Summary

  • The PS2 era had incredible JRPGs with deep stories & tactical gameplay, captivating players to this day.
  • The best tactical JRPGs on PS2 include Makai Kingdom, La Pucelle, and Growlanser Generations.
  • Games like Phantom Brave & Disgaea offered gridless combat, intricate storylines, and strategic depth.

Many veteran players will argue that the PS2 was part of the golden era of gaming. With amazing franchise sequels, outstanding skateboarding games, and a wide variety of JRPGs, it was hard to get bored with all the options available at the time.

Best JRPGs For 4-Player Co-Op, Ranked Featured Image-1
Best JRPGs For 4-Player Co-Op, Ranked

Groups of friends can experience the magic of JRPGs thanks to the following games that come with a 4-player co-op feature.

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When it comes to original titles from the PS2 era, it's undeniable that Japan had a big chunk of that market in their possession, which luckily, promoted the development of incredible stories and tactical games that a fair number of people still play and enjoy to this day. Here are the best tactical JRPGs on the PS2.

5 Makai Kingdom: Chronicles Of The Sacred Tome

An Overlord's Quest To Restore His Kingdom

Makai Kingdom
  • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
  • Release Date: March 17, 2005
  • Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
  • Genre: JRPG
  • Best Features: Wide variety of vehicles. Gridless combat system

Focusing on the main character, overlord Zetta, Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome, tells the story of how he became trapped in a sacred tome after making a disastrous mistake. Most of the game focuses on Zetta trying to recover his body and become the ruler of his dark kingdom once again. Throughout the story, he will enlist a few minions to help him in his ultimate quest.

The game has a wide variety of vehicles and a gridless combat system that allows players to have an unmatched sense of flexibility during combat.

4 La Pucelle: Tactics

Two Siblings Against The Forces Of Evil

La Pucelle Tactics Characters
  • Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
  • Release Date: January 30, 2002
  • Developer: Yoshitsuna Kobayashi
  • Genre: JRPG
  • Best Features: Multiple endings that change with players' decisions. Useful features, such as "Purification", which can turn the tides of combat

Following the main character, Pier, and set in the kingdom of Paprica, the game explores the story of this young demon hunter and her brother, Culotte. They're both members of The Church of the Holy Maiden and have the role of demon hunters, which, as the name suggests, are responsible for eliminating infernal beings from the town of Pot a Feu.

The game's main objective is for Pier and Culotte to stop the Dark Prince from resurrecting, which would doom the world as its inhabitants know it. La Pucelle: Tactics has many interesting features, such as "Purification", which can close dark portals and convert demons. There are also multiple possible endings that will change depending on players' decisions and actions.

3 Growlanser Generations

An Action-Packed, Politically-Charged Story

Growlanser Generations
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Strategy
Tactical
RPG
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Released
December 7, 2004
Developer(s)
Career Soft
Platform(s)
PS2
Genre(s)
Strategy, Tactical, RPG
  • Best Features: The game combines real-time combat aspects with turn-based strategies. Deep character development and branching storylines

Set in a world ravaged by a long-standing war, Growlanser Generations focuses on Wein Cruz, the protagonist. As the game progresses, he will have to navigate through the threads of political intrigue and plotting to prevent conflicts that would be devastating to anyone involved. Similar to other games of this kind, the story is variable and can branch out in different directions depending on players' choices, actions, and play style.

Growlanser Generations features real-time strategy elements combined with turn-based aspects, which aligns perfectly with common JRPG game mechanics. The game also has deep character relationships and interesting lore that helps add to the gravity of war and the importance of making the right choices. All in all, it's safe to say that this title is one of the best tactical JRPGs on the PS2.

2 Phantom Brave

An Orphans Quest To Heal The World

  • Platforms: PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PSP
  • Release Date: January 22, 2004
  • Developer: Yoshitsuna Kobayashi
  • Genre: JRPG
  • Best Features: Beautiful soundtrack and art style. Wide variety of skills, spells, and weapons

In the middle of the island of Ivoire, lives Marona, a girl who can talk to spirits. After losing her parents, Marona becomes a Chroma, a person who can, in a nutshell, help people wherever they go. Phantom Brave will have Marona travel the world alongside her phantom friend, Ash, in an effort to stop the evil Sulphur and his demons, who plan to submerge the peaceful island of Ivoire in eternal darkness.

6 Best PS1 Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked Featured Image
6 Best PS1 Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

The original PlayStation was a haven for JRPGs, and these are the best ones the console saw during its lifetime.

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With a gridless, turn-based combat system, Phantom Brave allows players to have more freedom when it comes to their moves and strategic decisions. Marona and Ash have several spells, skills, and weapons that progress along with them as they level up. The art style and soundtrack help complement Marona's noble goal and add to the beautiful story that makes up the game.

1 Disgaea: Hour Of Darkness

A Well-Crafted Demon Prince's Quest For The Throne

Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
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Strategy
RPG
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Released
August 27, 2003
Platform(s)
PC, PS2, PSP, Android, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Developer
Nippon Ichi Software, System Prisma
Genre(s)
Tactical, Strategy, RPG
  • Best Features: Geo-panels add another layer of complexity to the game. Enticing story about a demon prince trying to claim his rightful place as ruler of the Netherworld

After waking up from a long slumber, the main character, and demon prince, Laharl, finds out that his father, the king of the Netherworld, has died. In his endless quest to claim his rightful throne, Laharl will have to fight hordes of opposing demons, angels, and other creatures who stand in his way. Along with his loyal vassal and friend, Etna, players will have to lead Laharl and think about their strategies wisely to ensure his claim.

Similar to other tactical JRPGs of its time, Disgaea: Hour of Darkness features witty humor, turn-based combat reliant on strategy, a dark arty style that perfectly compliments the game's theme, and Geo-panels, which add another layer of complexity to the title's combat mechanics.

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10 Best Turn-Based JRPGs On Steam, Ranked

For turn-based JRPG enthusiasts with an empty Steam backlog, these games represent some of the best experiences in the genre.

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