Tactical RPGs can take a while to get used to, as they’re one of the most complex types of RPGs out there. Players need to learn hero and enemy types, moves, classes, mechanics, and more. Also, some of the best tactical RPGs have missions that can easily take an hour or longer to complete on a regular basis.
Tactical RPGs are a big investment, but they are rewarding, especially when the mechanics, complicated or not, have satisfying gameplay loops. From classics of decades past to more recent examples, these tactical RPGs can be addictive despite having simple ideas. They still rank among the best of what the genre has to offer.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Tactical Brilliance
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is back and better than ever before with this remaster. It was addictive on the PS1 and even better now on consoles like the Switch 2, as players don’t ever have to stop playing.
The game involves a typical grid-based setup wherein players can choose their characters and classes called Jobs. Leveling up those Jobs and unlocking skills or new Jobs is what makes it such an addictive hook, and it’s great to see this classic return for so many first-time players.
Fire Emblem Awakening
No Longer A Prisoner Of Save Scumming
Fire Emblem Awakening was the first game in the series in the West to feature a Casual mode that didn’t add permadeath to battle. This greatly simplified the grid-based tactical gameplay as players didn’t have to worry about losing units permanently. The system was still there if players wanted, but they could also approach it as a more relaxing experience. Mechanically, it worked well as a 3DS game for on-the-go gaming, and it’s still fun now for anyone who has the system still lying around.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope
Mario Finally Gets A Gun
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is the second game in the series starring Mario and his familiar friends teaming up with Rabbids, which are cosplaying as citizens from the Mushroom Kingdom. Each character has their own distinct role, and the combat was improved over the original, featuring combo moves to get an advantage over enemies.
The difficulty was also toned down, adding more fun and whimsy to the gameplay instead of focusing on difficult maps. It’s a good game to put on the Switch 2 now, as it runs better too, and overall it’s a good Mario-based RPG.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Coon And Friends
South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a direct sequel to South Park: The Stick of Truth, starring the new kid of South Park. These are both good South Park games, but this time, instead of a fantasy world, the kids are now playing superheroes.
The turn-based gameplay of the previous game was thrown out in favor of adding grid-based tactical elements, but they aren’t difficult to understand as the game is more about the comedy. Players can choose the powers for their customizable new kid, from using ice to moving at incredible speeds.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
