Uncomplicated Strat/Rpgs(Turn-Based)?

[FieryReign]

Shining Force is one of my alltime favorite games and a true classic. And it's a mash of genres I'm not really fond of. Rpgs and strategy games. Boring to me, for the most part. This game and a few others grabbed me though. Vandal Hearts is another that was memorable and addicting. They didn't overcomplicate shit with the battle systems and whatnot, while still remaining fun.

Can't stand the FF Tactics games or all those Disgea things. Too overwhelming for me.

I've been interested in Jeanne de Arc, Arc the Lad, and Saiyuki and thought about picking them up on psn. Are these games more simplistic in nature or do they need faqs to be studied? Any other recommendations?

[Steven]

Try an English translated version of Treasure Hunter G for SNES. Awesome little strategy turn based RPG that's one of my favorites.

[celerystalker]

Dragon Force really simplifies things, and is really fun. I also love Ogre Battle. It can be played using its complex systems in order to get the best endings, but you can also chuck all that out the window and have a great time plowing through it not caring about alignment.

I don't know if there's an english patch, but I had a blast with Langrisser Milennium on Dreamcast, which has a very streamlined system as well.

[Scissors]

I've played through Arc the Lad 1 and 2 and I don't recall them being too complicated. I think Vanguard Bandits was pretty simple too.

[tofu]

I'd recommend Advance Wars. Just ignore the battle ratings and it can get super simple (big tanks pulverize most stuff).

If you are a perv, there is also Sengoku Rance.

[Steven]

I also love Ogre Battle. It can be played using its complex systems in order to get the best endings, but you can also chuck all that out the window and have a great time plowing through it not caring about alignment.

I bought the SNES version of Ogre Battle last year but haven't played it yet due to fear it may be overly complicated. I do intend to play it one of these days and your post is leaning me toward sooner rather than later (since you said it can also be played plowing through).

Never been a strategy RPG guy so this genre can overwhelm me personally. I did love Shining Force though!

[Tanooki]

Same here, like I said find a PDF of that guide Atlus did for the straight SNES port to PS1. It will help a lot especially if you're no good at this style of game, and he's right you're not forced to deal with alignment.

[Steven]

I have a physical guide for Ogre Battle. Think it's the one by Prima.

[Daria]

Shining Force is one of my alltime favorite games and a true classic. And it's a mash of genres I'm not really fond of. Rpgs and strategy games. Boring to me, for the most part. This game and a few others grabbed me though. Vandal Hearts is another that was memorable and addicting. They didn't overcomplicate shit with the battle systems and whatnot, while still remaining fun.

Can't stand the FF Tactics games or all those Disgea things. Too overwhelming for me.

I've been interested in Jeanne de Arc, Arc the Lad, and Saiyuki and thought about picking them up on psn. Are these games more simplistic in nature or do they need faqs to be studied? Any other recommendations?

I'm not a big fan of strategy games either, but Shining Force is one of my favorite titles. I also loved Vandal Hearts but hate FFT and it's various clones. With that in mind you'd probably love Ard the Lad (especially 2). If you're not opposed to fan translated games, also check out Just Breed. It plays eeriely like Shining Force despite being an NES title from Enix.

[Edmond Dantes]

If you have a Turbografx or are willing to emulate, try out Military Madness, which supposedly is the inspiration for Advance Wars (I've played MM but not AW).

There's also a Playstation version called Nectaris: Military Madness, but I'm not sure if its the same game or not.

[Scissors]

If you have a Turbografx or are willing to emulate, try out Military Madness, which supposedly is the inspiration for Advance Wars (I've played MM but not AW).

There's also a Playstation version called Nectaris: Military Madness, but I'm not sure if its the same game or not.

The PlayStation version has all the levels from the TG16 game and a bunch more.

[Tanooki]

I don't remember Military Madness (TG16 or Windows 9X version) being complicated, but also the old original Ogre Battle isn't either. I'm awful at these games as scripted AI just messes with me when you can't make any good decision, just the right one the coder wanted, and throwing in only indirect commands and no direct fire control is a bad combo.

I would say though if you did Ogre Battle there's a badass PDF online of the Atlus made PS1 copy cat of the game guide online. I've got the original but found out about it because of that PDF. Sure it's a cheat, but if you only use it if you get stuck, or if a lot of the stupid technical crap is over your head, it makes it understandable.

[Edmond Dantes]

I've been interested in Jeanne de Arc, Arc the Lad, and Saiyuki and thought about picking them up on psn. Are these games more simplistic in nature or do they need faqs to be studied? Any other recommendations?

I just bought Arc the Lad from someone here so I'll be able to comment on it soon.

I actually DO own Saiyuki: Journey West and I can tell you, its pretty un-complicated, at least as far as I played (I never finished it). It should be up your alley. Main thing that stopped me is I want to read the book first.