Squad Goals: The Evolution of Tactical RPGs

Introduction to Tactical RPGs

In this section, the speaker introduces tactical RPGs as a genre of games that they enjoy playing and will be discussing in the video. They provide a brief history of the genre, starting with Wizardry and Ultima III Exodus in the 80s, and highlight some key games that have contributed to its development.

History of Tactical RPGs

• Tactical RPGs are a genre of game that the speaker enjoys playing.

• The genre started with games like Wizardry and Ultima III Exodus in the 80s, which set a baseline for gameplay mechanics and elements now common in tactical RPGs.

• In the 90s, games like Xeno Gears, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Tactics Ogre added branching storylines, squad-based combat, cutting-edge graphics, and long character sheet management sessions.

• Yasumi Matsuno was instrumental in developing Tactics Ogre with Quest Corporation before moving on to develop Final Fantasy Tactics with Square Enix later that year.

• Since then, tactical RPGs have continued to build upon these OG titles with games like Disgaea and Valkyria Chronicles introducing complex character ability systems and mixing tactical and action gameplay.

Recent Developments

• More recently, games like XCOM Chimera Squad and Mario Plus Rabbits have helped reinvigorate the genre for both old and newer audiences.

• Other genres are also starting to bleed into these titles with features like procedural generation or rich storytelling elements.

• Mainstream franchises like Gears Tactics and Marvel's Midnight Suns have also jumped on board the tactics train with their unique approaches to turn-based combat.

Benefits of Tactical RPGs

In this section, the speaker discusses why tactical RPGs are a perfect game genre for their constantly interrupted lifestyle. They also highlight some of their favorite games in the genre.

Benefits of Tactical RPGs

• Tactical RPGs are perfect for a constantly interrupted lifestyle.

• The speaker's favorite recent titles include Fell Seal, XCOM Chimera Squad, and Steam World Heist.

Conclusion

In this section, the speaker concludes the video by summarizing their recommendations and discussing some borderline tactical RPG games that they enjoy playing.

Recommendations and Borderline Games

• The speaker recommends Fell Seal, XCOM Chimera Squad, and Steam World Heist as great tactical RPG games to play.

• They also enjoy playing borderline tactical RPG games like Hard Hunter and Battle Tech.

Tactical RPG Games Overview

This transcript discusses three tactical RPG games: Fae Tactics, Symphony of War, and Tactics Ogre. The speaker provides an overview of each game's gameplay mechanics and customization options.

Fae Tactics

• Players control a young woman named Peony on a quest to uncover the truth about a mysterious past and problematic forces at work in the world.

• Combat influences include elemental synergy system, astrology signs, weather effects, and even the day of the week.

• Players can equip slots that augment or completely change character mechanics.

• Any time-refundable trait system unlocks character-specific special skills.

• Crafting system is critical to game progress; camping match game adds buffs.

Symphony of War

• Players command an army composed of squads with individual troops that can be moved into synergizing classes or like-minded individuals.

• Each squad can equip artifacts that add blanket buffs to the team for specialized strike teams or support squads.

• Game offers many ways to progress individual characters including branching them off into different subclasses (43 total).

• Ability to take nameless hired mercenaries and evolve them into storyless heroes allows players to create their own stories.

Tactics Ogre

• Players control a group of characters as they progress through a branching storyline and engage in turn-based battles on a grid-based map.

• Features wide range of classes with unique abilities, stats, weapon-based finishers, and character sheet corn.

• Branching storylines and morality system make choices/actions truly matter with impact on game world and characters within it.

Tactical RPGs: A Beginner's Guide

In this video, Mike B aka Fony provides an introduction to tactical RPGs. He shares his experience with the genre and recommends some games for beginners and veterans.

Introduction

• Mike B aka Fony introduces himself and talks about his experience with tactical RPGs.

Tactical RPGs

• Tactical RPGs are a subgenre of role-playing games that focus on strategic combat.

• The gameplay involves turn-based battles where players control a group of characters with unique abilities.

• The genre offers a deep and satisfying gameplay experience combining strategy, character development, and immersive storylines.

Games for Beginners

• Massive Chalice is an accessible way into the genre.

• Gears Tactics is another good option for beginners.

• Mario Plus Rabbids is a great game for those who want to get right into it.

• Divinity Original Sin is also recommended for beginners.

Games for Veterans

• Urtuk: The Desolation Fell Seal Arbiter's Mark are recommended for salty vets looking for something new or different from what's in the video.

• Fights in Tight Spaces is another game recommended by Mike B aka Fony.

Conclusion

• Mike B aka Fony concludes the video by thanking viewers and inviting them to leave their recommendations in the comments below.