SRPGs - Where to Start?

[marlowe221]

So I am a big strategy gamer, particularly turn-based strategy.

For some reason, it has never occurred to me that I might like strategy/tactics RPGs... until now. But... I don't know where to even begin in this genre and I am hoping that the Racketboy faithful can steer me in the right direction.

You all can see my available systems in my forum signature line. What are the good ones and where should I start?

[BogusMeatFactory]

Oh man! Let me tell you! Sega Genesis? All you need is Shining Force. Definitely a great star to the genre and will open you up to a ton of other great games like Ogre Battle, X-Com and so much more!

[Jmustang1968]

Ahh this one is easy.

Shining Force 1, 2, 3 and Fire Emblem series.

These are probably the most approachable, with Fire Emblem being a little tougher.

Shadowrun Returns is a good option too

I would then move on to Tactics Ogre, which you can play on your Vita, Ogre Battle & OB 64, Growlanser series, XCOM, Banner Saga, Jagged Alliance, Wasteland 2, Langrisser (Warsong), Gemfire.

The PS1 and PS2 have some good ones, but I see you do not own those systems.

[noiseredux]

Shining Force! Shining Force!

[Gunstar Green]

You have your answer. Hop to it.

[marlowe221]

The PS1 and PS2 have some good ones, but I see you do not own those systems.

Actually I DO have a PS2. My forum signature is apparently out of date!

[BogusMeatFactory]

I really want to stress shining force again as a nice START! But with a PS2 you have access to a lot more. Try out games like the Disgaea, Dynasty Tactics and even the Front Mission games! Those are great games to dive into when you have tons of time and if you end up really enjoying the series.

With Disgaea, just be prepared to plunk down hundreds of hours.

[Ack]

The PS1 and PS2 have some good ones, but I see you do not own those systems.

Actually I DO have a PS2. My forum signature is apparently out of date!

I would also say to start with Shining Force, because it's easily accessible. Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is a great SNES game, but it has an initial learning curve that can cause some players to struggle. The Nintendo DS port of Front Mission might also be worth checking out since you have a 3DS XL. I haven't tried it, but I did enjoy the game on an emulator over a decade ago.

For the PS2, there are a lot of options. I suggest La Pucelle: Tactics for a starting point if you want to jump into Nippon Ichi Software's line of games. It's not nearly as long/deep/complicated as the Disgaea series or Makai Kingdom. I would avoid the Disgaea series at the start. It's likely to exhaust you and cause burnout. I get exhausted just thinking about it.

[noiseredux]

plus, Shining Force was ported to a bunch of stuff. PC, PS3, 360, um... GBA and PS2 maybe too?

[Stark]

Jeanne d'Arc is a good starter game too. Medium-level gameplay, engaging characters/story, and beautiful graphics.