The Top 10 Greatest Tactical RPGs of All Time

[@Xygor]

So what are your favorite Tactical RPGs? Were my picks right on, or trash? Gain early access to my videos by supporting me at www.patreon.com/xygorgaming OR through KZbin membership by clicking the JOIN button above!

[@roguerifter9724]

I'm not sure about the exact order but my number one is Ogre Battle March of the Black Queen (I wish Square Enix would remaster the Ogre Battle games instead of just remaking Tactics Ogre again) Front Mission 3, Valkyria Chronicles II, Shining Force II, and Tactics Ogre would all definitely make the list. Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis might make the list because I have a massive soft spot for the game due to it being the first birthday present my best friend got me. Final Fantasy Tactics might make the top ten but it would be below all of the games I mentioned and I'm not sure it would make the cut. I enjoy Final Fantasy Tactics (It was actually the first PS1 game I owned because I got it the night I got my PS2) but IMO its vastly inferior to the original Tactics Ogre (which included multiple story paths greatly increasing replay value, a much larger max battle force allowing more variety in force composition, and in the PS1 game an impromptu multiplayer mode which final Fantasy Tactics lacked utterly)

[@kevinjohnson2054]

I'm not sure I would add the Growlanser games to my top 10, but I'd definitely recommend playing that series.

[@kylehalat9414]

What about Vandal Hearts 2? Everything else was good to fine choices. The difficulty of having enemies move at the same time as you move and if you don't outthink the AI, you just missed the enemies. Not utilized very often, but fantastic.

[@Vayne-b4u]

Xygor game like brigandine count as tactical rpg or not?

[@Sparkbomber]

A good, solid list. But personally I'd argue that Ogre Battle is too much an RTS with rpg elements to be a TRPG/SRPG. Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis would've made my list along with Phantom Brave for its unique mechanics. Otoh, Vandal Hearts being on here? Major props as that one doesn't get enough love.

[@flippen721]

For me final Fantasy tactics is nr 1. It has that perfect amount of preparing your team before battle, but also size of maps and team size. Music, story and presentation is also top notch. Followed by front mission 3. They can be played over and over again. Which i do typically at least once a year still.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@Sinistra359]

Vandal Hearts...the sound design, the unique attack animations and the spurting blood. I remember replaying it immediately after defeating the game and getting to lvl 10 just so I could see how the other classes that i didnt choose looked like lol. 😂

[@Xygor]

Right on, such an unforgettable game!

[@JackHoffing]

Support for vandal hearts

[@Shauddi]

My fav SRPG of all time, and the one that got me into the genre. I will never forget how defining VH was for me. Dragon Force and FFT trail right behind..

[@davimag2071]

@@Shauddi Exactly the same experience to me! But it was VH2 instead of the first (which I played many years later) :)

[@brennantanner3825]

Front mission 3 is the one i always revisit. I picked it up at a game stop off the cover alone knowing nothing about. Two stories of 30+ hrs a piece with completely different playable characters and battles within each. It's also mechs with awesome custimization. The following two entries are great too.

[@TheRobversion1]

Agreed. And the 2 new remakes arent too shabby either. Can wait for the FM3 remake on the switch.

[@AxionSurge]

Yes!!! The best!

[@AxionSurge]

WAnzer crew rise up!

[@nateb2715]

I like Front Mission 4 more but yes, Front Mission games are top tier

[@DragenGD]

So true. FM 2 was better than the 1st and 3 improved on that again to be the best in what was already a great game series.

[@aaronglazer4173]

Triangle Strategy is my favorite. I beat it 3x straight as an adult. That just doesn't happen.

[@Xygor]

Isn't it such an amazing classic?

[@joshbenoit2859]

Vandal Hearts to this day is my favorite video game. Its a good example of simple mechanics used well to make a super fun game. And the different class choices feel very distinct from one another which makes the game fun to replay.

[@Xygor]

Right on, glad to see so much love for it in the comments!

[@ZmQuad]

Agrias Oaks is one of my favorite characters and longest lasting crushes in VG history

[@Beshozyajstvennoe_Mylo]

My list: FFT, Triangle Strategy, Fae Tactics, Tactics Ogre, Jeanne d’Arc, Front Mission 3 (story), 5 (mechanics), Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor, Symphony Of War: The Nephilim Saga, The Last Spell

[@planescaped]

I really want to try Symphony of War, but I am waiting on that long in the works Switch release.

[@ncs9753]

The last spell is not a tactical rpg, it's a roguelite.

[@ArchGeek]

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis is arguably the best game in the Ogre series, that sadly most folks have never even played.

[@drowningin]

I Love knight of lodis. The Emblem system is really cool way of making the same job’s different from one another

[@rilarr]

I remember this little convince store had a small wall of video games and this was the only one worth renting over and over again

[@misterretrowolf1464]

Really glad you brought that one up. I've just finished it and really loved it. I think it's a lot more accessible than the other massive games. Got to love the summons spells!

[@bobyrob9261]

100%. My favorite from the series. One of the top SRPGs period.

[@boobs_n_bots]

It the only TO game I completed.

[@alejandromarinetti8622]

Jeane D Arc would definitely make my list. Awesome game!

[@Xygor]

That one is really underrated

[@awesomereviews1561]

Vandal Hearts is the most enjoyable T-RPG of all time. Great variety of missions, amazing ost, and the pacing is very good.

[@Xygor]

Glad you have such good memories of it too!

[@JuanCruz-cb1lf]

Hell yeah Vandal Hearts is in the list. Glad to see its getting some love!

[@Xygor]

Great game!

[@celestialdemon1316]

Personally, I disqualify any tactical RPG list that doesn't include Shining Force 2, so I'm glad you included it. Excellent list. One of the best I've seen.

[@graciaman]

Shining Force III scenarios 1,2, and 3 make the complete game. It’s the best strategy rpg of all-time and has things like your decisions affecting things in later scenarios and wildly interesting combat maps and diverse party members. It was way ahead of its time.

[@ophidianmind333]

These are excellent choices and I love every game on this list. It's also nice to hear the Langrisser series get a shout out, that's a great one and some others I would recommend to people who enjoy the games and series mentioned in this video are Dark Wizard, the Majin Tensei and Devil Survivor spin-offs of SMT, and Disciples: Liberation.

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked the list, and thanks for your thoughts!

[@sunekoo]

Yggdra Union is my favourite SRPG. Unique and engaging game mechanics that require you to actually think through and plan each move to win. Seems complicated at first but you quickly get into it. Remaster is out on Steam but play the PSP port if you can- Steam remake has “accessibility features” that dumb the game down quite a bit.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for this suggestion, other people have mentioned it to so I need to give it a try.

[@Mitsunari4Gunz]

Great list, I think honestly you can mix and match most the top 10 so long as FFT is number 1.

[@Xygor]

Hard to argue!

[@spahrstylegaming8245]

Wow, really appreciate this list and the difference in titles I had rarely seen and/or completely forgotten. Awesome job

[@ponyote]

FF: Tactics at #1 is really the only answer. Glad you agree. I put in so many hours, and I'll pay it again if I ever can.

[@Xygor]

Isn't it an amazing classic?

[@ponyote]

@@Xygor I first played in 98 on a PSX with no memory card. I played until the system was starting to overheat, then shut down. That first mission is burned into my memory, and I'm fine with that.

[@dycedarg19]

I have both the PSX and WOTL. I always go back and play the PSX and try different job classes…but just like trying to avoid being a stealth archer in Skyrim, I always end up going back to my fav job classes: Ramza as squire with summoner as 2nd, Agrias with thief as 2nd, Mustadio as a chemist (he can throw x-potions) with snipe as 2nd, Beowulf with time as 2nd, and Cloud (yes I will grind until he is strong enough) with monk (earth slash, chakra, and revive) as 2nd.

[@nimaiiikun]

before clicking I was about to say "I bet this guy won't include Shining Force and Dragon Force". but you proved me wrong. Great list! I just wish both series received more sequels

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked it, thanks!

[@nimaiiikun]

@@Xygor great video, may the Force be with you

[@planescaped]

Shining Force 2 too! Most people tend to heap all the praise on the first game, but I too think SF2 is the better game. I also adore Shining Force 3... but only Scenario 1 and 2. It kinda falls apart in Scenario 3 sadly. Scenario 1 had the best story and difficulty, Scenario 2 had the best battles, and Scenario 3 had the best characters but a lackluster climax to use them in.

[@nimaiiikun]

@@planescaped I still have to finish Scenario 1. I have the cd somewhere at home where my Saturn is stored.

[@thebossbaby7402]

Glad to see Genealogy of The Holy War on here. Probably my favorite Fire Emblem game, and it definitely has one of the best stories and cast of characters in the genre. And the scale of the battles and maps you fight on really adds a lot to the experience.

[@Xygor]

Right on! That one is so great.

[@sharebear421]

Great list. My favorite might be jeane d arc on the psp. Super underrated. Arc the lad twilight of spirits as well

[@Xygor]

Thanks, and I definitely need to review Jeanne D'Arc soon

[@funkychimp2791]

Goatoki!?!

[@justicerainz]

Sweet list! I just finished playing bahamut lagoon and I'm just starting ogre battle. To me, bahamut lagoon really felt like the team that made ff6 made another game. I'm really enjoying ogre battle so far!

[@Xygor]

Great to hear that and thank you!

[@MaI2Me]

Honorable mention: “Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia”

[@Xygor]

I need to review that soon!

[@RyuseiiTheCrimsonKing]

Both brigandine games are good for that, visually i prefer the first brigandine/ grand edition, but the sequel holds up faithfully gameplay wise. They're a lot like dragon force due to being able to pick your faction.

[@tylorhobbs8920]

Yeah, the sound of Dragon Force makes me think there may be a lot of overlap in the two of them. But the strategic fights in Brigandine are top notch, with the fixed locations giving you a different fight depending on which direction you're coming from, or if you're defending.

[@Rubikant]

I started watching this thinking “he probably won’t mention one of my favorites of all time, since no one remembers it…” and then, BAM, Vandal Hearts! So happy to see it get recognition! One thing I think needs to be emphasized more about it though is how every single battle has some unique quirk to it. There was almost no such thing as a “normal” battle in that game after like the first 2! Constantly mixing things up like that meant there was never a sense of grinding away and going on auto pilot at any point, which is an issue I have with almost all others including the typical top picks like FFT. The focus was also on the combat tactics much more than building the perfect OP party, which I prefer. And then on top of that, Triangle Strategy!! Quickly rocketed up to being in my top 2 alongside Vandal Hearts! And another game that is criminally overlooked! Anyway, you have great taste, is what I’m saying :).

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked the last, and much appreciated! Vandal Hearts still goes unnoticed by too many people.

[@nerdzone]

Favourite TRPG? The Battle for Wesnoth with Disgaea 5 as a close second.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@JanstonCordell]

It is criminal that Vandal Hearts was never remade or continued. I absolutely loved that game and would've ranked it higher than 9th all-time.

[@insaneasock3156]

Loved the train battle in Vandal Hearts when you killed an enemy and their blood would scatter in the wind

[@Xygor]

Yep, that was pretty distinctive, wasn't it?

[@drowningin]

I’ve been playing through Ogre Battle 64 while waiting for Unicorn Overlord. I love how relaxing Ogre Battle is. You issue your commands and watch it play out, only lifting controller when something changes. Nothing feels better than a perfectly laid out strategy at the start. FFT is actually a game I have the most problems with. The story is spectacular, the variety is amazing, but the system is so damn clunky that it makes me quit any replays in my tracks. If FFT was as smooth to play as Fire Emblem or Shining Force it would be perfect

[@Xygor]

Right on, I agree about Ogre Battle. It takes tough decision but isn't as frantic in its gameplay.

[@bobjoemac1]

I adore tactics... but it has so many flaws. The first couple battles are brutally slow with no variety and then after that the game gives you some rando's who you then use to class change into whatever you want... but you have to spend hours grinding new jobs to keep up with old jobs. So you basically create a team of 5 OP characters for the first 25% of the game... then the game goes nah you should use these mandatory story characters and forget about your chapter 1 guys... feels like.the opposite of what the game wanted you to do in the first place... then perma death is TOO brutal. The franticness of having to revive them is great but if you don't revive them in time they turn into a crystal... that let's you learn ONE of their abilities that you spent hours obtaining... so you just reset the battle...which most of the time is a random battle on the map.

[@LockeNarshe]

@@bobjoemac1 I think the permadeath system is fantastic, personally. It's not as punishing as the insta-death of Tactics Ogre, but it isn't as soft as just facerolling through battles with no regard for the life of your party members. Otherwise you'd just make a sacrifice play every battle to make it easier. Like much of the story and the combat animations, the permadeath is there to add weight to the game and the decisions you make. There are some places you could smooth the edges out on though, like soft-locking your first playthrough at a certain multi-stage castle battle (if you know, you know) or the ability to lose a fight before your first turn on the roof battle when one of the Twins walks into the dear old matching ladies.

[@Lonewolfz24]

The ones that stick out for me the most would be SS Dragon Force, SS Shining force 3, PS FF Tactics, PS Front Mission 3, PC StarCraft, PC Warcraft 3, GC Fire Emblem, NES Conflict, SCD Shining Force CD, SG Shining Force, in no particular order.

[@gotinogaden]

Recently finished TS, absolutely amazing CRPG, loved the story, the characters (Benedict is my fave!) and the ridiculously good HD-2D presentation. The music is out of this world, ofc.

[@iamthehobo]

When I first tried to play triangle strategy, I bounced off really hard because it just starts dropping dozens of proper nouns on you at once. It really feels like it would be worth my time if I gave it the chance

[@Xygor]

The dialogue is definitely different than many other games!

[@MerkhVision]

It’s a really good game, but yeah the story really asks you to remember a lot of info.

[@Rorshacked]

It’s total nostalgia talking, but I loved Kartia Word of Fate. Revisited it last year and was happy with how well it held up.

[@Xygor]

I should probably cover that one eventually...

[@Lamasis2]

Word of Fate, but that would be my pick too.

[@Rorshacked]

@@Lamasis2oh you’re right, good catch!

[@Rorshacked]

@@Xygor yes please! I liked the paper rock scissors of the summons and the high ground-low ground playing a huge part (like with weapon selection/loadout choices)

[@shwickid222]

Vandal Hearts will ALWAYS be my fav Tactical RPG. heres hoping for a remaster someday. one can dream i guess.

[@Xygor]

Hopefully someday!

[@malojewell2755]

Damn near perfect list. Fell Seal and Brigandine would make my list, but I can't argue with what you went with.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@frankfernandez8637]

Its very hard for me to chose. I'm sure that my top 3 would be Shining Force II, Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics (no order), but I loved some other that are not in the list like FFT Advanced and Vanguard Bandits. Probably not better than any other showed in the video but they gave me a lot of hours of fun and replayability, and that's what videogame are made for. Good video as always. God bless you man

[@theopatino2379]

Shining Force 2 is still my #1 Tactical RPG. The Diofield Chronicle deserves some recognition.

[@Xygor]

Shining Force 2 is a classic!

[@Wolfburns]

Great list. I feel like your favorites are almost the evolution of how the SRPG genre grew lol. I was sleeping on Triangle Strategy so thank you for that!

[@Xygor]

Thanks, and hope you have fun with that one!

[@thedrunkmonkshow]

It makes sense for FF Tactics to be #1 as it's yet to be dethroned with it's engaging storyline and comprehensive job system which adds tons of replay value . For some reason I was imagining you picking Military Madness/Nectaris but I quickly forgot while the game is one of the best tactical games it lacks RPG elements so it wouldn't count in this list. Also glad to see Vandal Hearts get some love which is sorely forgotten by many a lot these days. 😎

[@JustinLeeper]

My top 10 would definitely include Disgaea 1, King’s Bounty (Genesis), the 360 XCOM, and Fire Emblem: Awakening. I just started playing Jeanne D’Arc recently. It seems pretty darn good, too.

[@Mintcar923]

I think that’s the best one I have Jeanne DArc.. Or at least in my top 2 with Three Houses.. Got Kings Bounty 2 on Switch but I’m finding it hard to get the gameplay down

[@JustinLeeper]

@@Mintcar923 I have Three Houses installed but haven’t played it. King’s Bounty 2 looks a bit hit-or-miss. But as a kid, the Genesis original - which was later remade on PS2 as Heroes of Might & Magic - was my first real tactical game.

[@Mintcar923]

@@JustinLeeper I didn’t even know that.. I’m always learning something new daily here

[@Xygor]

Jeanne D'Arc is pretty underrated!

[@JustinLeeper]

@@Xygor And it looks amazing on my Steam Deck uprezzed! 🤩

[@potatomatop9326]

The one and only thing i don't like in Final Fantasy Tactics is Math Skill. That skill one-shots the entire map and it's not even funny

[@dycedarg19]

That’s the only Job class that I never honed. My next play through I’m going to give it a shot. 👍🏻

[@potatomatop9326]

@@dycedarg19 don't! you'll destroy the game. edit: u know what, copy my build from 20 years ago... Don't learn a single magic offense skill like fire ice or lightning and just lear Holy... Once you do, equip a Chameleon Robe to save yourself from you. Wear all items that increases Matk and use the Matk Up Passive and select Save Fading Life. That auto one shots the entire map.

[@soratheorangejuicemascot5809]

My favorite Tactical RPG will always be Yggdra Union. I like how the game is designed around resource management and missing an item can potentially end your run. I mostly play Dept Heaven rpgs but I also played Devil Survivor and Project X Zone 2.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@andrebaxter4023]

Dragon Force is an underrated gem. A shame that there’s no modern versions of the series.

[@Xygor]

Exactly, maybe someday!

[@TheRobversion1]

My personal top 5 TRPGS: 1. Final Fantasy Tactics 2. Triangle Strategy 3. Tactics Ogre Reborn 4. Front mission 3 (the whole FM series really) 5. Gloomhaven

[@Xygor]

Thanks for leaving your list here!

[@TheRobversion1]

@@Xygor might be a game or 2 there that other trpg enthusiasts may want to try out. The next 5 i'd recommend: 6. valkyria chronicles (the whole series really) 7. fell seal: arbiter's mark 8. fire emblem: 3 houses 9. marvel's midnight suns 10. diofield chronicles of the upcoming games, i expect unicorn overlord to start being a part of these kinds of lists.

[@shinra2755]

Superb list - really good picks. For me, the most clear omission is Disgaea! The first game in the series remains the best. Near infinite playability and excellent characters!

[@Xygor]

Thanks, I'm biased but I thought so too!

[@MegaMiquelon]

I still play Vandal Hearts from time to time... such a great game. Personally I'd put Tactics Ogre PS 1 classic above all else. It's the father of FFT after all. I would argue FFT has one massive flaw.... which is the character limit in a battle. Like you get about 15 unique characters, tons of classes, awesome chocobos and dragon classes, but they're just collecting dust in your menu screen. In the end you'll just bring Agrias or Orlandeau or Balthier and bye everyone else.

[@Xygor]

Right, on, thanks for your thoughts! So true about FFT balance.

[@dycedarg19]

YES! I have to release everyone real fast so I can’t hear the sorrowful comments! Boco kills me when he says something like he wanted to live in a world co-existing with humans! You will never get to keep all of the new characters either. I always release Rafa and Malak together since they are the weakest…IMO.

[@ViridianGames]

You used "Manifold Irons" as the Front Mission music! My favorite track!

[@w1sh4w1ngsthtwrk]

Front Mission 1 was ported to the original DS in 2007, it is largely similar to the 1995 original.

[@Xygor]

Didn't realize this

[@elowolfe4075]

One I don't see mention often, but I have a soft spot for, was Vanguard Bandits. Tactical RPG with mechs.

[@algernonsblackwoods5859]

Great list. I personally have Tactics Ogre LUCT at the one spot over FFT. The only reason being, once you get a few NPCs in FFT (yes Orlandeau, I'm talking about you) the combat and all the hard work and leveling you did becomes trivial.

[@Xygor]

True!

[@juniorgod321]

No, Orlandeau was the reward for all the combat and all the hard work and leveling you did:)

[@praaskersja5077]

you can use patch mod for reballance FFT

[@lylepup222]

Great list, I spent a lot of hours playing Ogre Battle and Shining Force games back in the day. Also liked Disgaea.

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked it!

[@paulmichelin5368]

I was pleasantly surprised to see Bahumut Lagoon in the list. I loved that game and wish it would get a HD 2D remake and proper English release

[@Xygor]

It was so good, hopefully it is remade!

[@edpinkus8688]

I just discovered Fell Seal and it's possibly one of the top ones that I have played in a long time.

[@Xygor]

I've heard of it, I need to look into it.

[@natn41r]

Great list, a bit surprised at how high Triangle Strat was. A tactics game you may not have heard of, but should definitely check out: Banner of the Maid

[@Xygor]

I knew that would surprise some, but I just love it so much. And thanks for that recommendation.

[@geeknat8981]

Yep. Banner of the Maid is surprisingly great!

[@UnparalleledDev0]

solid list.Front Mission looks cool might have to check it out. once FFT was notably absent I realized the number one spot. also brilliant editing: "little not to like about FFT" while showing Malak Rafa Roof fight. nice touch.

[@Xygor]

Glad you can't find fault with the #1!

[@bianodias2000]

I could add 2 or 3 titles but I prefer praising the list instead. Excellent choice of gems.

[@shallendor]

All the Tactics Ogre family of games were great! Final Fantasy Tactics is my #1 choice, i have played it so many times while challenging myself with limits on character i use! I do like games like both Ogre Battle game and Dominions 4-6, where you do the planning and rely on the setup for success or failure!

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@obake6290]

My favorites are Disgaea 1-2 (haven't played 3-7 yet) and Shining Force 1-2. These are fun games and not too difficult. Perfect for me since I don't like my RPGs to be too difficult. One that I think deserves a mention is Yggdra Union. To be fair I never beat it, got stuck on what I think was the last boss. Stuggled all the way through it really, but I enjoyed it anyway. I bet this video was harder to make than you let on. RPGs in general are long games, and Tactical RPGs tend to be long by RPG standards. This must have taken a lot of time. _Comments on your list_ Bahamut Lagoon - Played a little bit of it but it didn't really grab me at the time Front Mission - Excellent game for the SNES. I just played it last year, and looking forward to the rest of the series. Shining Force 2 - Hey we agree! Ogre Battle - Rented it as a kid and did not understand it at all.Didn't like the automated battles either. Final Fantasy Tactics - Got hardstuck at some point becuse I was too low level and couldn't go level up. Never touched it again. Was okay other than that. Langrisser from your runner-ups perfectly encapsulates what I consider too hard. I picke dup the remaster on PC and couldn't beat the second map. Ridiculous. I haven't played the others, but I do have Triangle Strategy in my backlog.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for leaving your thoughts on these games!

[@shivanthasamaraweera8759]

The Disgaea series had some mechanics I haven't seen in other games such as throwing party members and exploding penguins. Definitely worth at least an honorable mention

[@Dookie4218]

Vandal Hearts is like comfort food for me 😊😊😊

[@Xygor]

Did you like the blood geysers as much as me?

[@Dookie4218]

@@Xygor Literally the best part of the game lol

[@Dookie4218]

@@Xygor Another game I loved that is kind of out there was Ring Of Red. Fantastic game.

[@misterretrowolf1464]

I love the fact there's no perma-death, you can just replay the level. After playing some of the other tactics games it's one you can enjoy a little more by just trying things out.

[@mechajintsu]

For notable tactical RPG's which isn't mentioned enough -> Brigandine. It's a really fun game.

[@Xygor]

I really need to review it soon.

[@Tarrot]

One of the most overlooked Tactical RPGs, at least from the west, is Legend of Cao Cao. It's similar to Fire Emblem in how it looks, but has a stat growth system that can encourage multiple playthroughs, some difficult fights, and has a ton of replayability due to different characters to recruit. More importantly, in China, it's one of the more modded games out there. Legend of Lu Bu is probably the most well known, but there's a ton of LOCC mods that for the most part aren't available to Westerners.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@michaeljoseph9390]

I loved all the shining force games. You can’t go wrong with any of them and I wasn’t surprised you chose shining force 2 but, I’d have gone with shining force 3 or shining force CD.

[@Xygor]

They are definite classics!

[@MikeStoneJapan]

Tactics and Strategy games really raised me. But off the top of my head FFTA2, FM1, TO LUCT. Front Mission 1 I have prolly replayed the most

[@JuanCruz-cb1lf]

The SNES Front Mission 1? Or the Switch version? I just bought it on Amazon. I hope its good.

[@MikeStoneJapan]

@@JuanCruz-cb1lf I came up w/ the snes version. Never played the switch port/remaster whatever it is. Sure it's good though

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@dycedarg19]

I am glad FFT was at the top. The story, the gameplay (incl. job points), the characters (including FF7’s), and especially the music make it top notch. Nothing like reducing an enemy’s brave points until they turn into a chicken, cast sleep, surround them, and steal Gil until you get enough JP’s for the next skill or job class. Oh, and I’m glad Vandal Hearts is on the list!

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@VRnamek]

absolute top choices there. My favorite is still FFTactics, an absolute masterpiece, complete with great story, amazing character art and probably one of the best OSTs ever, so epic. Shining Force was awesome too, a true pioneer in the genre and still looks and plays great. One of Genesis/Megadrive crowing achievements. Character portraits in dialogues really felt brand-new and battle scenes look epic. PlayStation basically gave birth to 3D dioramas with 2D sprites still in vogue today with Triangle Strategy... Lovely

[@willlindell8904]

Definitely going to have to try out Front Mission My list would have been 1. Final Fantasy Tactics (Also my favorite game period, so no brainer there) 2. Fire Emblem: Shadows of Valentia 3. Advance Wars 1+2 Reboot 4. Triangle Strategy 5. Sentinels of Freedom 6. Chroma Squad 7. Mario + Rabbid's Kingdom Battle 8. Project X-Zone 9. Pokemon Conquest 10. Dark Deity Very much curated to the things I love, which is why some games that aren't "Top tier" make the list, but I can't help but love them anyway.

[@eminturksezer9423]

Cool selection. Dragon Force and FFT PSX are the ones I still got on my bucket list.

[@kurniawannur6178]

my fav is obviously FFT, followed by SMT devil survivor, Valkyria chronicles 4, FE 3 houses, Tactics ogre and Front mission 3... planning on Vandal Hearts, Kartia, Vanguard Bandits, Growlanser 4, Langrisser remake, Triangle strategy and Disgaea 5

[@Xygor]

Thanks for sharing your favorites!

[@williamhayes26]

Great games but Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga would be my #1. Such a amazing game. 10 / 10

[@Xygor]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@schaughtful]

Right on! Especially happy to see Dragon Force and Vandel Hearts on the list

[@Mkain80]

Sometimes i wish i could go back in time and play all this stuff as a kid on release date cause i missed so much.

[@Xygor]

Hopefully you still can!

[@Mkain80]

@@Xygor I do. Emulators can make miracles. It's more of free time issue. Kids, work, etc.

[@femtrooper]

Awesome list!!!

[@Xygor]

Thank you! Do you have a favorite Tactical RPG?

[@Graus4201]

Spectral force 3 was a later gem that i found. i really liked the addition of combo attacks.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rafaelkuhn5154]

Great choices! But if you've enjoyed "Front Mission" on Super Famicom, by all means check out "FM II" for the PS1. It improves upon the original in every way, with more customisation, skills and secrets, a very nuanced story and gorgeous graphics.

[@Xygor]

I will be reviewing it eventually! Thanks!

[@seanmcbride434]

I cut my strategy rpg teeth on warsong (der langrisser) on the genesis and the found ogre battle and I still go back and play those. Was really into the front mission series as well. Great list!

[@toolman4745]

AW YEAH! Vandal Hearts is amazing. I'd probably put Arc the Lad 4 on the list too. I loved that game.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts! Vandal Hearts is still overlooked.

[@jmarx3943]

I was always very fond of the shining force series. In my opinion, 2 is the best one I've played, but my personal favorite is shining force cd. I loved how after completing 2 stories (caled books in game) with different casts of characters (with some crossover), you can select from an entire list of both stories characters to play through a more difficult shorter book.

[@kalythgaming]

Great list: FFTactics is still my favorite, can’t argue with your choice up there. I’m surprised to see no Advance Wars in the list, since everybody praises them a lot. And to add to the list, I’d also pick Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor Overclocked on the 3DS. Mixing the SMT lore with SJRPG mechanics worked very well. The second chapter is better in general but is so far away from the classic SMT that it has less charme to me, but it’s still great.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for your thoughts, so many great games in this category and it was hard to make this!

[@TheRavenShadowsWolf]

Number 10 - you had me at level up your own dragons the way you want. Now I do want a remaster. Hopefully in a language I can understand. Number 7 - Now I'm gonna have to go look that one up on the Xbox series X and see if it's there. Sounds like a good mech game to try. I happen to like body target options, and customization. Number 6 - I've heard a lot of fire emblem fans talk about Geneology. I'd like to try it out for myself, but if it's not available in North America I'm not really the kind to go out of my way to find work arounds to play it. Number 5 - I've also heard a lot about Ogre Battle. I'm not a fan of real time with pause play though. I do like the customization = and as long as they give me time enough to actually plan and be tactical; I'd try it out. Number 4 - I literally just wrote Ogre Tactics instead of Ogre Battle lol. I never got to try Final Fantasy Tactics. I would like to, but I have no clue where to get it.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for all your thoughts! I think Bahamut Lagoon would be a big hit with the crowd here that loves Octopath/Chained Echoes/Sea of Stars.

[@GIBunz]

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a really fun game. I've heard War of the Lions isn't as good as the PSX version.

[@dycedarg19]

I’ve never played FFTA, but I will say that I enjoy the PSX better than WOTL…only because have played it a lot before. Something about the updated dialogue/character names being too different than the OG. 😅

[@mechajintsu]

Saw the title, jumped to #1 and saw the GOAT tactical RPG as expected :) IMO FF Tactics is also the greatest FF.

[@Xygor]

Glad you agree with that placement!

[@brandonhiggs88]

Very good list, one i dont think got enough love was the final fantasy tactics game for the gameboy advance. Yes it was alittle more childish but i liked the story of that one alot and neat idea with its all like a dream world of a sick child, id like to see both remade

[@Xygor]

Thanks, and yeah, that game was fun! Some others mentioned it in the comments as well.

[@MR_ARKANSAS]

1. FF Tactics, 2. FE : Echos SoV, 3. Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark, 4. Disgaea 1, 5. FE Path of Radiance, 6. Tactics Ogre LUCT, 7. Growlanser Generations 2&3, 8. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga, 9. FF Tactics A2, 10. FE Blazing Blade, 11. Shining Force 1: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon, 12. Vandal Hearts 1 it's hard to order them. only my 1st place stays first place after that they are all tied for 2nd.

[@Xygor]

Thanks for dropping your own list here!

[@Gothenburg1]

Awesome video, I was not aware of dragonforce it looks exciting I will definitly try it on my rp3+ when I will finish the two classics tactics ogre psp and fire emblem awakening. I think recently, Battle Brothers deserve some praises because of its combat depths that reach the highest references previously mentioned while adding an incredible feeling on gameplay and a nice doze of rogue elements

[@Squall2785]

Front mission was released on the DS as well

[@Xygor]

Thanks, never realized that.

[@2handss]

Waiting for the remake to hit a huge discount on Steam to replay FM1

[@MidBoss666]

For one, surprised by the lack of any Disgaea or Super Robot Wars games, both incredible series with very creative gimmicks. Also, if you want varied and creative objectives, none can match SRW, I am dead serious. Other than that, I'd place Namco X Capcom pretty high, as it was a very original hybrid of tactical rpg and simple fighting game, it was largely a fanservice crossover, but extremely well written, combining all series involeved into one very well, and it was very competent gameplay wise.

[@MultiFallguy]

Great list. I'd like to add some: Jeanne D'Arc - PSP Banner Saga Rondo of Swords - DS Check these out, they were really fun and unique.

[@rune9055]

I have mad respect for you. Good choices of tactical RPG. Dragon Force deserves to be among the best. It is one of its kind. I have good memories with thay one. My personal favorites are Tactics Ogre Reborn, FFT, and Dragon Force; but this entire list is a master piece.

[@PetiteKero]

I was sure Triangle Strategy would appear on this list, I was just curious which place it gets. :D It was my personal GOTY 2022. I loved everything about it. You praised its class system but the thing is it doesn't have a class system in the sense of "I take 3 warriors, 2 archers, 2 healers etc." Every character was its OWN INDIVIDUAL class. I've never seen something like that before. That combined with story, graphics, OST makes it one of the best TRPGs of all time. (:

[@Xygor]

Good points about Triangle Strategy. Such a completely awesome game!

[@A_Person_64]

I'd say there are multiple archetypes of SRPGs (or Tactical RPGs or SLGs as they are called in Japan which is short for war simulation games) On the tactical side you have Tactics games which focus more on combat mechanics and are closer to being JRPGs on a movement based grid. Examples include Tactics Ogre, Final Fantasy Tactics, Triangle Strategy, Front Mission, Disgaea, Luminous Arc, anything with the name tactics in it or isometric POVs in general. On the operational side you have games that focus way more on level design and characters being less unique and more like military units with RPS mechanics. Games like this include Fire Emblem, Kaga Sagas, Shining Force, FEDA, Langrisser, Battle for Wesnoth, Vandal Hearts, Rondo of Swords, Ogre Battle, Valkyria Chronicles, etc. Basically, your units are less customizable, more numerous to field and the level design (recruitable units, side objectives, turtling disincentives) are what's important. Finally, on the strategic side you have games which are similar to the operational level, but on a wider scale, bordering on lite grand strategy or 4x elements. These are quite rare in general and include games like Brigandine, Dragon Force, Lost Technology, Heroic Legend of Eagarlnia, Battle Brothers, Pokemon Conquest (although it's gameplay style is inline with Tactics games), etc. They don't all have to adhere to strict rules and guidelines though. Like pokemon conquest, Vandal Hearts is isometric/tactics like, but it has enough level design focus and gameplay styles that bring it closer to something like FE than Tactics games from Square/Quest. Similarly, games like Ogre Battle, Unicorn Overlord and Fire Emblem 4 border on strategic level rather than operational level due to their gameplay structure of moving across countries and fighting multiple fronts.

[@lenk8374]

One that would be very high on my list is three houses. And I played nearly ever fire emblem that's been released in the US. Three houses gripped me like no other

[@dragon_knight2300]

I think this is a pretty fair list though i havent played a couple of them. Vandal Hearts is the only game my parents ever made me stop playing, my brother showed them the blood fountain and they thought it was just too much. So i never got to finish the story sad memories ill replay it eventually. Id also like to mention Disgaea as a unique tactical rpg that ranked hi for me at the time, (at least the first couple) the ability to have a massive team or just make one guy too OP to stop and the intensives for replay ability was cool. Recently ive enjoyed Symphony of War as well. Some others id like to nominate are the arc the lad series not only a pretty fun story (you can import your characters between games!) and Vanguard bandits, you got to have essentially mech suits and adjust your stats per level up which was fun to try different things.

[@Cagliostro81]

Uh, not to be that guy, but Front Mission was first released officially in the US for the DS in October of 2007. That said it’s always nice to see Front Mission getting its flowers!

[@Auchaser643]

Glad triangle strategy is getting well deserved love. Hate how every time a new srpg comes out people will criticize it because its not FFT or tactics ogre. Extremely annoying, a game can exist and set out to do it's own thing, you want FFT? Go play it. Also weird how people complained there was tookuch story.....in an rpg.

[@Xygor]

Triangle Strategy is so ridiculously good, it should get even more hype than it does!

[@dreamweaver5803]

Really excellent video! Thanks very much.

[@Xygor]

Glad you liked it!

[@jcray1984]

Jean D’arc for PSP. Boss has massive difficulty spike, past that the best SRPG I’ve ever played. Valkyria chronicles 1-4 are also amazing if you consider them srpg

[@LordVallens]

Have you tried Shining Force 3, Scenarios 1, 2, and 3? The fan translations of Scenarios 2 and 3 are so amazing. Holy crap, Shining Force 3 is a must play if you enjoy tactical RPGs.

[@DonovanMcNabb5]

Finally someone mentions Triangle Strategy, this one got buried because it released around Elden Ring

[@nateb2715]

16:03 This battle in Final Fantasy Tactics gave me nitemares. I think I started the game over the first time I made it to that point because I thought I did something wrong and would never beat it

[@dycedarg19]

I had a friend who was stuck on this battle right before this (the one where Ramza was alone). I told him to give me his memory card, I beat that battle and the one you mentioned and handed the memory card back to him. 1st try I said. He looked at me shocked! I usually have Ramza as a summoner and a lancer (jump) with monk abilities (earth slash). Hardest battle for me was trying to steal everything from the Duke of Elmore and the assassins…PSX FFT mind you.

[@senditall152]

Thank you for this list.