TheTactical RPG(TRPG) is a very niche genre compared to other RPG types. Unlike standard turn-based RPGs or action RPGs,TRPGsrequire players to think about the position of the characters in the game in ways similar to chess, utilizing such locations with a plethora of strategies related to combat, movement, and more for deeper levels of gameplay. Because of the complexities associated with the genre, it can be intimidating for newcomers. Nevertheless, TRPGs have a dedicated player base that’s only been growing, and 2022 is proof of that.
An ever-growing player base only encourages developers to create more varied and quality offerings, and they delivered that in a major way in 2022. This year in particular was like a renaissance for the genre offering many new games for fans with a couple of notable standouts, including whether someone wanted light strategy elements to tip their toes into or complex gameplay loops that provide extra challenges with more rewards.
RELATED:The 10 Best Nintendo Switch Games of 2022
Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategycomes from the same developer ofOctopath Traveler,using itsHD-2D aesthetic just as well. Like most TRPGs, It uses a typical grid for movement and positioning as well as class-based abilities for its combat. What setsTriangle Strategyapart, though, is its Scales of Conviction mechanicthat lets players vote in various political situations, which ultimately changes the story. This system, along with the game’s strong characters and classic tactical gameplay lets it stand out as a game on Switch deserving of attention this year.
The DioField Chronicle
Although also put out by Square Enix,The DioField Chronicletakes a very different approach to the TRPG genre thanTriangle Strategy.It focuses, instead, on real-time tactics gameplay and a diorama aesthetic as opposed to the turn-based tactics andHD-2D aesthetic ofTriangle Strategy. The real-time system lends an air of tension and speed to the combat encounters that are rarely seen in the genre, and its chapters are short but sweet, making it perfect to play on the go on Switch or Steam Deck. The story is more generic fantasy than some others out there, but still enjoyable for what it is. The experience is fresh and worth a try for TRPG fans.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Despite its family-friendly aesthetic,Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hopeis as meaty a TRPG as any other this year. It does just what all good sequels do and builds on everything that was great about the first game, while adding big improvements like a grid-free movement system and character-specific abilities. This, along with theaddition of Sparks toMario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope’s combat, allows for a lot of creativity in combat, making it a whimsical, fun ride.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
Square Enix’s third TRPG offering this year,Tactics Ogre: Reborn, takes a classic and breathes some new life into it. Being a remaster,Tactics Ogre: Reborndoesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of gameplay, with a classic grid-based movement system and job-based combat skills. That’s not a bad thing, as this system is what made many fall in love with the genre in the first place. The story and characters are endearing, and the added voice acting is a pro given how much text there is. It’s impossible to go wrong withTactics: Ogre Reborn, as it has been hailed as a masterpieceand a perfect example of the very best in classic TRPGs.
Front Mission 1st: Remake
Not content with only three TRPGs released this year, Square Enix released a fourth inFront Mission 1st: Remake, a Switch-exclusive remake of a Japanese-only SNES TRPG. This title stands apart in that it is set in a sci-fi world, instead of a fantasy one. This leads to some of thebest things aboutFront Mission 1st: Remake, namely a more unique plot and of course mech-based combat, compared to other games in the genre. Several new quality-of-life improvements such as a free camera make this remake feel newer than it is, and the option to play two different campaigns with opposing characters lends the title a healthy dose of replayability.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
A Marvel TRPG byXCOMdeveloper Firaxis Games,Midnight Sunscomes with a customizable hero, solid friendship and squad-based systems, comic book spectacle, Marvel one-liners, interesting deck-based tactics, and much more. It also takes a page from other popular TRPGs likeFire Emblemby letting players engage in life-sim elements like socializing with the characters outside of combat, providing a refreshing break from combat. The writing in the game may come off as too cheesy for some, but the package as a whole is definitely worth checking out for both Marvel fans and TRPG fans. It really is the best of both worlds.
The Future of TRPGs
While 2022 was a remarkable year for TRPG fans, 2023 doesn’t look too bad either. The year starts out with a brand-new entry in the belovedFire EmblemseriesinFire Emblem Engage, whileremakes ofFront Mission2 and 3 are also in the pipeline.Advance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Campmay also release next year, despite being indefinitely delayed. More TRPGs are likely to be announced as the year progresses as well.
Ultimately the genre seems to be gaining popularity, with popular games likeFire Emblem: Three Housesand nowMarvel’s Midnight Sunslooking to bring in even more new fans to the genre. All in all, it’s a good time to be a TRPG fan and an even better time to become a fan with seemingly more varied and fun games available than in most recent years.
MORE:Marvel’s Midnight Suns Has the Best ‘Suicide Mission’ Since Mass Effect 2
