Fire Emblem: Engageis the latest title in the long-running Nintendo strategy JRPG series. Following on from the success of its predecessor,Three Houses,Engageis an attempt to go back to the complexities of strategic combat while dialing down on thePersona-like social aspects of its predecessor.
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Moving away from the school-themed backdrop ofThree Houses,most ofFire Emblem: Engage’scharacter development takes place in the floating fortress known as Somniel. The story may not be as deep as some fans would like, but the core gameplay mechanics and fun characters are as good as they’ve always been. Fans that enjoyedFire Emblem’s gameplay and worldbuilding haven’t got far to look when it comes to more quality JRPGs to add to the backlog.
2007
TOSE and Square Enix
Platform
Android, iOS, PS1, and PSP
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lionsis a remaster of the PS1 original that launched in 1997. Although they are fundamentally the same game, the PSP version features newplayable characters and classes, an improved translation, newer cutscenes, and more.
The story inFinal Fantasy Tacticstakes inspiration from historical accounts of the War of the Rosesand sets the tone for a more matureFinal Fantasygame than fans were accustomed to. The turn-based combat will appeal to fans ofFire Emblem Engage. Moreover, the challenging difficulty ofFinal Fantasy Tactic’s gameplay and its permadeath mechanic will make fans ofFire Emblem’s Maddening mode feel right at home.
2022
Artdink and Square Enix
PC and Switch
Triangle Strategyis a tactical RPG that fans ofFire Emblemcan sink their teeth into if they are looking for a game with a deep politically-inspired plot and exceptional character development. It takes some time for the story to get going, but the impact of the player’s decisions ramps up during the later chapters.
The stunning HD-2D visuals provide a modernization of the SNES and early PS1-era JRPGs that fans look so fondly on. LikeFire Emblem,Triangle Strategyis a challenging turn-based JRPGthat can appease the most hardened veterans of the genre. There’s no permadeath mechanic, but one should still prepare to restart some challenging missions on their journey.
1995, 2010, and 2022
Square Enix and Quest Corporation
PC, PS1, PSP, PS4, PS5, and Switch
Before Yasumi Matsuno directed and wroteFinal Fantasy: Tactics,he createdTactics Ogrein 1995. Mechanically and visually, both titles are similar, butTactics Ogreis aneven darker tale. It was remastered in 2010 for the PSP and retitledTactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Togetherand featured 3D fields and stages, reworked music, and revisions to the script.
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The recently launchedTactics Ogre: Rebornis effectively a remaster of the remasteredLet Us Cling Togetherand the best way to play. The newest version has reworked mechanics, voice work, and quality-of-life features that make the JRPG classic more accessible than ever.
PC - Steam
Symphony of War: The Nephilim Sagais an indie-developed turn-based RPG heavily inspired by classicFire Emblemgames in terms of mechanics. However, its complexities make it closer in tone toTactics Ogre,thanks to its depth and character development.
The beauty ofSymphony of Waris that despite its depth in controlling and customizing squads and their compositions in an army - as opposed to focusing on single characters - it’s easy to pick up and enjoy. LikeFire Emblem,there is a home base where players can micromanage their squads, goods trading, friendships, and more between battles.
PC Steam
Releasing a tactical RPG just beforeFire Emblem: Engageis risky, but one has to admire the determination of a small indie developer willing to do just that.Path of the Midnight Sundeserves its mention on this list as an engaging SRPG that’s a visual treat for the eyes and a challenging title for tactics veterans.
Path of the Midnight Suntells its story with mechanics similar to visual novels. This allows for a narrative that’s both self-aware and compelling, and that’s a tremendous compliment to the writing. Striking a balance between comedic satire and serious storytelling is tough to execute, yet,Path of the Midnight Sundoes this beautifully. What began life asFire Emblemis so much more and should be on the radar of fans ofFire Emblem: Engage.
2008 and 2016
PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
Set in an alternate universe World War 2 setting,Valkryia Chroniclesis a fantasy-themed tactical RPG that merges elements of turn-based and real-time combat mechanics in a system dubbed the Battle of Live Tactical Zones, or BLiTZ system. It’s an involving system that cleverly modernizes the turn-based genre by giving it a third-person shooter feel.
RELATED:Turn-Based Tactics Games That Are Perfect For Newcomers To The Genre
The cell-shaded visuals have aged beautifully whether one is playing the PS3 original or the PS4 remaster. The story is surprisingly heartfelt and conveys the impact of war and loss in a meaningful way thatFire Emblemfans will enjoy. Itspermadeath featuremakes the challenge more meaningful to players ofFire Emblem’s Maddening modes.
2016
Atlus
PC, PS3(Original Persona 5), PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
From a gameplay perspective,Persona 5 Royalis a more traditional JRPG thanFire Emblem: Engage.However, fans ofFire Emblem’s character interactions and the socializing element will lovePersona 5’ssocial link mechanics.
Whether playing the original 2016 version ofPersona 5or theRoyaliteration,JRPG fans will find themselves swept up in one of the best games that has spanned three generations from the PS3 to the PS5. The combat is turn-based, but there’s a strategic element when exploiting enemy weaknesses and using teamwork. Moreover, the combat system is beautifully stylish and executed incredibly well.
