`Tactical RPGs That Changed History`

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Summary

  • Historical events inspire fascinating tactical RPGs, allowing players to experience the past and potentially change it.
  • Top inspirations include the Cold War (Phantom Doctrine and All Walls Must Fall) and China’s Three Kingdoms period (Dynasty Tactics 2 and Fire Emblem: Three Houses).
  • Other notable games that draw inspiration from historical events include Jagged Alliance 2 and Valkyria Chronicles 4.

Video games that draw inspiration from historical events can be captivating in various ways. They might evoke a certain mood associated with a particular era, or they could reenact specific moments directly, empowering players to influence the past and potentially alter it. Occasionally, these games are set in the future or entirely fictional realms, subtly incorporating elements of historical narratives.

Since numerous strategic role-playing games focus on themes of war and conflict, they offer an abundant source of inspiration for developers. After all, a significant portion of world history revolves around these very topics. Here are some top-rated tactical RPGs inspired by historical events, evaluated based on both their quality and popularity among fans.

Strategic role-playing games that explore war and conflict themes make up an extensive pool of inspiration for developers, as a large part of history is characterized by such events. The following list showcases the best tactical RPGs that draw from historical occurrences, taking into account both their quality and fan favoritism.

10. Phantom Doctrine

Influenced By Cold War Paranoia

In the vein of old-school spy thrillers and drawing inspiration from clandestine plots that unfolded during the Cold War, Phantom Doctrine is set in an alternate timeline of the 1980s. As a former agent of the CIA, KGB, or Mossad, you’ll build your own team to dismantle a mysterious organization called “The Beholder Initiative”, who aim for global conquest.

In addition to strategically engaging in combat rounds, this game offers base administration, traditional noticeboard and cord-based investigations, along with options to deploy spies on reconnaissance. Characters within the game can be customized extensively, however mind control plays a significant role, acting both as a player asset and something to be cautious about.

9. Dynasty Tactics 2

Set During China’s Three Kingdoms Period

In a fresh twist, Dynasty Tactics 2 – a spin-off of the timeless Musou series – is strategically oriented and features turn-based gameplay. This sequel draws inspiration from China’s Three Kingdoms era, where it is also set. Similar to the main Dynasty Warriors games, the narrative is rooted in the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” a literary rendition of this period, but with a grittier and more authentic atmosphere.

The gameplay is divided into two main sections: the planning phase, where players can recruit new forces, declare war, or forge alliances, followed by actual battle participation. The decisions made by the player will shape the storyline throughout the 84 levels, and there are significantly more tactical options available than in the previous version, offering a greater degree of strategic flexibility.

8. All Walls Must Fall

Inspired By The Fall Of The Berlin Wall

In an imagined future where the Cold War persisted, the game All Walls Must Fall is characterized as a blend of tech-noir strategy. This game unfolds in Germany’s capital city in 2089 and incorporates elements of time travel. It’s significant that this game is set a century after the Berlin Wall fell, which adds to its intrigue.

In this game, you’ll find a special feature where time can be manipulated. This allows players to sneak into an area, set off an alarm, and then rewind time, effectively keeping the alarm deactivated as if it never happened. You might also change conversation choices for better outcomes or even alter the path of a bullet mid-flight. What makes this game exciting is that each level is randomly generated, ensuring that every playthrough offers something new and unpredictable.

7. King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

Borrowing Heavily From Arthurian Legend

In a more ominous, fantasy style, the narrative of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale delves into the tale of the mythical British king, incorporating aspects of chivalric ideals from Medieval Britain as well as broader Celtic mythology. Although the story may lean towards the fantastical, there are elements that hint at the historical existence of King Arthur, with the Battle of Camlann serving as the foundation for this game, marking the supposed deaths of Arthur and the player-character Mordred.

In a realm beyond life, you’ll confront Arthur’s oppressive rule and fight off monstrous foes while nurturing your selected knights to greatness. The game also features aspects such as base development and numerous player decisions, ensuring that every experience is unique.

6. Jagged Alliance 2

Resembles Many Revolutions And Guerrilla Conflicts

In the fantastical world of Arulco during the ’90s, I found myself immersed in a game that eerily mirrored real-life coups and rebellions from the past decades. As a team of hired guns, we were enlisted by the ex-spouse of the reigning queen with an objective to restore her rule amidst an oppressive monarchy. The country was in turmoil, but it was up to us to make a change!

In this game, you’ll navigate between strategic resource management, recruiting new team members, maintaining morale among mercenaries, and participating in combat. The game offers a significant degree of freedom, which is remarkable given its release date, as players can approach the game in their preferred manner, and their decisions shape the outcome.

5. The Banner Saga

Based on Viking Culture and Norse Mythology

Set in a harsh terrain under a difficult climate, and drawing inspiration from the culture of the Vikings, subtly infused with Norse mythology, “The Banner Saga” offers several captivating aspects. The narrative unfolds in multiple directions, encompassing elements of interpersonal dynamics and survival, while combat is challenging yet balanced.

The decisions made by players significantly shape the entire gameplay, and incorporating a permadeath feature ensures that players truly feel the repercussions of their actions. Engaging with the hostile Dredge requires careful strategy, and this, along with other factors, contributed to the creation of several critically acclaimed follow-ups in this series.

4. Valkyria Chronicles 4

The Second Europan War Is Like World War Two

Valkyria Chronicles 4 appears to have drawn inspiration heavily from events during World War Two in Europe, as suggested by its numerous similarities. In this game, you’ll find yourself fighting as a part of the federation army, with the objective of protecting your homeland of Gallia against the Imperial forces during the Second Europan War.

1. The resemblance of these elements is strikingly like parts of Europe during the 30s and 40s, creating an engaging storyline that sets this addition apart from previous entries in the series. This time around, we have the Grenadier class and the innovative “Brave” system. If a character dies in combat, this system can be activated to grant them one more action as their final stand.

2. The similarity of these components mirrors Europe during the 1930s and 1940s, resulting in an exciting narrative that distinguishes this installment from earlier ones in the series. It also includes the Grenadier class and a fresh “Brave” system, which allows a character to perform one additional action if they fall in battle, acting as their final stand.

Both versions maintain the original meaning while being more natural and easy to read.

3. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Drawing Inspiration From The Yugoslav Wars

In an unexpected twist, Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together draws significant influence from the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, a conflict that was still unfolding when it was released. Known for its grim and authentic portrayal of war, Tactics Ogre frequently places players in challenging situations where there’s rarely a satisfactory resolution to their choices.

In the game “Tactics Ogre: Reborn”, players find themselves in the midst of a revolutionary conflict. The narrative includes aspects of ethnic disputes and the misuse of power. The choices made by the player determine the outcome, leading to various conclusions. This strategy game is now accessible on contemporary platforms with numerous enhancements for an improved gaming experience.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Also Inspired By The Three Kingdoms Period In China

In many aspects, Fire Emblem: Three Houses bears striking resemblances to Romance of the Three Kingdoms, suggesting that the historical period this narrative is rooted in left an indelible mark on the game. Given that Koei Tecmo, creators of Dynasty Warriors series, were involved with Three Houses, this influence seems quite logical.

In essence, the heads of the main families share striking resemblances with the rulers of contemporary kingdoms, as portrayed in the narrative. The progression of events within the story often echoes historical occurrences, while maintaining a dramatic flair for added impact. However, it’s crucial to note that much of the plot unfolds based on the player’s decisions.

1. Final Fantasy Tactics

Influenced By The War Of The Roses

It appears that the narrative in Final Fantasy Tactics bears a striking resemblance to the War of the Roses, suggesting more than just a coincidence. Prior to the game’s events, there was a prolonged conflict similar to the Fifty Years War, and before the York and Lancaster houses clashed in the Hundred Years War, there were conflicts taking place as well.

1. The Lion Wars, symbolized by the White Lion and Black Lion standards, bear a striking resemblance to the War of the Roses in name and occurrences, much like in the beloved strategy role-playing game Final Fantasy Tactics.

2. In essence, the Lion Wars, as depicted by the White Lion and Black Lion emblems, share a striking parallel with the War of the Roses, mirroring both their namesake and events, much like the captivating narrative and groundbreaking gameplay found in Final Fantasy Tactics.

3. The Lion Wars, under the flags of the White Lion and Black Lion, echo the War of the Roses not only in nomenclature but also in their shared events, much like how Final Fantasy Tactics has been celebrated for its compelling storyline and innovative gameplay.

4. The Lion Wars, signified by the White Lion and Black Lion standards, hold a remarkable similarity to the War of the Roses in both name and events, mirroring this connection much like the enduring popularity of Final Fantasy Tactics, which is renowned for its gripping narrative and revolutionary gameplay.

5. The Lion Wars, as represented by the White Lion and Black Lion banners, share a striking resemblance with the War of the Roses in terms of both their namesake and events, much like Final Fantasy Tactics, which remains one of the most cherished tactical RPGs due to its captivating storyline and groundbreaking gameplay.

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2025-02-14 07:09