Turn Based Lovers
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For a 15-year-old game, Lost Odyssey still holds up. The graphics may look outdated by today's standards, but the combat system and the story are some of the best from this genre. That alone makes it a must-play for any fan of JRPGs, especially those that have an Xbox of some type. It is made even more accessible through their backward compatibility program. Sadly, there is no other way to experience this gem at the time of writing.
Yakuza Like a Dragon is another great addition to the Yakuza series. Trading real-time combat for turn-based combat is the change-up the series needed, making the once-great series, amazing.
Reverie Knights Tactics gets 2022 off to a wonderful start. Between its fun dialogue, great gameplay, and stunning visuals, this is a game that’s not to be missed. If this is what 40 Giants serves up with their first title, the future looks bright indeed.
Echo Generation is what I would have liked to see from the games based on Stranger Things. But don't let its inspiration for Stranger Things fool you because it is also capable of standing on its two feet alone that I only hope to see more of in the future.
I Am Setsuna is RPG made by RPG fans in Tokyo RPG Factory. The battles are good, the music is good, the characters are well designed, decently developed, and the setting is very melancholic. There may be some balance issues for some as the rift between normal battles and special/ boss battles is larger than some but that is to be expected in most games in my opinion. It has been a few years since Tokyo RPG Factory, the company responsible for I Am Setsuna has released a game which is a sad thing for old-school RPG lovers. I Am Setsuna is a classic game in my opinion and should be checked out by classic RPG lovers if you haven't already. I kind of hoped there would have been a little more to the ending or even a sequel of sorts.
Gloomhaven proved to be a very unique experience. At times difficult and frustrating. Yet built to be inviting through its accessibility and forgiving through its design, those interested in crawling through its immense amount of content are sure to enjoy what it brings to the table.
The Super Robot Wars main franchise finally makes it to western shores via a PC release after 30 years being in existence. it features many famous robot series cameos like from Mobile Suit Gundam and Code Geass, and original characters all rolled into an original story, it also has enough strategic elements that should satisfy fans of mechs and strategy RPGs alike. With music from the Japanese super band JAM Project and animated cinematics, it definitely has that Super Robot Wars feel that has made it famous throughout the years. It is a fun game and don't worry if you don't know every single character that makes a crossover, you can and should enjoy the game without much added previous knowledge.
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars is like an 8-bit RPG if the bits were made out of several cards themselves. It is very much a throwback to older classic RPG genres like Dragon Quest. The story presented is one that is not new but with the inclusion of a narrator reading pretty much anything that is written on cards, it gives the player a storybook feeling that gives a sense of immersion. It is a neat idea with plenty of well-drawn characters and places to explore. It is not a full-priced game so know it may not be as long as other games, but any classic RPG fan should give it a try.
Definitely one of the greatest modern strategy RPGs and a worthy successor to the classics like Fire Emblem, Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics. It's able to take the best from the famous games that inspired it, while adding plenty of unique and interesting features of its own. If you own a Switch and enjoy turn-based RPGs - then what are you waiting for?
I really like Jagged Alliance 3. I am already at 120 hours in the game and have had a lot of fun figuring it out. Even with the aspects of Jagged Alliance 3 that I was less thrilled with, I still had a lot of time with it and expect to return to the game to try out future mod content and (hopefully!) whatever DLC that Haemimont Games releases. I definitely recommend this title if you like squad-based turn-based tactical games!
Trails to Revere is not a kind game to newcomers. If you want to start this series, there is a lot to learn. Whether it is the story, the ornament system, or anything else, you might find yourself reading, rereading, and rereading to get your head around everything. On the other hand, if you are someone that has played all the games or even a few of them, there is just so much here that will please you. Whether it is all the characters from other games, the end to two arcs, or a beginning of a new one, Trails to Reverie is one for the fans, and it is another great addition to the series.
Trails of Cold Steel IV is the grand finale of an epic series, which spans over a decade. As with Marvel movies, the more games you've played from the Trails, the better the experience. That's not to say new players won't enjoy it, as it is a good start to the series. The fans, however, would get way more out of it.
Vagrus carves its own path in the crowded genre of open-world RPGs. Extremely difficult, but rewarding in its own right with a unique mix of strategy, management and turn-based combat. This is the one for those seekers of the unique, who can overcome some of its shortcomings and enjoy the great work done by the developers.
So, for all those jRPG fans, as well as people who are new to the jRPG genre, I would sincerely recommend Final Fantasy V Pixel Remaster. It is not the height of the Final Fantasy series, yet. But it’s still a fun game with a solid story, memorable characters, and (mostly) engaging gameplay. Even almost 30 years past, it is still worth playing.
Hero's Hour is an all-around incredible time, taking its classic 90s inspirations to our modern age by keeping all the strategic bits intact and serving a plate of immediate turn-based strategic gameplay, that is endlessly entertaining.
I had a lot of fun playing Miasma Chronicles. It was top on my wishlist since the moment I saw it announced. I thoroughly enjoyed their first game Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. I am happy to report that I enjoyed this game even more. The unforgiving combat was, of course, my favorite part of the game. Being that I am a turn-based lover. However, the story was also just as good. All of the characters were memorable and enjoyable. The story was exciting and kept me interested the whole way through. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I think one of the biggest things for me was the environment. The game just felt so alive. Everywhere I went, people or monsters were carrying on a conversation. The Miasma was always twirling and twisting. Threatening anything and everything around it. The interactions with the characters and the environment felt so real and genuine. I won’t be surprised if Miasma Chronicles continues to hold one of my top spots at the end of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the game. If you loved the developer’s first game, you will love this one even more. If you are into turn-based games, which is probably why you are here, then stop waiting and go get this game. You aren’t going to regret it.
Encased is a love letter to the late 90s RPG and, despite some jagged edges, it's quite an exquisite post-apocalyptic irradiated meal for players, looking for a huge amount of freedom in building their own characters and stories.
Decisive Campaigns Ardennes Offensive is a monster of a game! While it's somewhat of an acquired taste, for some players it'll be exactly what they've been looking for. So grab your helmet, put on Band of Brothers in the background, load your M1 Garand (or K98K) and get ready to hold the frontline.
Gears Tactics is the one for both the fans of the classic Gears lore and of the X-COM style tactical gameplay. While some may not enjoy the fast-paced nature of the game, others will find it to be a breath of fresh air. For those that enjoy both - well, they are in for a treat as it is the best of both worlds, which'll leave you craving for more in the future.
Brutal Orchestra is a "meaty" fine roguelite turn-based strategy game which makes great use of a peculiar pixelated art style and an exquisite soundtrack. While the brutal difficulty might turn some people away, the funny writing and good selection of unlockables will make sure the fans will gobble this one up.