Summary
Many argue that the 32-bit era of gaming was the peak period of the medium, lasting over two decades and only really phasing out during the 2010s. Even when the more powerful 64-bit processors were on the market, Nintendo’s plucky 32-bit Wii managed to outsell Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
Starting with the Sega Saturn and the original PlayStation, 32-bit tactical RPGs gained a firm foothold, andmany of the gameplay mechanicsenjoyed in the genre today began during this period in the 1990s. Here are some of the best tactical RPGs of the 32-bit era, ranked based on a combination of their overall quality, popularity, and influence on the genre.
The linear progression of the story and perceived simplicity of the gameplay caused contemporary critics to give mixed reviews toVandal Hearts. Despite that, its use of three dimensions, varied map layouts, andinnovative gameplay elementshave garnered it a loyal fanbase who still regard it as one of their favorite 32-bit games, never mind tactical RPGs.
Seven classes are available for players to choose from for each character, possessing strengths and weaknesses against one another. The gory animations are partially responsible for this game’s enduring popularity, but its biggest strength is the assortment of mission types and tight gameplay that is built upon previous entries in the genre.
Following on from the success of its predecessor, another great 32-bit tactical RPG,Sakura Wars 2combines elements of the genre with avisual novel-style narrative and dating simulation. The story is told across 13 episodes, set in 1925, one year after the events of the first game, controlling Ichiro Ogami and the all-female Flower Division in the Imperial Navy.
During conversations, critical choices will feature a time limit, and these choices will impact relationships with the other characters, and future options in the game and even improve combat ability. Each character has strengths and weaknesses in combat and can perform two actions per turn on the grid-based map as they engage with enemies.
Split into three parts, called scenarios,Shining Force 3is a Sega Saturn exclusive, and part of the popularShiningseries of games. The second and third scenarios never saw an official release in the West, though fan translations do exist, but the first part was at least very well-received by English-speaking audiences.
Combat is very typical of the genre, playing out on a square grid with characters moving and then performing an action, and the lack of permadeath or game-over potential makes it very accessible. Praise was particularly heaped on the impressive polygonal graphics and the engaging narrative.
Known asPowers Kingdomin Japan and Europe,Guardian Waris a pioneering entry in the tactical RPG genre, released exclusively on the Panasonic 3DO. Taking control of a guardian golem, and recruiting other golems to the party, players must destroy the monstrous forces of Azrael, the Evil Lord and final boss.
A trailblazer of the overall genre,Guardian Warpopularized many mechanics seen in later similar entries, such as a rotational isometric camera andchangeable jobs or classesfor characters. While the story may be somewhat derivative, the innovative yet simple gameplay, plus the game’s originality, make it a must-play for any fans of 32-bit games or tactical RPGs.
A late entry in the 32-bit era,Jeanne d’Arcwas released on the PSP back in 2006, eventuallymaking its way to PS4 and PS5almost two decades later. Set during the Hundred Years’ War during the early 15th century, the game stars the eponymous Jeanne as she seeks to defend her homeland against the occupying English and their demon army.
Gameplay is split between moving to the different major cities on the semi-historical map of France, and the tactical turn-based battles ensuing in each of the locations, pushing forward the tragic tale. The fantasy twist on the well-known story is one of the major selling points ofJeanne d’Arc, but players also find the tight gameplay highly addictive.
Originally a Japan exclusive for the Super Famicom,Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Togetherreceived a 32-bit upgrade and a western release when it was ported to the Sega Saturn and PlayStation, eventually being fully remade for the PSP. The initial upgrades only featured Japanese voice acting, but the later remake had additional English localization.
The branching storyline has been lauded as one of the best in the genre, following Denim Powell (Denam Pavel in the PSP version) as he is caught in the middle of a war in Valeria. Player choices matter, the combat is satisfying, and the improved 3D graphics are really eye-catching, placing this game among the best 32-bit tactical RPGs.
The third mainline game in the mech series,Front Mission 3places more of an emphasis on the role-playing aspect than in the prior entries. Importance is placed on thepilot of the game’s mechs, with the possibility to attack other pilots directly, forcefully ejecting them from their wanzers in some cases, or even hijacking a wanzer and taking it from an opponent.
Many prominent gameplay features from its predecessors have also been removed, making this game more accessible at the expense of some strategic elements in combat. The strategic battles are still very deep and engaging and are one of the main reasons that many players still fondly remember this title. A remake is available on the Switch for any budding wanzer pilots.
While it may not have been the first tactical RPG,Final Fantasy Tacticsis arguably the genre’s most important title and is regarded by many as one of the greatest video games ever made. Initially exclusive to the PlayStation, it follows Ramza, a cadet fighting in The Lion War in the fictional kingdom of Ivalice.
One of the most enduring features of this title is the extensive job system, containing twenty rolesavailable to characters, which can all be fully customized. The depth of the story with its many twists and turns came in for particular praise, combined with the fully 3D battlegrounds and changeable camera, making battle sequences more interesting.
