R-Type Tactics
I am not good at Tactical RPGs. I never finished La Pucelle's Tactics, never even bothered with Final Fantasy Tactics and generally feel bad for even trying them. I'm guessing it's the same reason I'm generally terrible at Real Time Strategy games and Sim City style games; I suppose I just don't have the mindset for it. But the one Tactical RPG I got the furthest in and mostly understood was a spin on the space shoot-em-up R-Type titled: R-Type Tactics, or R-Type Command in the US. It was a portable title for the Sony PSP, which meant I was more willing to put more hours into it that I would have if it was a console title. Mainly because I can play it on the train, or during any little bit on downtime that allows me to bust out the portable or pause it and put it to sleep anytime something comes up. It's simply easier to squeeze in a few minutes here and there which works great in a game that is turn-based and often requires you take the time to strategize and plan each move and it's consequences.
R-Type Tactics is an interesting take on the series considering it's roots. R-Type being a classic arcade shoot-em-up who's series of games seemingly ended with the most recent title, R-Type Final on the PS2. R-Type Tactics on the other hand, is a turn-based tactical RPG that sends you on a mission through the solar-system into the Bydo homeworld to end the alien attacks once and for all. Each level sets you on a hexagonal grid with the same side-scrolling camera view from the shooter titles. You progress forward through each level with various goals, typically including the requirement of defeating all the enemy ships in your path. Each ship has varying stats including weapon power, speed, shields and radar range. You can send scout ships ahead to see what's coming, repair ships to rescue downed craft, heavy fighters, long range gunners, bombers and all those typically escorting a primary flagship.
I especially enjoyed this game because it's focus was on my favorite aspect of the R-Type series. That being the ship design. As you move forward you gain access to new ship designs with new and better weapons and utilities. You layout your starting grid for each level based on a limited number of resources and so you can choose how you want to attack the level; with little or no support and all assault, or something more balanced. You gain access to various new flagships which offer the ability to repair more ships at once, or are submersible for the new water-based levels. And of course, you get full stats pages on each ship with 3D rotatable models so you can view them in full glory. Plus, during combat when your turn is executed you will often get a 3D animated cutscene displaying how it all went down. It's a completely enjoyable experience.
I played this pretty far into completion. In fact, I was sure I had beat the game except that as it turns out, after the credits roll and you defeat the final boss, you actually end up in a reversed role. After defeating the final Bydo boss, you become infected and start returning to earth as a Bydo force. This is great because it feels like a game+, being able to experience the whole game over again from a new viewpoint, with all new craft and even more difficult levels. So difficult in fact that I haven't been able to complete it. Still, I got an awful lot out of this game and it was easily the one tactical title I was able to enjoy. In writing this I've discovered there was a sequel made 2 years later in 2009, now I just have to figure out if it's available for purchase outside of Japan and I'm all set!
I am not good at Tactical RPGs. I never finished La Pucelle's Tactics, never even bothered with Final Fantasy Tactics and generally feel bad for even trying them. I'm guessing it's the same reason I'm generally terrible at Real Time Strategy games and Sim City style games; I suppose I just don't have the mindset for it. But the one Tactical RPG I got the furthest in and mostly understood was a spin on the space shoot-em-up R-Type titled: R-Type Tactics, or R-Type Command in the US. It was a portable title for the Sony PSP, which meant I was more willing to put more hours into it that I would have if it was a console title. Mainly because I can play it on the train, or during any little bit on downtime that allows me to bust out the portable or pause it and put it to sleep anytime something comes up. It's simply easier to squeeze in a few minutes here and there which works great in a game that is turn-based and often requires you take the time to strategize and plan each move and it's consequences.R-Type Tactics is an interesting take on the series considering it's roots. R-Type being a classic arcade shoot-em-up who's series of games seemingly ended with the most recent title, R-Type Final on the PS2. R-Type Tactics on the other hand, is a turn-based tactical RPG that sends you on a mission through the solar-system into the Bydo homeworld to end the alien attacks once and for all. Each level sets you on a hexagonal grid with the same side-scrolling camera view from the shooter titles. You progress forward through each level with various goals, typically including the requirement of defeating all the enemy ships in your path. Each ship has varying stats including weapon power, speed, shields and radar range. You can send scout ships ahead to see what's coming, repair ships to rescue downed craft, heavy fighters, long range gunners, bombers and all those typically escorting a primary flagship.
I especially enjoyed this game because it's focus was on my favorite aspect of the R-Type series. That being the ship design. As you move forward you gain access to new ship designs with new and better weapons and utilities. You layout your starting grid for each level based on a limited number of resources and so you can choose how you want to attack the level; with little or no support and all assault, or something more balanced. You gain access to various new flagships which offer the ability to repair more ships at once, or are submersible for the new water-based levels. And of course, you get full stats pages on each ship with 3D rotatable models so you can view them in full glory. Plus, during combat when your turn is executed you will often get a 3D animated cutscene displaying how it all went down. It's a completely enjoyable experience.I played this pretty far into completion. In fact, I was sure I had beat the game except that as it turns out, after the credits roll and you defeat the final boss, you actually end up in a reversed role. After defeating the final Bydo boss, you become infected and start returning to earth as a Bydo force. This is great because it feels like a game+, being able to experience the whole game over again from a new viewpoint, with all new craft and even more difficult levels. So difficult in fact that I haven't been able to complete it. Still, I got an awful lot out of this game and it was easily the one tactical title I was able to enjoy. In writing this I've discovered there was a sequel made 2 years later in 2009, now I just have to figure out if it's available for purchase outside of Japan and I'm all set!
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