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A tactical role-playing game (usually simply called tactical RPG) is a type of computer game or video role-playing game (RPG) in which the focus of the gameplay is on making tactical decisions in battles. In some sense, they may be viewed as a hybrid of traditional role-playing games with turn-based strategy games.1 Comparison with traditional RPGs
Tactical RPGs differ from traditional RPGs in several ways. Rather than controlling a few characters, players control far more characters than in traditional RPGs (though not as many as in typical real-time strategy games). Each character has different attributes, including different strengths and weaknesses and different repertoires of moves and spells. In tactical RPGs, combat usually takes place on a grid of many squares. Positioning is of vital importance in tactical RPGs: each square, possibly representing different types of terrain, has different properties, such as elevation, magical energy type, etc. The effectiveness of each attack will depend on both the attributes and positioning of the characters in combat. In order to defeat the opponent (usually the computer as these games tend to be single-player games), the player needs to plan far ahead on each map. A tactical RPG may be analogized to a form of chess. Many, but not all traditional RPGs are turn-based; by contrast, tactical RPGs are invariably turn-based games because of their complexity and the amount of thinking required on the part of the player.
2 Popularity
Many tactical RPGs can be both extreme time-consuming and extremely difficult. Hence, the appeal of most tactical RPGs is to hardcore, not casual, computer and video gamers. Tactical RPGs are quite popular in Japan but have not enjoyed the same degree of success in the United States.
3 Examples
Examples of games in the genre include Disgaea, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Ogre Battle.
Computer and video game genres
Role-playing computer games
Strategy computer games
