Summary
Many veteran players will argue that the PS2was part of the golden era of gaming. With amazing franchise sequels, outstanding skateboarding games, anda wide variety of JRPGs, it was hard to get bored with all the options available at the time.
When it comes to original titles from the PS2era, it’s undeniable that Japan had a big chunk of that market in their possession, which luckily,promoted the development of incredible storiesand tactical games that a fair number of people still play and enjoy to this day. Here are thebest tactical JRPGs on the PS2.
5Makai Kingdom: Chronicles Of The Sacred Tome
An Overlord’s Quest To Restore His Kingdom
Focusing on the main character, overlord Zetta,Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome,tells the story of how he became trapped in a sacred tome after making a disastrous mistake. Most of the game focuses on Zetta trying to recover his body and become the ruler of his dark kingdom once again. Throughout the story, he will enlist a few minions to help him in his ultimate quest.
The game has awide variety of vehiclesand a gridless combat system that allows players to have an unmatched sense of flexibility during combat.
4La Pucelle: Tactics
Two Siblings Against The Forces Of Evil
Following the main character, Pier, and set in the kingdom ofPaprica, the game explores the story of this young demon hunter and her brother, Culotte. They’re both members ofThe Church of the Holy Maidenand have the role of demon hunters, which, as the name suggests, are responsible for eliminating infernal beings from the town ofPot a Feu.
The game’s main objective is for Pier and Culotte to stop the Dark Prince from resurrecting, which would doom the world as its inhabitants know it.La Pucelle: Tacticshasmany interesting features, such as “Purification”, which can close dark portals and convert demons. There are also multiple possible endings that will change depending on players' decisions and actions.
3Growlanser Generations
An Action-Packed, Politically-Charged Story
Set in a world ravaged by a long-standing war,Growlanser Generationsfocuses on Wein Cruz, the protagonist. As the game progresses, he will have to navigate through the threads of political intrigue and plotting to prevent conflicts that would be devastating to anyone involved. Similar to other games of this kind, the story is variable and can branch out in different directions depending on players' choices, actions, and play style.
Growlanser Generationsfeatures real-time strategy elementscombined with turn-based aspects, which aligns perfectly with common JRPG game mechanics. The game also has deep character relationships and interesting lore that helps add to the gravity of war and the importance of making the right choices. All in all, it’s safe to say that this title is one of the best tactical JRPGs on the PS2.
2Phantom Brave
An Orphans Quest To Heal The World
In the middle of the island of Ivoire, lives Marona, a girl who can talk to spirits. After losing her parents, Marona becomes a Chroma, a person who can, in a nutshell, help people wherever they go.Phantom Bravewill have Marona travel the world alongside her phantom friend, Ash, in an effort to stop the evil Sulphur and his demons, who plan to submerge the peaceful island of Ivoire in eternal darkness.
With a gridless, turn-based combat system,Phantom Braveallows players to have more freedom when it comes to their moves and strategic decisions. Marona and Ash have several spells, skills, and weapons that progress along with them as they level up.The art style and soundtrackhelp complement Marona’s noble goal and add to the beautiful story that makes up the game.
After waking up from a long slumber, the main character, and demon prince, Laharl, finds out that his father, the king of the Netherworld, has died. In his endless quest to claim his rightful throne, Laharl will have to fight hordes of opposing demons, angels, and other creatures who stand in his way. Along with his loyal vassal and friend, Etna, players will have to lead Laharl and think about their strategies wisely to ensure his claim.
Similar to other tactical JRPGs of its time,Disgaea: Hour of Darknessfeatures witty humor, turn-based combat reliant on strategy, a dark arty style that perfectly compliments the game’s theme, and Geo-panels, which add another layer of complexity to the title’s combat mechanics.
