Best Tactical RPGs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Summary

Lesser-known tactical RPGs like Bahamut Lagoon and Operation Darkness offer unique gameplay experiences.
Spinoffs like Bomberman Wars and R-Type Command add refreshing twists to familiar franchises.
Games like TearRing Saga: Berwick Saga provide alternative options to popular series like Fire Emblem.

For enthusiasts of tactical role-playing games (TRPGs), titles like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem Awakening, and Disgaea: Hour of Darkness are well-known and frequently praised as the cream of the crop. However, there’s a multitude of other great games in this genre that don’t always receive the recognition they deserve due to factors such as their release timings, platforms, or even because they didn’t come out in North America. Many hidden gems are overlooked in the shadows.

Due to various factors, these strategic role-playing games continue to be unique within their fanbase. Should we give them another look to see if they’ve improved over time, or are their quirks too bizarre for most? Let’s explore a range of examples from different consoles and determine the answer.

8. Bahamut Lagoon

Release The Dragon

Ah, “Bahamut Lagoon” – one among numerous SquareSoft games originally launched during the SNES period that was exclusively distributed in Japan. Characters can traverse specific areas on the map, and on their turn, they may employ abilities. Once an adversary is truly confronted, the viewpoint alters to a 2D, turn-based combat interface. The main allure of this game lies in its dragons; players can forge friendships with them and incorporate these mighty creatures into their teams, amplifying their power.

7. Bleach: The 3rd Phantom

One Of Ichigo’s Better Games

Developer: Tom Create
Publisher: Sega
Released: September 15, 2009 (NA)
Platform: DS

As a diehard fan, I’ve noticed that many games based on Bleach, including those in the anime genre, often revolve around fighting. However, there was an exception to this trend on the DS – the series titled Bleach: The Blade of Fates, which was indeed a fighting game. But what truly caught my attention was another game, Bleach: The 3rd Phantom. Unlike its fighting counterpart, this game was a tactical RPG, where players could command Ichigo and other characters to vanquish Hollows and other malevolent beings in their quest for tranquility. This standalone story subtly referenced elements from the original source material, and overall, it wasn’t half bad as a spin-off game.

6. Bomberman Wars

An Explosive RPG

Developer: Hudson Soft (PS1 Version)
Publisher: Hudson Soft
Released: April 16, 1998 (Japan)
Platforms: PS1, Sega Saturn

Originally, “Bomberman Wars” was exclusively launched on PlayStation 1 and Sega Saturn, however, neither edition made it beyond Japanese borders. Typically, Bomberman games adhere to the explosive maze dynamics, but this deviation featured the main character engaging in miniature battles with a magical ensemble instead.

The gameplay retained its bomb-planting essence, keeping it quite traditional. It may not be flawless, but it provides a refreshing diversion within the Bomberman franchise. What’s more, an English fan translation makes it effortlessly playable.

5. Dragon Ball Fusions

Fun With Fusions

In simpler terms, “Dragon Ball Fusions” is a game for the Nintendo 3DS that links to the most famous anime franchise. Unlike many other games in this series which often follow the main plotlines, “Dragon Ball Fusions” offers an entirely new story where players can design their own character.

In this game, the concept centers around blending old and fresh characters, enabling players to produce stronger ones during battles. Instead of being confined to a grid, characters enjoy some degree of freedom within a bounded area, with their positioning playing a crucial role, transforming it into a more liberating strategy game. Heroic characters can join forces to perform the spectacular combos that only characters from Dragon Ball are skilled at.

4. Operation Darkness

Werewolves Of London

During the Xbox 360 era, Microsoft made a significant effort to dominate the JRPG market, securing numerous exclusives. However, few of these games grew into major franchises like Final Fantasy. One such game was Operation Darkness, an RPG set in an alternate history. In this game, players control an elite unit of werewolves battling against vampire Nazis and their undead followers. The game is challenging, as units can easily perish and quick revival is essential. Despite its difficulty, the unique concept makes it a game worth exploring.

3. R-Type Command

Shmups Go Tactical

Most likely, many gamers recognize R-Type as a renowned arcade horizontal shoot ’em up (shmup) from the past. While subsequent installments and variations adhered to the original formula, R-Type Command, released on PSP, broke away by allowing players to move their ships on hexagonal grids for engaging in combat with other ships, mechs, and alien creatures.

The original Japanese sequel, “R-Type Tactics 2: Operation Bitter Chocolate,” is set to be made available in the West for the first time as part of the compilation “R-Type Tactics 1 & 2 Cosmos.” Here’s hoping the wait for these remakes won’t be too long.

2. Rockman Strategy

Truly A Bizarre Discovery

Developer: Dream Come True
Publisher: Acer TWP
Released: October 29, 2001 (Taiwan)
Platform: PC

In my gaming experience, I’ve never come across a Mega Man game quite as peculiar as the one they call Rockman Strategy. Unlike any other Mega Man title I know, this one was exclusively designed for PCs in Taiwan, with Capcom barely involved at all in the project.

In this game, Mega Man and his friends traverse various maps, each controlled by a unique boss from around the globe. Instead of the conventional method of obtaining abilities by defeating bosses, enhancements can be found at Dr. Light’s lab. Real-time combat occurs when enemies are encountered on the map, with actions being limited by a timer. While not every Mega Man game can match the visual appeal of Mega Man Legends, the art design is certainly unique in its own way.

1. TearRing Saga: Berwick Saga

Fire Emblem’s PS2 Cousin

Developer: Tirnanog
Publisher: Enterbrain
Released: May 26, 2005 (Japan)
Platform: PS2

Some RPG enthusiasts might be familiar with “TearRing Saga: Chronicles of War Hero Yutona,”, a PS1 title that served as a spiritual successor to “Fire Emblem” and was exclusively launched in Japan. Following his role in establishing the franchise, Shouzou Kaga departed from Intelligent Systems to aid in the formation of a new company, Tirnanog.

The fundamental background is set, but the initial release had a less straightforward sequel titled “TearRing Saga: Berwick Saga” for the PS2. Compared to Fire Emblem games, the 2D battle screens remain similar, but the equipment menu offers more detail and the maps incorporate hexagonal movement instead of squares.

2025-07-27 01:34