Best Tactical JRPGs On The PS2, Ranked

Key Takeaways

The PS2 era had incredible JRPGs with deep stories & tactical gameplay, captivating players to this day.
The best tactical JRPGs on PS2 include Makai Kingdom, La Pucelle, and Growlanser Generations.
Games like Phantom Brave & Disgaea offered gridless combat, intricate storylines, and strategic depth.

It seems that you have provided an insightful analysis and review of the game “Growlanser Generations” and its related titles “Phantom Brave”, “Disgaea: Hour of Darkness”, and other potential games within the genre.

In the golden age of gaming, players would argue that PS2 was part of an incredible era of entertainment. With the advent of advanced franchise sequels, exceptional skateboarding games, and a wide variety of JRPGs, it was hard to get bored with all the options available at the time

In terms of unique game titles from the PlayStation 2 era, it’s clear that Japan held a significant portion of that market, leading to the creation of captivating narratives and strategic games. Many players continue to appreciate and enjoy these games even today. Here are some of the top tactical JRPGs for the PS2

5 Makai Kingdom: Chronicles Of The Sacred Tome

An Overlord’s Quest To Restore His Kingdom

Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
Release Date: March 17, 2005
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Genre: JRPG
Best Features: Wide variety of vehicles. Gridless combat system

Focusing on the main character, overlord Zetta, Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome, tells the story of how he became trapped in a sacred tome after making a disastrous mistake. Most of the game focuses on Zetta trying to recover his body and become the ruler of his dark kingdom once again. Throughout the story, he will enlist a few minions to help him in his ultimate quest.

The game offers a wide range of vehicles for players to enjoy a combat-free experience

4 La Pucelle: Tactics

Two Siblings Against The Forces Of Evil

Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
Release Date: January 30, 2002
Developer: Yoshitsuna Kobayashi
Genre: JRPG
Best Features: Multiple endings that change with players’ decisions. Useful features, such as “Purification”, which can turn the tides of combat

In the city of Paprica, the game revolves around a young woman called Pier and her brother Culotte. They are both members of The Church of the Holy Maiden, and have the role of demon hunters, which, as the name suggests, are responsible for eliminating infernal beings from the town of Paprica

In the game titled “La Pucelle: Tactics,” the primary goal revolves around characters Pier and Culotte preventing the Dark Prince from bringing himself back to life, a move that would lead to the demise of the world as it is currently known. The game offers several intriguing aspects, including “Purification,” a powerful ability capable of sealing dark gateways and transforming demonic entities. Additionally, players will encounter various endings that can shift based on the choices and actions they make throughout the game

3 Growlanser Generations

An Action-Packed, Politically-Charged Story

Best Features: The game combines real-time combat aspects with turn-based strategies. Deep character development and branching storylines

In a world marred by an enduring conflict, the game Growlanser Generations revolves around the protagonist, Wein Cruz. As the narrative unfolds, he must maneuver through the labyrinth of political machinations to thwart potential conflicts that could prove catastrophic for all parties involved. This experience mirrors other games in its genre, where the story evolves and diverges based on players’ decisions, actions, and playstyle, creating a unique and dynamic narrative for each player

Growlanser Generations features real-time strategy elements combined with turn-based aspects, which aligns perfectly with common JRPG game mechanics. The game also has deep character relationships and interesting lore that helps add to the gravity of war and the importance of making the right choices. All in all, it’s safe to say that this title is one of the best tactical JRPGs on the PS2.

2 Phantom Brave

An Orphans Quest To Heal The World

Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
Release Date: January 22, 2004
Developer: Yoshitsuna Kobayashi
Genre: JRPG
Best Features: Beautiful soundtrack and art style. Wide variety of skills, spells, and weapons

On the heart of Ivory Island dwells a girl named Marona, gifted with the ability to communicate with spirits. Following the tragic loss of her parents, Marona transforms into a Chroma – an individual possessing the power to aid people wherever they roam. The video game Phantom Brave follows Marona’s journey across the globe, accompanied by her spectral companion Ash, as they seek to thwart the sinister plans of Sulphur and his demonic horde. Their ultimate goal is to save the serene island of Ivoire from being plunged into eternal darkness

In a gridless, sequential battle mechanism, Phantom Brave empowers players with increased flexibility in their actions and strategic planning. Characters like Marona and Ash possess an array of spells, abilities, and weapons that evolve as they advance in levels. The visual aesthetic and musical score serve to enhance Marona’s lofty objective and contribute to the captivating narrative that forms the heart of this game

1 Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness

A Well-Crafted Demon Prince’s Quest For The Throne

Best Features: Geo-panels add another layer of complexity to the game. Enticing story about a demon prince trying to claim his rightful place as ruler of the Netherworld

Following a deep sleep, the protagonist, the demon prince Laharl, learns that his father, the ruler of the Underworld, has passed away. Determined to ascend to the throne, Laharl must engage in battles against numerous adversaries such as demons, angels, and other beings who challenge him. Accompanied by his faithful vassal and comrade, Etna, players will need to make tactical decisions carefully to guarantee Laharl’s succession

Just like many other strategic RPGs from the same era, Disgaea: Hour of Darkness offers sharp humor, tactical turn-based battles, a distinctive dark art style that matches the game’s tone, and Geo-panels, which introduce an additional strategic depth to its combat system

2024-09-05 14:33