Japan has always been a hub of gaming culture, and strategy games are no exception. The country is known for producing some of the most exciting and challenging strategy games that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. In this article, we will explore the best Japanese strategy games that every gamer should play at least once in their lifetime.
1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical role-playing game developed by Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo for the Nintendo Switch. The game is set in the fantasy world of F??dlan, where players take on the role of a professor at a prestigious officer's academy and lead one of three houses. The game features turn-based battles, a deep and engaging story, and a memorable cast of characters. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is undoubtedly one of the best Japanese strategy games of all time.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation. The game is set in the fictional world of Ivalice and follows the story of Ramza Beoulve, a young noble who finds himself embroiled in a war between two factions. The game features a job system that allows players to customize their characters' abilities and a complex battle system that requires careful planning and strategy. Final Fantasy Tactics is a classic Japanese strategy game that has stood the test of time.
3. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software for the PlayStation 4. The game is set in the Netherworld, a place where demons and monsters reside, and follows the story of Killia, a young demon seeking revenge against the powerful Overlords who destroyed his home. The game features a quirky and humorous story, a deep and complex battle system, and an endless amount of content. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance is a must-play for any fan of Japanese strategy games.
4. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable. The game is set in the land of Valeria and follows the story of Denam Pavel, a young man caught up in a war between two factions vying for the throne. The game features a branching storyline with multiple endings, a deep and complex battle system, and a memorable cast of characters. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a hidden gem in the world of Japanese strategy games.
5. Advance Wars
Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. The game is set in a fictional world and follows the story of Orange Star, a country at war with its neighboring nations. The game features a colorful and cartoonish art style, a simple and intuitive battle system, and a challenging campaign mode. Advance Wars is a classic Japanese strategy game that every gamer should experience.
6. Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Sega for the PlayStation 3. The game is set in an alternate reality Europe during World War II and follows the story of Welkin Gunther, a young commander leading a squad of soldiers against the Empire. The game features a unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat, a beautiful watercolor art style, and a memorable cast of characters. Valkyria Chronicles is a hidden gem in the world of Japanese strategy games.
7. Shining Force II
Shining Force II is a tactical role-playing game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. The game is set in the land of Rune and follows the story of Bowie, a young warrior leading a group of heroes against the evil Dark Dragon. The game features a colorful and vibrant art style, a simple and intuitive battle system, and a challenging campaign mode. Shining Force II is a classic Japanese strategy game that every gamer should experience.
8. Nobunaga's Ambition
Nobunaga's Ambition is a turn-based strategy game developed and published by Koei for various platforms. The game is set in feudal Japan and follows the story of Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo seeking to unify Japan under his rule. The game features a deep and complex battle system, a detailed simulation of feudal Japan, and a challenging campaign mode. Nobunaga's Ambition is a classic Japanese strategy game that has influenced many other games in the genre.
9. Suikoden II
Suikoden II is a role-playing game with tactical elements developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation. The game is set in the world of Suikoden and follows the story of Riou, a young hero caught up in a war between two nations. The game features a massive cast of characters, a deep and engaging story, and a unique battle system that allows players to recruit up to 108 characters to their army. Suikoden II is a hidden gem in the world of Japanese strategy games.
10. Onimusha Tactics
Onimusha Tactics is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Capcom for the Game Boy Advance. The game is set in feudal Japan and follows the story of Onimaru, a young warrior seeking to defeat the evil Genma. The game features a unique battle system that allows players to switch between two different modes, a memorable cast of characters, and a challenging campaign mode. Onimusha Tactics is a hidden gem in the world of Japanese strategy games.
Conclusion
Japanese strategy games have always been a favorite among gamers worldwide, and for a good reason. These games offer a unique blend of engaging stories, complex battle systems, and memorable characters that keep players coming back for more. Whether you are a fan of turn-based games, role-playing games, or tactical games, there is a Japanese strategy game out there for you. We hope this guide has helped you discover some of the best Japanese strategy games that you may have missed.
