RPG Backtrack

Nippon Ichi has made a number of other titles over the years, but a certain series took off in the public imagination and continues to produce fresh entries. Tactical action in the underworld with explosive Prinnies is the subject, and it’s so expansive that this episode sets a new record for our length. (Disgaea)

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An early Yasumi Matsuno title on the SNES remains a complex and rewarding experience, while its direct sequel provides one of the few opportunities we get to discuss something on the N64. Enjoy this discussion of some tactical goodness that doesn’t play by the usual rules. (Ogre Battle)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 112: “You’re a Real Ogre” appeared first on RPGamer.

The world would have been a different place had World War III happened, and the early Fallout titles showed a number of ways that the radiation could have changed things. The level of realism is subject to debate, but the games themselves are pretty entertaining nevertheless.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 111: “After the Apocalypse” appeared first on RPGamer.

No longer able to contain its use of Marvel characters to just the X-Men, Raven Software went all-out for a grand spectacle with the license. Then three years passed and Activision handed the reins of Marvel characters smashing the forces of supervillains to someone new, with less appealing results. (Marvel Ultimate Alliance)

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No matter where or when the action takes place, Link rarely gets a chance to rest. If it’s not sailing or steering a train on the DS, he’s got a showcase Wii title in which to save the day. More reminiscing about a premiere Nintendo series awaits. (The Legend of Zelda, part 4)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 109: “Lean and Green with an Edge That’s Keen” appeared first on RPGamer.

The original PlayStation hosted a great variety of titles that don’t come up in conversation much nowadays, and among them are some interesting tactical items. Working Designs and Atlus had hands in bringing all of these intriguing games across the Pacific, though their merits vary. (Vanguard Bandits, Kartia, Brigandine, Hoshigami)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 108: “Coins, Robots, Knights and Phantoms” appeared first on RPGamer.

There was a long break after Suikoden III, and the results did not seem to warrant confidence in the series’ future. The Island Nations and their struggle with the Kooluk Empire are the subject of this fairly restrained Suikoden episode.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 107: “Tactical Stars of Destiny” appeared first on RPGamer.

The Persona series has been in the news a lot lately, but enthusiasm for the first entry seems relatively lacking. An analysis of both the original PlayStation and the PSP renditions seems warranted to determine why, and it can be found right here.

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 106: “Ingmar Bergman’s Persona” appeared first on RPGamer.

Was it really necessary to extend the Shining series into the action RPG realm? Regardless of how little clamor there was for such a thing, Sega kept at it for years. Analyzing the mostly-misbegotten results is on our agenda this time. (Shining Wisdom, Shining Soul, Shining Tears, Shining Force Neo, Shining Force EXA, Shining Wind)

The post RPG Backtrack – Episode 105: “All That Glitters Is Not Shining” appeared first on RPGamer.

When it comes to licensed games, the X-Men have been stuck in some real stinkers over the years. A few broke the curse of adapting a famous Marvel property though, and the thrill of smashing the scenery with mutant powers is enough to make them worth investigating. (X-Men Legends)

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