It at least deserves an honorable mention. I feel like it definitely has a fun quality to it although the endless dungeons to boost weapons is a bit much.
Disgaea, especially later games are so far superior to almost all other srpgs that it makes it hard, if not impossible, to play them. E.g. People have their mile thick nostalgia glasses about FF Tactics but it was not a great game, for its time it was maybe good but it was outclassed not much later but newer games with far better mechanics because FFT has only very primitive mechanics that allow for almost no freedom of choice. Disgaea vs most srpgs, especially stuff like FFT is like playing FF10 International vs playing FF1, complex systems and customizable characters you can do almost anything with and then a mountain of options for various strategies during combat vs almost entirely linear progress and barely any options besides attack, defend and use skill. I love srpgs but the genre is so oversaturated with poorly designed combat mechanics that even something as basic and obviously necessary as the ability to move after attacking is virtually nonexistent outside Nippon Ichi games like Disgaea, etc.. Not to mention the various annoying games that have friendly fire for basic ranged attacks, making archers, etc. borderline useless unless you build your entire strategy around them and of these a good deal are total bs and have friendly fire only for player characters but not for enemies.
I’m always surprised that you don’t like the first three Shining Force games more. I think SF2 is as good as any of the best games in the SNES golden era. I don’t understand why Sega gave up on them
Jenne d'Arc has been at the top of my backlog list for a while. Decided to finish Breath of Fire 4 first. I really want to play it, everyone who has played it loves it!
I still play through FFT at least once a year. What a masterpiece! I didn't really understand the story that much when I first played it (I was like 15), but the new translations made me realize how epic it was. Now where is that remake?!
A great game that's a hidden gem for sure is the first Vandal Hearts game. The Luminous Arc games on the DS are also a ton of fun. My favorite strategy RPG's are always the ones that let you use all your units on the same battlefield. Something about getting like 20 or more characters and only getting to use very small portion of them just ruins all the fun for me. Even worse if they are just cookie cutter copies of each other with some characters having better stat growth.
My first srpg was final fantasy tactics and I played it when I was way too young and unskilled and I think I was intimidated by strategy games for a while, but I'm slowly getting back into them, so I definitely appreciate this list
Some of these are in my backlog. So many good games out there I really need to take the time to tackle them. However, I do have to appreciate Arc The Lad collection. My goodness, what an excellent series. I haven't played it in roughly 15-20 years and yet I still have fond memories of it. Appreciate the love for Arc The Lad David!
Love to see Valkyria Chronicles getting some attention. Hope Sega gets off their ass too make a 5th one. Vandal Hearts is a great old SRPG. Like some of the games you liked here, each character has set roles, and there's no permadeath. And the blood!
Sadly series is probably dead (underperforming sales). Proof of that: Sega do not celebrated 15th Anniversary of Valkyria Chronicles in 24.04.2023 (even Famitsu mentioned about that, but Sega don't), instead of that they celebrated in 24.04.2023 10th Anniversary of Puyo Puyo Quest (mobile game). What a company ...
I’ll humbly add Shining Force 3 (all scenarios plus premium disc, Vandal Hearts and Pokémon Conquest. As far as Fire emblem goes when I bought it off the shelf at Best Buy for gba I was like wow, this is like shining force and then was like whoooooooa characters can actually die, and I was hooked and have never looked back. Keep up vids like these and ty for the recommends. May have to try triangle strategy and Joan of arc now due to your ranking!
I think my list would be pretty different but I wouldn't argue with any of these picks, although I am a little surprised to not see a single Shining Force. Props for Growlanser and Arc the Lad being included!
I'm surprised none of the Disgaea games made the list. Along with FF Tactics and Arc The Lad, it was a pretty defining part of my RPG childhood and still really good.
While I only played the second one and about an hour of the third one, I found it to be far too grindy and when I saw some of the really high characters stats from others showing off, I immediately lost interest.
@@AntonioCunningham You can beat the story with zero grind, I've done so on all 7 games. The grind is only needed for the post-game stuff IF you care enough to do it. But the story is good enough you really don't need to if it's not your bag.
@@VideoGameVillians I also don't like the whole evil being good in games either but knowing I'll never get things in games because of excessive grinding is enough to stop me right from the start. I mean why play something you know you can't do everything in? To be clear I'm not against grinding itself, but it's why too much in the Disgaea games.
While I figured the Disgaea series wouldn't be here based on a previous video, it still feels unfortunate. It's definitely a breath of fresh air from usual RPGs.
Final Fantasy Tactics is still my absolute favorite in this genre, and like you David I've played through this game dozens of times over the last 25 years.
Flawless list I wouldn't change a thing about it! Love your content! Love how in-depth you are about each game on the best strategy rpgs list. I would love if they remade breath of fire 3 and 4 and especially xenosaga series!
Honestly cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed tactics ogre reborn. Really scratching my itch for that hopeful FFT update. I love the genre and definitely need to play FE engage when the chance arises
If you haven't tried them already (which I doubt), the GBA and DS Fire Emblems are great! I also have a special place in my heart for Bahamut Lagoon, which for me is one of the best T-RPG. Can't really explain why, but I really love that game 😊
For me triangle strategy it's better in mechanichs, fft has the Best job System of history (almost the same of OT 1 and 2) and fft is better in story but triangle strategy make the variatons in the story decision bases and has great side quest and "interaction" outside the battle, the only way to make the Best srpg of all time in My opinion would be like triangle strategy or táctics ogre with octopath job System, the FFT job system or even the ff 12 Zodiac age one, exploration just as the sns Game in this list or Kings Bounty franchise (where You can explore the world and the tactic grid starts after entering the battle) to find secrets, an interesting side quest system where reward would be weapons, healing items, classes and characters even secret ones and some money and for last the battle needs to be as FFT with some mechanichs of triangle strategy
That's very likely, but at least Square could have kept the FFT brand and not let it die just because of the underwhelming handheld games. Just keep making different stories, after all rpg sequels tend not to have direct continuations. I don't even want to have the continuation of the FFT story anyway, as it would be probably exploitative to the FFT success... i just want that srpg gameplay and a great and completely different story.
@@ivanrojt1862 I think it's not a good combination to put a complex srpg system and the complete conventional rpg model, or at least that's a common idea among companies. Which could explain why i doesn't happen. It must be an attempt to avoid making the game too overwhelming. To begin with it's normal to remove conventional rpg aspects even from simpler srpgs like Fire Emblem. I don't know, maybe even FE is considered to be more complex than normal rpgs battles. And when you have a srpg with conventional rpg free roaming like Shining Force, that still isn't true "free" roaming, and the inventory system is simplified like Fire Emblem: only weapons, accessories and items. Even so a srpg like SF is rare. Now Tactics Ogre, FFT, Front Mission, etc, these games with more complex gameplay AND with conventional rpg inventory system and versatile customization, they lack conventional rpg free roaming. You move over the world like a Mario map. Then there's the case of Treasure Hunter G, that false 3d game from the video: it has total free roaming, customization options (weapon, armor, accessory) and good item variety, but then it has simple srpg gameplay. Not like FFT, even though not as simple as FE or SF either. The game even recovers your hp after every battle, in order to make it bearable. Meaning that the devs must have felt it was going to feel overwhelming. This is a super rare example in rpg history. And all these srpgs were made by veteran companies, that probably weren't insecure even if it's a "new" game genre in the 90s. What I mean is that they can be more confident than if it was a minor company handling a new genre in the 90s, without any established reference from big popular games.
@@carlosaugusto9821 amén brother, i think You are right, i Even Say it knowing it would sell badly, but it would be My dream srpg Game in personal opinion, Maybe the Best Buy at least for me would be i don't know what would be the Best one for other gamers or what would be the most profitable, the think its that i played all the overwhelming games exept for dwarf fortress (i have some self love to play that goddamn torture at least), from ninja gaiden, Ghost and goblins in My Childhood, darksouls and xcom as a teenager and now i play ganes like elden ring, this was of mine, Kings Bounty Even the 2 that sucks in story and football manager, the thing it's that for me i don't care losing, for me experimentation and dominating mechanichs are My favourites, only things it's that Maybe for work, i don't have good reflexes anymore (and i'm only 25), SO i'm changin to more of a "turn based" or "slow pace" games. Maybe for making less overwhelming they can do like You said, recovering all HP and mp/use of spells, fantastic job system as octopath traveler, ogre táctics or FFT but ay least the aspect of going to explore the world, like traveling without random encounters, but when You make an encounters You start the tactic battle, thats would be fantastic, a Game like táctics ogre or FFT but with octopath traveler exploration. And You are more right if see what happened to Kings bounty, it's a goat Game, but TOO OVERWHELMING, in that Game You can't farm, the money yo Buy troops, inventory and equipables are limited, once it's spend, it's gone and You save it's ******, people don't like it for that, the ones who has patience or make op strats or reload the Game to reduce the army casualities after each fight
I like my strategy RPGs a little on the oddball style, away from grids and tiles. Dragon Force for Saturn, Ogre Battles for SNES, Battle Princess of Arcadias for PS3, Langrisser Millennium for Dreamcast, Growlanser Generations for PS2, Faselei for Neo Geo Pocket Color... stuff that generally has a little quicker pace than long grid-based battles followed by 30 minutes of menus. Nothing wrong with those; I just really like the games with really unique battle systems!
I just finished tactics ogre reborn on the chaotic route and immediately replayed the lawful route. Has to be one of the best games I've ever played. Now I have to try FF tactics! Great list!
Hi David! I love me some srpgs. Some of my favs on console are Tactics Ogre, FE: Path of Radiance and 3 Houses, FFT, Growlanser Generations, The DioField Chronicle, and Phantom Brave.
absolutely nice list! FF Tactics Advance (GBA) was my first and most beloved strategy game of all time, i still have the game with me (but not the GBA xD).
The first Strategy RPG I played was Warsong 1 for the Sega Genesis. It is a punishing game I was unable to beat until I was much older. I originally picked my copy up when the local movies store went out of business. I paid $15 in the 1990s for the game. The cartridge I have had trouble holding a save for many years. Then, randomly started holding saves for no known reason. I have played four Fire Emblem titles Awakening, Fates:Birthright, Echoes:Shadows of Valentina, and Shadow Dragons in that order. Awakening is my favorite in the series. I have a love/hate relationship with that game. These days whenever I start a normal or hard mode game I seldom finish it. I have been playing on Lunatic Mode for so long any other mode feels like a waste of time. I eventually unlocked both Lunatic+ Casual and Lunatic+ Classic. I have not beaten either one yet. I was just playing a few hours ago. My current run is stuck on Chapter 17 though it looks salvageable with optional map grinding along with some luck. Devil Survivor 2:Record Breaker and Strange Journey:Redux are two Shin Megami titles I own. Out of the two I enjoy DS2 the most. I am not one hundred percent about this. I think I have seen every possible ending. A genius who believes talent not status or money should be the measurement people are measured against. This is both a character I believe the word needs which I would likely hate in real life. His philosophy would be perfect if it did not breed hatred against the idol. On the other hand you have someone who believes in everyone being treated equally. Unfortunately, this also leads to people ending up lesser than they could have been and people taking advantage of the system.
One of my first SRPGs was actually Suikoden Tactics. In retrospect, it’s pretty basic, way more about making the terrain be of a favorable element to your party members than anything else, and the story is pretty strange and based on the worst numbered Suikoden entry. All that being said though, it definitely got me hooked on the genre by giving me just enough of a taste for the basics to get me wanting more. I immediately got into FF Tactics soon after, and that, as they say, was that.
Wish I tried Growlanser back in the day. Worried it may be tough for me to get into now. Happy to see both Valkyria Chronicles 4 and Jeanne D’Arc make the list. JDA was one of the most surprisingly good games to me. I expected nothing going in and it turned out to be so good. Only title missing for me in this category would be Front Mission 3. And FFT’s placement ❤
One of the only strategy RPGs I’ve been able to play is the first Valkyria Chronicles game, and I absolutely loved it. I originally dropped VC4 because, while it is super fun and gorgeous, I couldn’t get over the dissonance between all the fanservicey-tropes and the setting. For anyone else with that issue, I think VC1 holds up well and has a really lovely story and cast. I’m really excited to play as many of these games as I can! The only other one I had to give up was Three Houses, but that’s because I’m a high school teacher and playing as a teacher wasn’t escapist enough for me 😂 it just made me think about work
I might be mixing up my subgenres (I assume but I'm not 100% if "strategy RPGs" are the same as "tactical RPGs"), but Devil Survivor: Overclocked feels like a massive omission. I also feel like The Diofield Chronicle deserves a shout in spite of its flaws.
I ended up buying growlanser for switch a while Back on your recommendation. It’s buried so deep in my queue that it seems like only retirement’s gonna coax it out!
Cool video! I always like hearing about obscure SRPGs that I've never played. If I may shill, I'd highly recommend Berwick Saga: Lazberia Chronicle Chapter 174. It's a PS2 SRPG made by the guy who created Fire Emblem. It's legitimately the best combat I've seen in an SRPG and has a great story to boot.
Love this list. I have a couple here I would replace, buy all in all, a good list. I will add my favorite FE game was Awakening. I feel like it hasn't been topped by these new games.
Thanks for the video. Love some quality SRPGS. I really need to play Fell Seal and FE 3 houses. But my heart belongs to FFT. But I have to admit, thoroughly enjoyed Triangle Strategy
While I agree with FE3 houses, I wouldn't recommend fell seal that much. I played it for over 100 hours but still. Something felt a little off. It shows that it is an indie game compared to fft. I like it but not as I hoped it to be.
Great list. FFT is definitely the GOAT. Don't sleep on Final Fantasy Hacktics for community content! Their Legend of the Five sequel/DLC is incredible. I would add Front Mission 4 and The Knight of Lodis to this list. They both hold up so well and are a joy to play even to this day.
Jeanne D'arc! I loved that little game. Thanks for the nostalgia feels. And thanks for the tips regarding the differences of Tactics Ogre. I'll stick with my PSP version, since I'm not a fan of hugely difficult games
By any chance did you ever Kartia: The Word of Fate on PS1 by Atlus? It was the first strategy rpg I ever played but could never beat it as a kid. I need to go back to it. The art for the game was done by Amano.
Brings back memories. It was my first strategy RPG too. Objectively it probably wasn't a top game in the genera, but it did have an original premise and combat system, great atmosphere and an interesting plot.
I think the first strategy RPG I ever played was Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars on the GBA. I didn't know a lot about the source material at the time, but I saw mecha and wanted to try it. I also really like the Super Robot Wars series, even though we only got a few translated officially. Most obscure one I ever played was Tenchi Muyo, based on the anime. I can't say it was very good, and I remember getting bored with the sameness of each stage with little plot and gave up on it.
It's been a super long time since I played it, and I barely knew what I was doing. I do remember just ignoring most armor upgrades in place of offense because you could avoid 99% of damage through the game by just strafing in big circles.
These are great. I wonder if any game could ever top FFT. Btw David I've been playing through Langrisser 2 on my Genesus(via repro cart) and i cannot recommended it enough. I think you would enjoy it if you gave it a shot.
Agreed! This game almost scratched my FF Tactics itch. It was really good. It's a shame the story wasn't particularly interesting or memorable, but the combat was on point.
Triangle Strategy, Valkyria Chronicles 4, and 3 houses are awesome choices. The best all time that many people didn't play cause Saturn was at the end of its life span was Shining Force 3. Also Fire Emblem POR and Radiant Dawn are a close second. Top notch SRPG.
I've played quite a few turn based strat RPGs like Front Mission, Vandal Hearts, XCOM and others, but Shining Force CD on Sega CD is my favorite. The soundtrack is pure bliss and the classic gameplay is nostalgia times ten 👍
Love the list but no “SMT: Devil Survivor”??? I love SRPG’s and also the SMT & Persona series so this was a great combo for me! Especially the 3DS re-release: “Overclocked”. Great characters, great story, and fun tactical battles!
I'm more of an OgreBattle March of the Black Queen fan, although I'll admit I've never come close to finishing it. I liked FFT more as a kid, but as an adult, Tactics Ogre has a deeper, even if less convoluted, series of alliances and factions. I'm still learning from it ("Aren't the Valeria Liberation Front on our side???")
You didn't play eternal poison and stella deues !? Both made by atlus man you should chek them really really great tactical rpg they should be in the top
One that is on my list for a while is the Shining Force 3 trilogy, while the translation of scenarios 2 and 3 are not fully edit, I believe is fully playable
I just wish that Saturn emulation were better(although it is leagues better than it used to be I still seem to run into more issues than I'd like, not that long ago I tried to play Magic Knight Rayearth and it seemed to be running fine until it just suddenly crashed and since the intro is so slow I didn't get a chance to save lol). I suppose one day I could do one of the 'real hardware' solutions that are out there nowadays with modding or whatever to play fan translated games and just plain unobtainable games due to crazy prices.
@@Pimpjira87 cant say about issues, but never got a problem emulating Saturn like alot of people have, heck I beat Panzer Dragoon Saga around 2014 though emulation just fine, replayed again last year and was just as smooth (granted my pc is better now)
Agreed, FFT has never been topped, and probably never will. TO is a close second for me, but still while I like TO quite a lot, it's not my favorite game of all time, like FFT is.
Having been a long time fan of the genre since tactics, and having just finished Triangle Strategy, Ogre Reborn for the first time ever, I agree these are very wonderfully polished and rich games that do not disappoint. Now, between playing those two, to scratch the strategy itch, i found a very charming title called 'Far Away from Home' i would recommend highly to any fan of the above titles. Keep in mind this is a single developer game, and only available on steam, it doesn't have the production value of some of the bigger titles, and is not without its flaws, but was i pleasantly surprised by the fun i had taking a gamble on this one.
i remember playing FFT on ps1, being so envy about Gigantic Spells & Jobs exclusively on the enemies and bosses & there is no way you can acquire those normally in the game. what i do is i end up using Gameshark codes to acquire those spells & jobs for my characters. & the result was awesome! 😆
I'd personally nominate Vanguard Bandits. Its not the deepest strategy game in the world but it's got fun characters, a pretty typical Working Designs localization (if you like that kinda thing), multiple scenarios, and pretty addictive gameplay. Its my personal favourite. It's not nearly as involved or deep as FF Tactics but it's not mired down by "that part" moments or random battles either.
Shining Force II was my first and favorite SRPG. I remember playing it as a very young kid but could never get very far because I was so young and stupid. Luckily my dad was really into video games so I basically forced him to beat it. Also it has one of my most favorite characters in all of gaming Slade the rat ninja.
Same, no tactical game has really topped FF Tactics and I have played a lot of them. Special mention to Kartia, Vandal Hearts and maybe Shadowrun Dragonfall, I wish they were also in your top 10.
Your do far the only person who I've heard talk about journey to the west. It's a great one that I didn't know it existed until I got it on the PS3. Personally I feel like banner of the maid deserves to be on the list. It might not be the best but vandel hearts on the ps1 was great. Also there was this Sega CD one dark wizard that was ahead of it's time.
This list in itself is a great reason to go buy a PS3. Saiyuki, all the Arc trilogy and Final Fantasy Tactics,and while the Growlanser Generations pack isn't on there, the still excellent Heritage of War is! Best of all, they're all around $6-$10!
Chapeau that you know Journey West! I personally played it 3 times (all in JPN though). The unfortunate part being that the English translation was a bit funny to say the least
I agree with all of this list and played everything but if I'm picking a fire emblem game it's path of radiance that classic will always be my best 👌 👍 😍 😊
If you have never played Eternal Poison for PS2, I would highly recommend. Kind of a hidden gem. I don't run across many people who even know about it. It's quite good.
Have any of you ever played a game called Gungnir? I’ve seen some videos on it and I want to try it out, but it seems outrageously complicated and I’m a bit intimidated.
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The Disgaea series is one of my favourites. Mainly because it has deep engaging gameplay contrasted with a light hearted funny story.
It at least deserves an honorable mention. I feel like it definitely has a fun quality to it although the endless dungeons to boost weapons is a bit much.
Was looking for this. Disgaea is absolutely bonkers at every level , but it's also what makes it great!
Disgaea, especially later games are so far superior to almost all other srpgs that it makes it hard, if not impossible, to play them.
E.g. People have their mile thick nostalgia glasses about FF Tactics but it was not a great game, for its time it was maybe good but it was outclassed not much later but newer games with far better mechanics because FFT has only very primitive mechanics that allow for almost no freedom of choice.
Disgaea vs most srpgs, especially stuff like FFT is like playing FF10 International vs playing FF1, complex systems and customizable characters you can do almost anything with and then a mountain of options for various strategies during combat vs almost entirely linear progress and barely any options besides attack, defend and use skill.
I love srpgs but the genre is so oversaturated with poorly designed combat mechanics that even something as basic and obviously necessary as the ability to move after attacking is virtually nonexistent outside Nippon Ichi games like Disgaea, etc..
Not to mention the various annoying games that have friendly fire for basic ranged attacks, making archers, etc. borderline useless unless you build your entire strategy around them and of these a good deal are total bs and have friendly fire only for player characters but not for enemies.
I’m always surprised that you don’t like the first three Shining Force games more. I think SF2 is as good as any of the best games in the SNES golden era. I don’t understand why Sega gave up on them
Shining force 1 + 2 are easily among the best games ever made
Currently playing through SF3 scenario 2, and it's so freaking good.
Cos the devs went onto working for Nintendo?
Shining force is phenomenal and Sega needs to Resurrect the franchise now!
@@maxwellhenschel6956 SF3 gets better and better as you go. Easily my favorite strat rpg.
Nice list David. Triangle Strategy is just that good! Another underrated strategy rpg I would like to mention is Vandal Hearts on the PS1.
Jenne d'Arc has been at the top of my backlog list for a while. Decided to finish Breath of Fire 4 first. I really want to play it, everyone who has played it loves it!
oh yeah, I played it back when it released on the PSP, I had a great time!
I still play through FFT at least once a year. What a masterpiece! I didn't really understand the story that much when I first played it (I was like 15), but the new translations made me realize how epic it was. Now where is that remake?!
A great game that's a hidden gem for sure is the first Vandal Hearts game. The Luminous Arc games on the DS are also a ton of fun. My favorite strategy RPG's are always the ones that let you use all your units on the same battlefield. Something about getting like 20 or more characters and only getting to use very small portion of them just ruins all the fun for me. Even worse if they are just cookie cutter copies of each other with some characters having better stat growth.
the sequel is also very good! totally unique turn system that I wish caught on.
Yeah, I was coming here to mention Vandal Hearts.
I second that. The first was the best, but 2 was good too. I wish I still had them or they would rerelease them.
Vandal hearts is awesome and the blood spraying is metal af
@@Blernster I agree, when I first saw that huge comedic but awesome blood spray I knew I was in for a good time haha.
I'm also so happy that level-5 is coming back. It's one of my top 5 for sure 😭
My favorite part of my day is listening to your videos while on my lunch break! Hope you and yours are doing exceptional these days!
Awww, thank you so much! I'm still chugging along!
Good list. Only thing I'd argue to add is Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark. Absolutely fantastic and up there FFT an TO.
And maybe Front Mission
My first srpg was final fantasy tactics and I played it when I was way too young and unskilled and I think I was intimidated by strategy games for a while, but I'm slowly getting back into them, so I definitely appreciate this list
For sure FFT isn't beginner friendly or recommend to kids even if they already played a srpg before.
Some of these are in my backlog. So many good games out there I really need to take the time to tackle them. However, I do have to appreciate Arc The Lad collection. My goodness, what an excellent series. I haven't played it in roughly 15-20 years and yet I still have fond memories of it. Appreciate the love for Arc The Lad David!
Jeanne D'Arc is AMAZING! Definitely doesn't get enough love. Glad to hear you shout it out!
Love to see Valkyria Chronicles getting some attention. Hope Sega gets off their ass too make a 5th one.
Vandal Hearts is a great old SRPG. Like some of the games you liked here, each character has set roles, and there's no permadeath. And the blood!
Sadly series is probably dead (underperforming sales). Proof of that: Sega do not celebrated 15th Anniversary of Valkyria Chronicles in 24.04.2023 (even Famitsu mentioned about that, but Sega don't), instead of that they celebrated in 24.04.2023 10th Anniversary of Puyo Puyo Quest (mobile game). What a company ...
Just getting a translated port of the 3rd one would be awesome.
I'll never stop being surprised that Disgaea games don't make this list for David.
I’ll humbly add Shining Force 3 (all scenarios plus premium disc, Vandal Hearts and Pokémon Conquest. As far as Fire emblem goes when I bought it off the shelf at Best Buy for gba I was like wow, this is like shining force and then was like whoooooooa characters can actually die, and I was hooked and have never looked back. Keep up vids like these and ty for the recommends. May have to try triangle strategy and Joan of arc now due to your ranking!
I always feel like Final Fantasy Tactics was Tactics Ogre 2 with special guest appearances like Cloud and chocobo
The fact FFT or the PSP version isn't more available, like on steam for example, is a crime with how beloved this game is.
Things might change the way SE is more and more interested in exploring retro releases. I mean they will run out of mainline FF options.
Vandal Hearts and Shining Force 2 are in my top ten.
I think my list would be pretty different but I wouldn't argue with any of these picks, although I am a little surprised to not see a single Shining Force. Props for Growlanser and Arc the Lad being included!
I'm surprised none of the Disgaea games made the list. Along with FF Tactics and Arc The Lad, it was a pretty defining part of my RPG childhood and still really good.
While I only played the second one and about an hour of the third one, I found it to be far too grindy and when I saw some of the really high characters stats from others showing off, I immediately lost interest.
Yeah. Maybe he didn’t play them or it’s just not his top 10. For me, I’d include shining force.
@@AntonioCunningham You can beat the story with zero grind, I've done so on all 7 games. The grind is only needed for the post-game stuff IF you care enough to do it. But the story is good enough you really don't need to if it's not your bag.
@@VideoGameVillians I also don't like the whole evil being good in games either but knowing I'll never get things in games because of excessive grinding is enough to stop me right from the start.
I mean why play something you know you can't do everything in?
To be clear I'm not against grinding itself, but it's why too much in the Disgaea games.
Yeah Disgaea 1 really pushed gameplay and replayability.
Yes, we love these videos! I will never complain if you keep making them. More additions to the backlog with every edition. 🥳
Jeanne d'arc needs to be remastered that was one of the psp's best games 😊
While I figured the Disgaea series wouldn't be here based on a previous video, it still feels unfortunate. It's definitely a breath of fresh air from usual RPGs.
One game I would add to the list: SMT Devil Survivor Overclocked. Such an underrated SRPG 🙌
Definitely one of the best ones ❤
Final Fantasy Tactics is still my absolute favorite in this genre, and like you David I've played through this game dozens of times over the last 25 years.
Nice list with great explanations.❤
Thank you! 😃
Awesome list I’m looking to get into more strategy games so now I know where to start
Flawless list I wouldn't change a thing about it! Love your content! Love how in-depth you are about each game on the best strategy rpgs list. I would love if they remade breath of fire 3 and 4 and especially xenosaga series!
Honestly cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed tactics ogre reborn. Really scratching my itch for that hopeful FFT update.
I love the genre and definitely need to play FE engage when the chance arises
Hoshigami and Dynasty Tactics 2 could be honorable mentions as well.
If you haven't tried them already (which I doubt), the GBA and DS Fire Emblems are great!
I also have a special place in my heart for Bahamut Lagoon, which for me is one of the best T-RPG. Can't really explain why, but I really love that game 😊
FFT will probably never be surpassed.
I´m glad seeing Growlanser in the list, it was a fantastic game.
For me triangle strategy it's better in mechanichs, fft has the Best job System of history (almost the same of OT 1 and 2) and fft is better in story but triangle strategy make the variatons in the story decision bases and has great side quest and "interaction" outside the battle, the only way to make the Best srpg of all time in My opinion would be like triangle strategy or táctics ogre with octopath job System, the FFT job system or even the ff 12 Zodiac age one, exploration just as the sns Game in this list or Kings Bounty franchise (where You can explore the world and the tactic grid starts after entering the battle) to find secrets, an interesting side quest system where reward would be weapons, healing items, classes and characters even secret ones and some money and for last the battle needs to be as FFT with some mechanichs of triangle strategy
That's very likely, but at least Square could have kept the FFT brand and not let it die just because of the underwhelming handheld games. Just keep making different stories, after all rpg sequels tend not to have direct continuations. I don't even want to have the continuation of the FFT story anyway, as it would be probably exploitative to the FFT success... i just want that srpg gameplay and a great and completely different story.
@@ivanrojt1862 I think it's not a good combination to put a complex srpg system and the complete conventional rpg model, or at least that's a common idea among companies. Which could explain why i doesn't happen. It must be an attempt to avoid making the game too overwhelming.
To begin with it's normal to remove conventional rpg aspects even from simpler srpgs like Fire Emblem. I don't know, maybe even FE is considered to be more complex than normal rpgs battles. And when you have a srpg with conventional rpg free roaming like Shining Force, that still isn't true "free" roaming, and the inventory system is simplified like Fire Emblem: only weapons, accessories and items. Even so a srpg like SF is rare.
Now Tactics Ogre, FFT, Front Mission, etc, these games with more complex gameplay AND with conventional rpg inventory system and versatile customization, they lack conventional rpg free roaming. You move over the world like a Mario map.
Then there's the case of Treasure Hunter G, that false 3d game from the video: it has total free roaming, customization options (weapon, armor, accessory) and good item variety, but then it has simple srpg gameplay. Not like FFT, even though not as simple as FE or SF either. The game even recovers your hp after every battle, in order to make it bearable. Meaning that the devs must have felt it was going to feel overwhelming. This is a super rare example in rpg history.
And all these srpgs were made by veteran companies, that probably weren't insecure even if it's a "new" game genre in the 90s. What I mean is that they can be more confident than if it was a minor company handling a new genre in the 90s, without any established reference from big popular games.
@@carlosaugusto9821 amén brother, i think You are right, i Even Say it knowing it would sell badly, but it would be My dream srpg Game in personal opinion, Maybe the Best Buy at least for me would be i don't know what would be the Best one for other gamers or what would be the most profitable, the think its that i played all the overwhelming games exept for dwarf fortress (i have some self love to play that goddamn torture at least), from ninja gaiden, Ghost and goblins in My Childhood, darksouls and xcom as a teenager and now i play ganes like elden ring, this was of mine, Kings Bounty Even the 2 that sucks in story and football manager, the thing it's that for me i don't care losing, for me experimentation and dominating mechanichs are My favourites, only things it's that Maybe for work, i don't have good reflexes anymore (and i'm only 25), SO i'm changin to more of a "turn based" or "slow pace" games.
Maybe for making less overwhelming they can do like You said, recovering all HP and mp/use of spells, fantastic job system as octopath traveler, ogre táctics or FFT but ay least the aspect of going to explore the world, like traveling without random encounters, but when You make an encounters You start the tactic battle, thats would be fantastic, a Game like táctics ogre or FFT but with octopath traveler exploration.
And You are more right if see what happened to Kings bounty, it's a goat Game, but TOO OVERWHELMING, in that Game You can't farm, the money yo Buy troops, inventory and equipables are limited, once it's spend, it's gone and You save it's ******, people don't like it for that, the ones who has patience or make op strats or reload the Game to reduce the army casualities after each fight
still playin thru tactics rn. really fun game. valkyria chronicles 4 is also goated
I like my strategy RPGs a little on the oddball style, away from grids and tiles. Dragon Force for Saturn, Ogre Battles for SNES, Battle Princess of Arcadias for PS3, Langrisser Millennium for Dreamcast, Growlanser Generations for PS2, Faselei for Neo Geo Pocket Color... stuff that generally has a little quicker pace than long grid-based battles followed by 30 minutes of menus. Nothing wrong with those; I just really like the games with really unique battle systems!
I just finished tactics ogre reborn on the chaotic route and immediately replayed the lawful route. Has to be one of the best games I've ever played. Now I have to try FF tactics! Great list!
Great list, David! I would add The Last Remnant to the list. One of my favorites and a Square hidden gem.
Great video that could have been even better with chapter markings. Thanks for the effort!
Another great list!
omg, so many of my favourite games in one video
another banger David! you are missing Digimon Survive on this list though! heheh
Hi David! I love me some srpgs. Some of my favs on console are Tactics Ogre, FE: Path of Radiance and 3 Houses, FFT, Growlanser Generations, The DioField Chronicle, and Phantom Brave.
absolutely nice list! FF Tactics Advance (GBA) was my first and most beloved strategy game of all time, i still have the game with me (but not the GBA xD).
The first Strategy RPG I played was Warsong 1 for the Sega Genesis. It is a punishing game I was unable to beat until I was much older. I originally picked my copy up when the local movies store went out of business. I paid $15 in the 1990s for the game. The cartridge I have had trouble holding a save for many years. Then, randomly started holding saves for no known reason. I have played four Fire Emblem titles Awakening, Fates:Birthright, Echoes:Shadows of Valentina, and Shadow Dragons in that order. Awakening is my favorite in the series. I have a love/hate relationship with that game. These days whenever I start a normal or hard mode game I seldom finish it. I have been playing on Lunatic Mode for so long any other mode feels like a waste of time. I eventually unlocked both Lunatic+ Casual and Lunatic+ Classic. I have not beaten either one yet. I was just playing a few hours ago. My current run is stuck on Chapter 17 though it looks salvageable with optional map grinding along with some luck. Devil Survivor 2:Record Breaker and Strange Journey:Redux are two Shin Megami titles I own. Out of the two I enjoy DS2 the most. I am not one hundred percent about this. I think I have seen every possible ending. A genius who believes talent not status or money should be the measurement people are measured against. This is both a character I believe the word needs which I would likely hate in real life. His philosophy would be perfect if it did not breed hatred against the idol. On the other hand you have someone who believes in everyone being treated equally. Unfortunately, this also leads to people ending up lesser than they could have been and people taking advantage of the system.
FIRST! YES! Love your stuff, dude!
Another awesome video! Thank you!
Vandal Hearts, Shining Force, and Front Mission all great too.
Thanks for bringing forward these bangers
Hey David! have you ever thought about doing a challenge run? possibly putting up the highlights in a single video?
Figured FFT would be #1 (and it should be), but I'd also throw out Vandal Hearts and Suikoden Tactics as well
I’m surprised disgaea didn’t get mentioned in this video
I'm not surprised at all. I didn't like Disgaea (took grindy and I hate the evil is good crap)
While it is a goofy good time, I wouldn't consider it a must play.
thanks for the list.
Gonna play Saiyuki - Journey West and Jeanne D'arc.
One of my first SRPGs was actually Suikoden Tactics. In retrospect, it’s pretty basic, way more about making the terrain be of a favorable element to your party members than anything else, and the story is pretty strange and based on the worst numbered Suikoden entry.
All that being said though, it definitely got me hooked on the genre by giving me just enough of a taste for the basics to get me wanting more. I immediately got into FF Tactics soon after, and that, as they say, was that.
Wish I tried Growlanser back in the day. Worried it may be tough for me to get into now.
Happy to see both Valkyria Chronicles 4 and Jeanne D’Arc make the list. JDA was one of the most surprisingly good games to me. I expected nothing going in and it turned out to be so good.
Only title missing for me in this category would be Front Mission 3.
And FFT’s placement ❤
One of the only strategy RPGs I’ve been able to play is the first Valkyria Chronicles game, and I absolutely loved it. I originally dropped VC4 because, while it is super fun and gorgeous, I couldn’t get over the dissonance between all the fanservicey-tropes and the setting. For anyone else with that issue, I think VC1 holds up well and has a really lovely story and cast.
I’m really excited to play as many of these games as I can! The only other one I had to give up was Three Houses, but that’s because I’m a high school teacher and playing as a teacher wasn’t escapist enough for me 😂 it just made me think about work
I might be mixing up my subgenres (I assume but I'm not 100% if "strategy RPGs" are the same as "tactical RPGs"), but Devil Survivor: Overclocked feels like a massive omission. I also feel like The Diofield Chronicle deserves a shout in spite of its flaws.
I would definitely recommend Shining Force 1, 2, CD, and 3.
I just remembered Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume. That game was incredible.
I ended up buying growlanser for switch a while
Back on your recommendation. It’s buried so deep in my queue that it seems like only retirement’s gonna coax it out!
It's gotta be Shining Force 3 for me. Thanks for sharing these, David.
Cool video! I always like hearing about obscure SRPGs that I've never played. If I may shill, I'd highly recommend Berwick Saga: Lazberia Chronicle Chapter 174. It's a PS2 SRPG made by the guy who created Fire Emblem. It's legitimately the best combat I've seen in an SRPG and has a great story to boot.
Love this list. I have a couple here I would replace, buy all in all, a good list. I will add my favorite FE game was Awakening. I feel like it hasn't been topped by these new games.
Thanks for the video. Love some quality SRPGS. I really need to play Fell Seal and FE 3 houses. But my heart belongs to FFT. But I have to admit, thoroughly enjoyed Triangle Strategy
While I agree with FE3 houses, I wouldn't recommend fell seal that much. I played it for over 100 hours but still. Something felt a little off. It shows that it is an indie game compared to fft. I like it but not as I hoped it to be.
Great list. FFT is definitely the GOAT. Don't sleep on Final Fantasy Hacktics for community content! Their Legend of the Five sequel/DLC is incredible.
I would add Front Mission 4 and The Knight of Lodis to this list. They both hold up so well and are a joy to play even to this day.
Jeanne D'arc! I loved that little game. Thanks for the nostalgia feels. And thanks for the tips regarding the differences of Tactics Ogre. I'll stick with my PSP version, since I'm not a fan of hugely difficult games
By any chance did you ever Kartia: The Word of Fate on PS1 by Atlus? It was the first strategy rpg I ever played but could never beat it as a kid. I need to go back to it. The art for the game was done by Amano.
Brings back memories. It was my first strategy RPG too. Objectively it probably wasn't a top game in the genera, but it did have an original premise and combat system, great atmosphere and an interesting plot.
I think the first strategy RPG I ever played was Zone of the Enders: The Fist of Mars on the GBA. I didn't know a lot about the source material at the time, but I saw mecha and wanted to try it.
I also really like the Super Robot Wars series, even though we only got a few translated officially.
Most obscure one I ever played was Tenchi Muyo, based on the anime. I can't say it was very good, and I remember getting bored with the sameness of each stage with little plot and gave up on it.
Zone of the Enders GBA is a very overlooked game. I enjoyed it.
It's been a super long time since I played it, and I barely knew what I was doing. I do remember just ignoring most armor upgrades in place of offense because you could avoid 99% of damage through the game by just strafing in big circles.
These are great. I wonder if any game could ever top FFT. Btw David I've been playing through Langrisser 2 on my Genesus(via repro cart) and i cannot recommended it enough. I think you would enjoy it if you gave it a shot.
I would add to this list Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark. The graphics aren't awesome, but the gameplay is great.
Agreed! This game almost scratched my FF Tactics itch. It was really good. It's a shame the story wasn't particularly interesting or memorable, but the combat was on point.
Triangle Strategy, Valkyria Chronicles 4, and 3 houses are awesome choices. The best all time that many people didn't play cause Saturn was at the end of its life span was Shining Force 3. Also Fire Emblem POR and Radiant Dawn are a close second. Top notch SRPG.
I've played quite a few turn based strat RPGs like Front Mission, Vandal Hearts, XCOM and others, but Shining Force CD on Sega CD is my favorite. The soundtrack is pure bliss and the classic gameplay is nostalgia times ten 👍
Yep saving this video. Got some games to put on the Ole steamdeck
Love the list but no “SMT: Devil Survivor”??? I love SRPG’s and also the SMT & Persona series so this was a great combo for me! Especially the 3DS re-release: “Overclocked”. Great characters, great story, and fun tactical battles!
A SRPG I don't hear much people talking about is Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume. Absolutely love the gameplay and the writing is amazing.
I'm more of an OgreBattle March of the Black Queen fan, although I'll admit I've never come close to finishing it.
I liked FFT more as a kid, but as an adult, Tactics Ogre has a deeper, even if less convoluted, series of alliances and factions. I'm still learning from it ("Aren't the Valeria Liberation Front on our side???")
You didn't play eternal poison and stella deues !? Both made by atlus man you should chek them really really great tactical rpg they should be in the top
Langrisser is one of my favourite SRPG series that 2 people have played
One that is on my list for a while is the Shining Force 3 trilogy, while the translation of scenarios 2 and 3 are not fully edit, I believe is fully playable
100% agree.
I just wish that Saturn emulation were better(although it is leagues better than it used to be I still seem to run into more issues than I'd like, not that long ago I tried to play Magic Knight Rayearth and it seemed to be running fine until it just suddenly crashed and since the intro is so slow I didn't get a chance to save lol). I suppose one day I could do one of the 'real hardware' solutions that are out there nowadays with modding or whatever to play fan translated games and just plain unobtainable games due to crazy prices.
@@Pimpjira87 cant say about issues, but never got a problem emulating Saturn like alot of people have, heck I beat Panzer Dragoon Saga around 2014 though emulation just fine, replayed again last year and was just as smooth (granted my pc is better now)
It is, I played it all. I ran into some emulator issues at times but I was able to make it work and complete it.
Agreed, FFT has never been topped, and probably never will. TO is a close second for me, but still while I like TO quite a lot, it's not my favorite game of all time, like FFT is.
You know strategy RPGs are my jam lol. Big Fire Emblem and Shining Force fan here
Shining Force 2 was a great game back in the day.
Still is ❤
Having been a long time fan of the genre since tactics, and having just finished Triangle Strategy, Ogre Reborn for the first time ever, I agree these are very wonderfully polished and rich games that do not disappoint. Now, between playing those two, to scratch the strategy itch, i found a very charming title called 'Far Away from Home' i would recommend highly to any fan of the above titles. Keep in mind this is a single developer game, and only available on steam, it doesn't have the production value of some of the bigger titles, and is not without its flaws, but was i pleasantly surprised by the fun i had taking a gamble on this one.
i remember playing FFT on ps1, being so envy about Gigantic Spells & Jobs exclusively on the enemies and bosses & there is no way you can acquire those normally in the game. what i do is i end up using Gameshark codes to acquire those spells & jobs for my characters. & the result was awesome! 😆
I'd personally nominate Vanguard Bandits. Its not the deepest strategy game in the world but it's got fun characters, a pretty typical Working Designs localization (if you like that kinda thing), multiple scenarios, and pretty addictive gameplay. Its my personal favourite. It's not nearly as involved or deep as FF Tactics but it's not mired down by "that part" moments or random battles either.
Glad to see Saiyuki Journey West getting some love. I thought it was a little grindy, but the battles were really fun
Did you ever play Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth? Hardest strat RPG I ever played!
Shining Force II was my first and favorite SRPG. I remember playing it as a very young kid but could never get very far because I was so young and stupid. Luckily my dad was really into video games so I basically forced him to beat it. Also it has one of my most favorite characters in all of gaming Slade the rat ninja.
Was sad the original Ogre Battle didn't make the list. Still had to upvote because David is awesome!
Why no shining Force!?
Same, no tactical game has really topped FF Tactics and I have played a lot of them. Special mention to Kartia, Vandal Hearts and maybe Shadowrun Dragonfall, I wish they were also in your top 10.
Your do far the only person who I've heard talk about journey to the west. It's a great one that I didn't know it existed until I got it on the PS3. Personally I feel like banner of the maid deserves to be on the list. It might not be the best but vandel hearts on the ps1 was great. Also there was this Sega CD one dark wizard that was ahead of it's time.
This list in itself is a great reason to go buy a PS3. Saiyuki, all the Arc trilogy and Final Fantasy Tactics,and while the Growlanser Generations pack isn't on there, the still excellent Heritage of War is! Best of all, they're all around $6-$10!
Great list! But I must throw in my honorable mention for Mario + Rabbids, these games are just so damn fun
Chapeau that you know Journey West! I personally played it 3 times (all in JPN though). The unfortunate part being that the English translation was a bit funny to say the least
I always love FFT. Its fantastic and i always replay it every year. The comunity is strong as well
I agree with all of this list and played everything but if I'm picking a fire emblem game it's path of radiance that classic will always be my best 👌 👍 😍 😊
Sad to see that none of the disgaea games made it on the list
If you have never played Eternal Poison for PS2, I would highly recommend. Kind of a hidden gem. I don't run across many people who even know about it. It's quite good.
Have any of you ever played a game called Gungnir? I’ve seen some videos on it and I want to try it out, but it seems outrageously complicated and I’m a bit intimidated.
SF3 trumps them all, engaging story, exploration between battles and a great art style.
Wish it would get a remake
Excellent list!