Summary
So, the PS1 showed up in Japan in ’94, then over West a year after. The game lineup? Kinda sad for RPG lovers. Then boom, Final Fantasy Tactics hit the U.S. in ’98, and yeah, everything changed. It messed with the Job system and placed characters on grids. Wild times.
But seriously, was it the top dog tactical RPG on the PS1? And what about the others on different versions of PlayStation? Let’s figure out which game really represents each console. Let’s dive in.
7
Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1)
An Obvious Choice — Maybe?
Yep, hands down, Final Fantasy Tactics was the king of tactical RPGs on PS1, despite some tough battles. This was the darkest, grittiest version of Final Fantasy back then, dipping toes into warring nobles and religions. The battles were like chess on steroids thanks to the grid system. Hard as nail missions made you wanna pull your hair out, yet you kept coming back for more. Anyway, there’s a remaster, The Ivalice Chronicle, dropping soon. Get hyped.
6
Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness (PS2)
What If RPGs Were Weird?
Disgaea rewired the whole genre. Seriously, nothing compares. We’re talking young demon prince Laharl causing underworld chaos. Characters could be thrown around like ping-pong balls. Weird? Totally, but it clicks. You gotta try it to get it though, but once you do, it’s like, “Whoa.”
5
Jeanne d’Arc (PSP)
A French Revolution — Sort Of
Jeanne d’Arc takes historical events and sprinkles in fantasy. So Joan of Arc, but add in animal people and demons. You got knights transforming Power Rangers-style. Only question is, what’d the real Joan think? Emulators spice it up with better visuals now, but goes to show, PSP is where it shines.
4
Valkyria Chronicles (PS3)
WW2 Like You’ve Never Seen It
Valkyria Chronicles is WW2 with a fantastical twist. The watercolor visuals? Stunning. No grid here, folks. You move freely within limits adding chaos and realism. So every gunfight feels like a history breaking reality.
3
Grand Kingdom (PS Vita)
A Seldom Celebrated Console
PS Vita didn’t get the love it deserved. Grand Kingdom? An exception among ports. Leading a mercenary crew into battle, playing chess-like moves on a board, and fighting in a 2D arena. Real hidden gem vibes here.
2
SteamWorld Heist (PS4)
An Indie Developer Outdid Japan
SteamWorld Heist breaks the mold. Instead of Japan, we get an indie Western flair. Robots in space blasting away in tactical 2D fights. Sick ricochet shots turn mundane into magic. Bite-sized missions mean addictiveness maxed out.
1
Unicorn Overlord (PS5)
Vanillaware’s Grand Resurgence
Vanillaware finally breaking through in the West? About time! Unicorn Overlord is a breather from grid-based norms. Real-time RTS styling mingles with RPG strategy. Open-world exploration? Yes, please. Truly a must for RPG adventurers.
