacticals because you were frustrated that you can play the story further ! Second point here about permadeath, especially in Fire Emblem games. Permadeath is the core of the gameplay in FE (except Three Houses), games are designed with it and you can do a lot more things with no permadeath that make no sense gameplay-wise. It's annihilate a lot of the tension too. You know losing a unit isn't the worst thing in the world. First the game provide others unit of the same type BECAUSE they know that you can lose your units. Yes the character is dead and you want him alive because you start liking him but those loses is something that will mark your gamer life. And you can still play because others characters can take his place at least in the gameplay (not in your heart). That's why I advocate to chose something like the easiest level of difficulty + permadeath than a medium level of difficulty with permadeath. For exemple Normal + Perma > Difficult + No Perma Because it's really an interesting feature ! To be honest I start FE at 8 years old with permadeath, I really think that everybody can do it ! Just believe in yourself ! Obviously if you definitely can't play with permadeath because nooooo aaaaah I caaaan't, just remove it but I assure you that's even if it's more frustrating it's more rewarding too. Like souls games&cie. Third about FE games I heard in the last video that Awakening have a great story&chara-dev. I'm pretty astounded by it. I don"t know if it's I've seen too much animes and played a lot of jrpg but I think the story and characters are both really bad. I have to say that because I don't want people to play this games for a deep storyline and characters. If you want to play it for fun, do it but for what it is. There is a lot of the worst animes stereotype and a story that does not make a lot of sense. (+ 0 world building, really sad for fantasy lovers. Same for Fates btw) I do not recommande for starting TRPG either because Awakening have probable one of the worst level design and balance of all Fire Emblem games (probable the worst map design after FE2). It's a really bad designed game and it's fun because it's maybe the FE with the best quality of life features so I really have difficulties to understand sometimes. It's a bad tactical rpg, it doesn't understand the concept of the genre, how to build a map and make the adversity interesting. On the other hand it's probably fun to play for a lot of jrpg players. A bad Tactical can be a fun JRPG because of the team building and others aspects. (Even if I find the support conversations of this game awful) Sad that you probably don"t speak french, "Esquive la boule de feu" make the best Awakening video of all time on youtube talking about qualities and flaws with a lot of understanding of what makes a good tactical. Fates is by far better as a "tactical" in the conquest part buuut. Conquest is really not for newcomers and have an even worse storyline (by far the worst of all games). That's why Three Houses is a better recommandation but !!! IT DEPENDS OF WHAT YOU WANT. Three Houses at the opposite of Awakening and Fates does have good support conversation that makes the characters more interesting. A big World Building (Awakening and Fates have the worst of FE games). And the story is somewhat frustrating, not great, it could be better and that's the problem, but still interesting in some aspect. It's the FE we can recommand to start Tacticals. BUT (once again) Only if you want to play Tacticals randomly and don't plan to play others FE Games soon. If you already know tacticals but didn't try FE and you want to play many of them do not start with Three Houses for two reasons. 1- It's really different in the structure than the others FE so you won't have the "reality" of the series. And you don't want to, when you will start others games, somes expectations that aren't really the point in other games of the series ! 2- That's the newest game, and there is a lot more quality of life than previous game (since Awakening mosty). So it could be difficult to play older games after 3H. I am talkin to people who wants to play almost all the franchise. FE4 is the most beloved game of the series and maybe the most beloved Tactical of all time with FFT/TO/SF3 but it's not the best game for newcomers it's already retrogaming. I think FE7 (Blazing sword) and FE8 (sacred stones) are the best to start with this state of mind. The 9 first chapter of fe7 in normal mode are like a big tutorial so it's really interesting as a first fire emblem. At the same time the game in normal isn't hard, makes you understand what fire emblem is and is really down to earth, like easy to play game. FE8 is even easier and have a worldmap and give you the opportunity to farm if you are afraid. Probably the best way to farm of the entire franchise. It does have a good tutorial. Those games are on GBA so it's easy to emulate, harder to buy. Really the best way to start the franchise with not the hardest games and not the newest that can make old game tedious in QoF aspects. My favorite FE games are FE9&10 (10 is sequels of 9). Path of Radiance (FE9) can be a good game to start, if you aren't afraid to play one the best in first but you probably can't buy it because of the price. It's pretty slow but has a interesting level design, story and world building. And you probably already know Ike. You can also start with Shadow Dragon aka FE11 if you want to start by the first game (it's a remake of FE1) because you like to start with the first of the series. But I won't lie it's probably one of the worst FE in my opinion with Awakening and Fates. Like those two it's not a "bad game", just an average Fire Emblem. Fates have some great map design, awakening the ost&quality of life, Shadow Dragon have that "old school trpg vibe". But they all are pretty meh in the story/characters part and aren't the best in the gameplay part too. (Even if fates is special case). AND LAST My recommandation. Switch game (or PS4) Brigandine Legend of Runersia A remake of a PS1 game that almost nobody knows. But it's really a fun game to play. The story is still here even if it's not a big aspect of the game. It's absolutely fantastic in the artistical point (chara-design and overall visuals) It's really fun how you had to build your country forces with champions and monsters to fights 5 others country AT THE SAME TIME. Here there is a LONG preparation time before battle but this part is probably the besst part of the game, you have to plan everything and it's so fun ! The battle phase isn't as great as others franchisess but still fun and you really have to manage monsters in the planning phase and in the battle phase. This game is overlooked but have really interesting mechanics and I had to talk about it as one of my favorite Tactical on the switch even higher than Triangle Strategy. Which is better in level design, story and characters I won't lie here. But Brigandine is more unique to me. Triangle Strategy and Three Houses (even Valkyria Chronicles & Langrisser) I love them but I already play similar games. Brigandine with those planning phase is nothing that I already know or maybe Sengoku Rance but so different in the same time. Yep really an interesting play of my 2022 gaming year. That's all tacticals are by far my favorite genre so I love to see new people loving it ! I wish I didn't lost you. Peace

[@qazishehryar06]

Tactics Ogre Knight of Lodis GBA is awesome... please add it... my first tactical rpgs were Shining Force 1 & 2 ... oh my childhood ... i literally cried watching this video

[@AchrafBenOthman]

Marvel's Midnight Suns is one of the best Tacticals. From the same developers of XCOM.

[@melissa10101]

best RPG/srpg soundtrack video would be great! I never played ff tactics and I would totally get into a remake.. fingers crossed!

[@BacklogBattle]

I would love to revisit FF Tactics again as a remake!

[@NV-NS]

one of my favorite games on PS1 is Vandal Hearts great tactical RPG. Other than that Disgaea 1 is great and also playing Front Mission games. Especially Front Mission 4 with its upgraded graphics

[@HybridAngelZero]

I will always give huge props to Sega for keeping Shining Force 1&2 so perpetually available. Anyone still rocking a 3DS, I highly recommend grabbing Shining Force Sword of Hajya, originally for Game Gear. Speaking of the 3DS, Stella Glow is a charming and fun tactics game that's exclusive to the console, and sadly the creator Imageepoch, went out of business shortly before the game released, so it's looking unlikely that it will ever get remastered

[@100Servings]

GAME GEAR REFERENCES?!?!? We're going to be best friends...

[@BacklogBattle]

Stella Glow! Haven’t heard that name in years 😅

[@SyniStar616]

Disgaea 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are also great S/TRPGs, especially if you enjoy insane stories and stat growth systems. They're all available on Steam, with 1, 4, 5, and 6 being available on Switch, 1, 2, 3, and 4 being available on VITA, and 5 being available on PS4(since it's a series, noting availability for all entries is confusing when not all entries are available on all platforms). For more of a "real robot" style mecha S/TRPG, Front Mission is a great choice, especially with the announcement of the 1st game's remake on the horizon, otherwise the 3rd entry is available as a PSOne Classic for PS3, PSP, and VITA, while the 4th is strictly available on PS2. This next one probably doesn't need to be mentioned, but Fire Emblem is a series of S/TRPGs that's been around since the Famicom, with entries available in the states on the GBA, GCN, Wii, 3DS, and Switch, that I'm aware of.

[@admiralmuffin5229]

Yo SRW finally and of course ya gotta play Voltes V's theme.

[@feeamerie5011]

I have another couple of recommendations- Hoshigama on the DS has a great story and combat system. Also I recommend Ragnarok Tactics (PsP) - beautiful, deep and as challenging as you want and my favourite is Gladius by Lucasarts. The OG Xbox version. The PS2 version is a mess with all the timing based combat skills virtually useless due to input lag. I still play this on my OG Xbox all the time. Two storylines against a gladiatorial school backdrop with witches dark gods yetis undead you name it. So much fun.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Anything else that people can play in this year?

[@hightopdeluxe]

Shining Force 2 was one of my first tactical rpgs as a kid and the best!! It would be dope to find this on pc. Edit: this is why I should be patient and watch the video lol

[@BacklogBattle]

Yep! There's links in the pinned post for the PC version! You don't have to buy the whole collection on PC though!

[@d_shuffles]

XCOM Enemy Unknown/Within!!! I didn't mention it on the last video, I cant believe I forgot about it. The perma death is brutal and took me restarting the campaign 3 times before completing a playthrough. Naming and customizing the soldiers made it heartbreaking when someone dies!

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Surprising he didn't even consider it.

[@przemysek2511]

What would i recommend? eh dont have the whole night so ill drop just a few 1) Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga (no brainer game just keep getting better and better) 2) TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children game i played for 1100+ h and still cant get enough and the game/dev keep on giving 3) Acretia - Guardians of Lian a lil early access that i hope will turn out great 4) Shadowrun Returns and the whole serie if ur a fan of a blast from the past 5) Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs and something a bit lighter with a bit of comedy but still great game over all i could go on and on but yeah i think this will be enough.

[@aproy42]

front mission is a good robot tactics game. it like BattleTech but less complex in terms of mech customization but the story is more than you running a mercenary unit. also it comes out soon and if it is anything like the one on the snes that it is very basic.

[@maxchaos44]

the voltes V thing is even better when yo realize that the map is in manila.

[@TheRafaelbrites]

Devil survivor overclocked's my favorite 3DS game. Fantastic!

[@churrascovoltorbgaming9453]

Check out Stella Deus on PS2. I believe that is the only platform that it is on, but it is a solid game, and very beginner friendly. Great art style in my opinion as well.

[@BacklogBattle]

I might have that game! I’ll have to check my library!

[@rogersnick17]

God bless content like this and EmuDeck.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Amen.

[@nicodalusong149]

You mentioned you like Mazinger? Each SRW game is required to feature the holy mecha trinity (a Mazinger show, a Getter Robo show, and a Gundam show). Combination attacks are part and parcel of SRW games and you will almost always find a set of combination attacks between Mazinger-Z and Great Mazinger (Double Burning Fire, Double Mazinger Blade, Double Mazinger Punch). Older games even feature the Final Dynamic Special (the most special version being from SRW A (Advance) Portable since it features Mazinger-Z, Great Mazinger, Grendizer and Shin Getter performing the attack and it is glorious). You liked Voltes V being in the game? I suggest playing either SRW A (Advance) Portable or the SRW a (alpha) line of games. SRW A Portable has the Choudenji Smash and Choudenji Spin V no Jigiri while SRW alpha 3 has the Choudenji Reppu Seikenzuki (otherwise called the Final Nagahama Special) which is a special combination attack between Combattler-V, Voltes V, and Daimos as well as the Choudenji Spin V no Jigiri. Long story short, if you have even the tiniest good reason for two shows to interact, they will interact (or at least make a referential joke about it) one way or another. Shows that are by the same person and shows that are related to each other will almost always get at least one combination attack. Okay, slightly away from games, there is a crossover manga called Choudenji Taisen Victory V that is about the Nagahama trilogy where Kazuya is kidnapped and the Combattler team, Voltes team and Erika go rescue him with the Combattler-VI, Voltes VII and Erika's custom Daimos that has wings. There are incomplete scans floating about the internet.

[@MicBain]

Two big recommendations from me (both on steam) are Hard West, a gritty wild west theme which has a really tabletop skirmish game feel. And the stylish Korean TRPG, Troubleshooter!

[@danieladamczyk4024]

First Hard West?? That game is rubbish.

[@brettseventytwo]

Final Fantasy Tactics is available on the PS3 as well via download from the store. However much longer that store will be available of course.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

So is gone.

[@cataclast1]

Can I suggest Gears Tactics as a good tactical rpg not only visually but also in its meccanics ? If you liked Xcom this one is a more accessible one and has finisher moves too. Also there is Project X Zone which is kinda similar to Super Robot wars but with characters coming from Monolith Soft, Sega, Capcom, Banpresto, CyberConnect2, Red Entertainment.

[@PVS-2024]

I forgot this existed since I haven't played it in quite a while. It is a great game!

[@hickorydickoryhk]

I’m not sure if you have another similar video in the pipeline, but considering the point of accessibility let alone fantastic quality, there are two games which are both available on Switch as well as PS4 and Xbox which I’m surprised weren’t mentioned. The first is Fell Seal : Arbiter’s Mark. I’ll mention the second game in a follow up comment on this comment. Anyway, Fell Seal has DLC which expands the game a lot too, and is well recognized as being one of the best strategy games since FFTactics, and also as being heavily inspired by it. Here’s a link to a trailer for it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZPMeI2en6-pfNE

[@hickorydickoryhk]

And this is a trailer for the Fell Seal DLC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r52TZ5KKlptpnbM

[@hickorydickoryhk]

The second game I wanted to mention is Mutant Year Zero, also on the Switch, PS4 and Xbox, also with DLC available, and also available in a deluxe edition including the DLC already. This is a trailer for the base game: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16uZXxnl8adh7M

[@hickorydickoryhk]

And this is the DLC. I really hope that both games can get more attention because supporting studios and people who create such quality modern additions to the genre only benefits us all. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKTIdKBnZa2Dr7s

[@Sheamu5]

Fell Seal was pretty fun, I enjoyed the class system a lot.

[@michaellui5108]

Sweet video

[@diceww]

If you are interested in a unique SRPG, you might want to try Yggdra Union. Play the PSP version as it's the superior one

[@nikoladedic6623]

Voltes V was often used in earlier games. Even going so far as to incorporate main plots like in Alpha 2 and J. J is also fan translated. Oh, also sad news. Voltes V is DLC in 30.

[@TheTacticalRPGOdyssey]

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are probably the best ones you didn't mention. Both incredible games even if they aren't on the same level as their predecessors. The Knight of Lodis has a great story and most of the mechanics of Tactics Ogre even though its on the GBA. Same with FFTA which comes off a little kiddy at first, and the judges can be annoying but so deep!

[@WaruiDeshou]

Just wanted to say: Voltes V whips!

[@papercup617]

I don’t know if you still check comments on this video, but have you played Knights in the Nightmare on DS? It’s a Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Ogre style game where character class determines shape of movement or attack space, but it’s also a bullet hell. It’s a weird, cool mashup of genres, and there is nothing else like it.

[@BacklogBattle]

That’s a bit difficult of a game to recommend to newcomers!

[@plerpity]

Yeah, Xcom 2 is one of the best imo. I kinda want to see more of this genre in different skins, like Phoenix Point, but I want it not to be in a sci-fi genre. Midnight Suns almost got it, it's a bummer that it went a very different direction

[@ceetruth4709]

I really want to play Super Robot Wars 30, but I can only find digital copies that are pretty high priced. Is there a way to get it digitally in English?

[@bryanguantero9068]

I didn't know you're pinoy. Voltes V is all our childhood anime haha

[@BacklogBattle]

Yes! Voltes V for the win!

[@ChadOfStats]

Super Robot Wars 30 is on sale now. Would you say the DLC is necessary or good?

[@karlharvey601]

still not done with tactics ogre yet! but interested in fft for sure.They should have included dark wizard in the sega package.

[@jrpgaddict7726]

Lost Eidolons, AMAZING Fire Emblem like game!!!!

[@randydevel]

Try Joan of ark on the PSP, a banger

[@reveredrogue9725]

Really loved the gameplay of tactics, it being the very first ff game that i ever finished in the ps1. I played a lot of ff before tactics but i really didn't like the simple turn based style which tended to make me bored. Tactics' gameplay combined with its uniqur class sytem, mix and matching abilities and a very good story just made me love it and play the War of the Lions when it was released on the PSP.

[@danielthomas5622]

well i have about half of the games on the list shining force 1 and 2 tactics ogre 1998 psx tactics ogre reborn fft psx release and the psp war of the loins remake x com series loved them all and still have the original disc and genesis games

[@Sheamu5]

The FFT version on mobile isn't bad. Definitely a recommendation if you've never played it.

[@BacklogBattle]

I find that I have to work really hard to even try and recommend mobile as a valid gaming platform to most people on here.

[@Sheamu5]

Gotcha, I understand the hesitation, I'm the same with most mobile games. But made an exception for FFT

[@ZeBobbumMan]

Good suggestions, but I'd advise newcomers to XCom to be wary of the information the game provides to you. A 100% hit chance on a shot may not be guarantee. Some fails are forced, and if that happens at the wrong time, key members of your squad can be wiped out quickly especially on harder difficulties. For PC, there is a mod that shows true accuracy for all shots.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Some randomness is neccesery for tactical games.

[@Qubicle.]

the franchise that plays like Diofield should be Growlanser games, not Langrisser. well, at least not Langrisser 1 & 2. idk about other langrisser games. that being said, I do love Langrisser 1 & 2.

[@aaron6493]

Alex you missed one of the best Tactical RPGs on the switch, god wars the complete legend, better than all games in this video.

[@worri3db3ar]

with x-com1/2 I'd highly recommend downloading some mods from nexusmods or steam mods to make sure the stats are accurate cos there's been alot of times where 100% chance to hit just isn't true like certain conditions the calculations are borked and you'll miss even if you should have killed/wounded the alien. Still a fun game but frustrating when you get those situations where a guaranteed shot somehow misses and leaves your squaddie exposed to getting killed.

[@Sheamu5]

Thanks for that, I tried playing them before but the accuracy, or lack there of, really frustrated me.

[@obscurityknocks]

I would give Dragon Force 1 & 2 a try, however they're Saturn games and the US release of DF 1 is spendy.

[@PVS-2024]

I'm so bummed! I missed the premiere and live chat! I have a LOT of questions for tactical rpg fans and Alex alike!

[@BacklogBattle]

You can still post your questions there or here if you’d like!

[@PVS-2024]

I kinda inferred that the scaling of beginner/approachable to more advanced was centered on a couple things. Difficulty, depth and design (interface complexity) how do you feel about a game that forces players to integrate each step through progression?

[@BacklogBattle]

Can you give me an example?

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@PVS-2024 This about decison making and lenght of they consequences.

[@PVS-2024]

@@BacklogBattle there are a few games in early access that have tackled this with mixed results. The one closest to mind is Phantom Brigade. It's a front mission spiritual successor that makes you learn mechanics and design on a curve closer to a shooter game. The highlight of the game is the multi track editing (meaning you plan everyone's moves on a timeline) so when you "end your turn" both you and enemies move at the same time. The design and difficulty really shines because you can have collisions or missed shots that drastically alter your plan/move.

[@thomasreagor1706]

I am all for the recommending of Super Robot Wars to the unknowing masses. Personally felt like titles like SRW V, X, or T (if we're talking about recent releases) would have been better recommendations as SRW 30 throws out a ton new features that do not necessary make for a better experience for new players.

[@soratheorangejuicemascot5809]

Why is Yggdra Union not considered a beginner friendly tactical rpg?

[@BacklogBattle]

The recommendations in these lists are all community driven, so it’s not necessarily a matter of just fitting the requirements. Also, Yggdra Union’s last Western release was in 2008 on the PSP, making it inaccessible to many who want to play it. If the first barrier of entry to a game that’s considered a good starter is the acquisition of the game itself, then I’d argue that it’s not easily accessible. TLDR; these selections take into account how much of the community advocates said game, along with how easy it is to play the game right this very moment

[@soratheorangejuicemascot5809]

@@BacklogBattle ahh got it.

[@MrDarksol]

I got around to playing shining force 1A little bit on the GBA and it's pretty fun and it definitely does feel pretty sad that like after this duology of games they went a different route with the shining series....... We went from stuff like that too and I am quoting a friend here freaking baking. But that's besides the point I am a big super robot wars fan so defined out that you were talking about 30 was great. Although there is some misgivings about 30 in terms of the other games in the series like how you quickly realize that the animations for returning robots are pretty much lacking in comparison to the older titles, some of the robots on display that aren't playable or only DLC and there is the fact that most of the new introductions make little to no sense but if you can only find 30 it's not a bad choice but I would highly recommend searching for super robot wars T. The other recommendations are very nice though especially devil survivor 1 and 2 which is making me really really really hope that those will get a switch re release because they deserve it especially since we were drowning in so much persona for the past couple of years at this point. Overall a very good follow up video Alex!

[@LordValzy]

Duology of Shining Force? There is Shining Force Gaiden/CD and Shining Force 3 which are still part of these from Camelot? Only after Camelot was no more with Sega did it go downhill.

[@MrDarksol]

@@LordValzy I mainly mentioned 1 and 2 because that's what most people I talk to only bring up. They almost never bring up gaiden/CD or even the 3rd game.

[@LordValzy]

Because nobody played them and that is a shame. Gaiden never made it to Europe and only the second Part to the US, nowdays you can get it on 3DS but nobody knows it is a fairly good entry. The CD Add on did not sell that well and Shining Force CD had less copies sold then the others. I bought a Sega Saturn at the tailend of the console only for Shining Force 3 but never got my hands on a copy, it was nowhere to be seen in any local shops and even the companies that listed it in magazines only did so fora single month. Sega would do well rereleasing a remake/remaster of the whole Gaiden Trilogy, if they add the additional CD content even better. Same for 3, whole trilogy + bonus CD ona Switch cartridge and i would buy 2 or 3 copies. I own Shining Force 1 and 2 original, on Mega Drive Collection for PS3 and Switch, i own a Mega Drive Mini (EU), Mega Drive Mini 2 (EU + JP), Shining Force 1 Remake on GBA, Shining Force 2 downloaded on Wii and PC. There is a point when i want Sega to release the other good Games of the franchise and honestly i would even take a remake of Shining Soul 1 + 2 or Shining Feather despite them beeing part of the downfall.

[@MrDarksol]

@@LordValzy D*** you have a very impressive collection there and yes it would definitely do Sega good if they remind us of their other franchises other than just a blue hedgehog and a guy who punches people a lot. I know we got Valkyria Chronicles and Virtua Fighter but they do have more franchises. H*** while we are at it, they really should just do a re release of even all of the Sakura Wars games in a collection since aside from the 5th game, we never got any of the other games, aside from the new one.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

What about Pokemon, Guild of Dungeoneering, many other card games??

[@themoeboy]

FFT is the best game ever to exist

[@gregimus13]

Final fantasy tactics will be remastered. All in due time!

[@BacklogBattle]

I don't know how many candles I'll have to light or what deity I'd have to pray to, but I'm hoping it'll be announced soon!

[@gregimus13]

@@BacklogBattle They are going to see how well tactics ogre reborn does, which I think it will be good, and the demand is high for final fantasy tactics, and has been for a long time.

[@patrickmcgehrin8993]

The mobile xcom games are actually really good ports.

[@jmraygoza6]

What game is at 0:31?

[@BacklogBattle]

Diofield Chronicle!

[@bobmcbobg1696]

Nope… You guys have to play battle brothers. That is the souls like for tactical RPG‘s. The game literally tells you before you start a new game how difficult it is.

[@hammertiemz]

Into the Breach is more of a puzzle game than tactical considering you'd fail a mission if you made the less optimal decision.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Thats the tacitcal games for you. ALL OF THEM.

[@hammertiemz]

@@danieladamczyk4024 Not really. Most or majority of tactical games, you can finish even with a sub optimal strategy/decision. Into the Breach, you'd fail if you did not pick the CORRECT solution. That's the difference between a puzzle and a tactical game.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@hammertiemz How you deterimne that?

[@hammertiemz]

@@danieladamczyk4024 Making ONE wrong decision in Into the Breach ends up in a failure, a solved game if you will. Other tactics games, you can still win even if you make MULTIPLE errors.

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@hammertiemz Now i see your point. Still i have to play it myself. So acording to you ITB is one of the hardest tactical games, becouse it isn't flexible with mistakes you can make. And i share this view with you. Many tactical games on hardest difficulty are specific with action that you should take. That the blance problem that plague among tactical games. Any idea how to change that?

[@Qvmmy]

fae tactics is nice too

[@MarsofAritia]

not a single FE? the GBA games are the best entry point to the genre. Awakening (even though it's awful) and Birthrout (better version of awakening) are good places too.

[@BacklogBattle]

I mentioned Three Houses in the video that preceded this one. Not the same, but it is FE!

[@Dratio]

Jean D'arc on psp is perfect for newomers

[@BacklogBattle]

Can you elaborate on this?

[@Dratio]

@@BacklogBattle It's an anime fantasy version of Joan of Arc. Characters can be given abilities through equipped skill stones which can be combined to form new skills. It's simpler than something like Tactics Ogre, but that also means there isn't as much confusion about the finer details of certain stats and skills. Gameplay is direct, well explained and very well executed. Making it a great introductory trpg. Though I enjoyed it even as an experienced player

[@PhoenIXPhantasies]

You forgot Pokemon Conquest again :'C

[@BacklogBattle]

Not enough people advocated for it!

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Games for newcomers Tactic Ogre Choose one

[@hermesonaires7047]

No Disgaea? Damn :(

[@zerohbeat]

Thats what I thought too! Disgaea is soo good. Ohh well. :(

[@danieladamczyk4024]

But it is for *beginners*?

[@hermesonaires7047]

@@danieladamczyk4024 Definitely not! 😅

[@danieladamczyk4024]

@@hermesonaires7047 That explain why it isn't here. I plan to avoid play Disgaea and focus on other games from Nis. Anything to recommend?

[@hermesonaires7047]

@@danieladamczyk4024 So, I would understand if "not being friendly towards newcomers" was something in the first video. In this one, some of the SRPG featured are CLEARLY not for newcomers. Tactics Ogre being one of the most complex and time consuming titles I've played in my life, and I've played all disgaea games and spin offs...

[@Tammy1083]

You keep forgetting the ps vita😅

[@BacklogBattle]

As much as I love the Vita, these videos are meant for people who have modern platforms, and buying physical games for that will cost more given the digital store’s closure.

[@CBZero]

Philippines!

[@feedmind4669]

pinoy ka pla?! subd!

[@ogre27kain]

I have Super Robot Taisen OG Endless Saga on DS and not only is it really fun but the combat is a blast and has Kos-Mos from XenoSaga

[@joejames9974]

Hey hey damn I forget about the OG shining force they need to make a hd 3d of that That game was the shid even though I play It back in 2002 the year I play and beat final fantasy tactics it still was awesome