Which strategy RPG should I buy?

[Ebonsword]

While I'm waiting for my deluxe edition of Dust Tactics to arrive, I thought I'd while away the hours playing a skirmish-level strategy game on one of the myriad game consoles I own (PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Gamecube, and Dreamcast).

I'm looking for a more "simulationist" (for want of a better word) game, by which I mean the rules are attempting to somewhat simulate reality instead of being ridiculously arbitrary. For example, I tried Disgaea and utterly hated the stupid way you had to stack characters up or use characters to throw other characters--made it feel more like a puzzle game than a tactics game. Goofy combo systems are also right out.

I'm thinking I'd prefer something more sci-fi than fantasy, but I wouldn't rule fantasy out completely.

Turn-based combat is an absolute must, of course.

Operation: Darkness looks pretty sweet, but I've heard that it's fairly disappointing in play.

The Front Mission games look interesting, but I'm not sure where to start (not sure I could stomach PS1 graphics).

Also, I've already played Final Fantasy Tactics and La Pucelle.

 

[OSK]

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.

 

[CrimsonAngel]

While I'm waiting for my deluxe edition of Dust Tactics to arrive, I thought I'd while away the hours playing a skirmish-level strategy game on one of the myriad game consoles I own (PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Gamecube, and Dreamcast).

I'm looking for a more "simulationist" (for want of a better word) game, by which I mean the rules are attempting to somewhat simulate reality instead of being ridiculously arbitrary. For example, I tried Disgaea and utterly hated the stupid way you had to stack characters up or use characters to throw other characters--made it feel more like a puzzle game than a tactics game. Goofy combo systems are also right out.

I'm thinking I'd prefer something more sci-fi than fantasy, but I wouldn't rule fantasy out completely.

Turn-based combat is an absolute must, of course.

Operation: Darkness looks pretty sweet, but I've heard that it's fairly disappointing in play.

The Front Mission games look interesting, but I'm not sure where to start (not sure I could stomach PS1 graphics).

Also, I've already played Final Fantasy Tactics and La Pucelle.

If you have a PS2 that can play burnt games then there is a fan translated version of Front Mission 5 that is out that is pretty dam good.

 

[chzr]

buy a pc and jagged alliance 2

 

[SimpleComplexity]

Valkira Chronikels

 

[Apollion]

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.

This. No one can say the japs don't get is right occasionally. Also, Front Mission 3 rocks.

 

[Malakal]

Strategy RPGs? Thats a new one for me. Or perhaps the meaning of 'strategy' recently changed or something. 'Tactical' seems more accurate.

 

[Ebonsword]

Strategy RPGs? Thats a new one for me. Or perhaps the meaning of 'strategy' recently changed or something. 'Tactical' seems more accurate.

"Tactical" probably is more accurate, but I've usually seen them referred to as strategy RPGs (or SRPGs).

Wikipedia tries to pretend that they're called tactical RPGs, but I've never actually heard anyone use that term.

 

[Ebonsword]

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.

I see a "Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together" for the PSP, but not for any system I own.

The PS1 has a game just called "Tactics Ogre"--is that the same game?

 

[Apollion]

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together.

I see a "Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together" for the PSP, but not for any system I own.

The PS1 has a game just called "Tactics Ogre"--is that the same game?

Yep, and whoa, I had no idea they were making a PSP remake. One thing though, unless you have a PC that can handle PS1 emulation, forget about it, decent copies of Tactics Ogre usually go for a few hundred dollars.

 

[kris]

Strategy RPGs? Thats a new one for me. Or perhaps the meaning of 'strategy' recently changed or something. 'Tactical' seems more accurate.

"Tactical" probably is more accurate, but I've usually seen them referred to as strategy RPGs (or SRPGs).

Wikipedia tries to pretend that they're called tactical RPGs, but I've never actually heard anyone use that term.

That is because the creators and possibly most the players have no idea what those terms mean.

 

[WhiskeyWolf]

Valkira Chronikels

There should be a demo on PSN.

 

[Achilles]

buy a pc and jagged alliance 2

Obviously this. Plus, Silent Storm.

 

[Mortmal]

I sugggest you to play fire emblem on the gamecube too, you probably already had, they are very ppular.