Ragnarok: Tactics
- October 27, 2011
- GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc.
Ragnarok Tactics is a tactical role-playing game for the PlayStation Portable. It is a spin-off to Ragnarok Online. Many centuries after the legendary Holy War that forced humanity to erect a magical barrier to keep both gods and demons from overrunning their world, the Branshaldo Empire and the Aura Republic engaged in an extended war for control of the Grantria Peninsula. The conflict eventuall…
PlayStation
PSP
Reviews
- The game features gorgeous graphics and a beautiful art style that enhances the overall experience.
- The music is top-notch, reminiscent of classic titles, and adds to the ambiance of the game.
- The branching storyline and character customization options provide a rewarding experience for players who enjoy replaying games.
- The combat system is slow-paced, which can detract from the overall enjoyment and challenge of battles.
- Enemy AI is average, often leading to less engaging encounters as they tend to hang back until engaged.
- The story can feel generic and disjointed at times, making it less compelling compared to other titles in the genre.
- story28 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story starts off as somewhat generic but evolves into a more engaging narrative with branching paths that allow players to influence the outcome based on their choices. While it features typical JRPG themes of war and conflict, the ability to shift allegiances and the inclusion of side quests add depth to the experience. However, some players find the overall flow and coherence of the story lacking, with moments of confusion and a need for better presentation.
“The game allows you to change the story based on which country you wish to side with at any given moment; the level of customization is wonderful, and you can change your party setup at every battle.”
“I became more and more engaged as the story progressed.”
“Other nice things: the story changes depending on your path.”
“Unfortunately, there is not much of interest here; the story is bland and the gameplay is not much better.”
“The story is kind of slow and it's your typical JRPG war conflict stories.”
“The story is a bit confusing and disjointed at times.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their gorgeous, Wind Waker-inspired art style, which enhances the overall experience for fans of the genre. Both the in-game visuals and breathtaking 2D cut-scenes contribute to a visually stunning presentation, although some users expressed a desire for more dynamic storytelling elements beyond character messages. Overall, the game's artistic design is a significant highlight, making it a treat for players who appreciate vibrant visuals.
“It is however, a solid, yet slowly paced strategy RPG with gorgeous graphics and wonderful music.”
“Need better graphics because there are no story anime movie clips in gameplay, only character messages, which kills the storyline.”
“The graphics reminded me of Wind Waker's style, and if you are a fan of those types of visuals, combined with the SRPG genre, there is no doubt you will have a tremendous time playing this game.”
“On the other side of graphics, in terms of cut-scenes, the 2D artwork is just as breathtaking.”
- music13 mentions
- 85 % positive mentions
- 15 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised as one of its strongest aspects, with reviewers highlighting its top-notch quality and ability to enhance the overall ambiance. Coupled with beautiful graphics and a solid narrative, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's appeal, marking it as a memorable farewell to the PSP.
“I felt the music was one of the strongest aspects.”
“It is a solid, yet slowly paced strategy RPG with gorgeous graphics and wonderful music.”
“The game has a great soundtrack, beautiful art, and amazing characters.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Ragnarok Tactics offers a strategic RPG experience reminiscent of classic titles like Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea, while incorporating elements from its MMO roots, such as diverse character classes. Despite the absence of a camera feature common in other SRPGs, the gameplay remains engaging, allowing for unique mechanics like healing while sitting. The detailed manual, though in black and white, provides ample information on gameplay and class types.
“Ragnarok Tactics is a spin-off of the MMO game, Ragnarok Online, that is based on the more traditional gameplay genre of strategic RPGs, such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Growlanser, Tactics Ogre, and Disgaea.”
“This is not a bad thing, as the game borrows from its original MMO source material with classes such as Assassins, Lord Knights, High Priests, and Shamans. In terms of gameplay, it offers the ability to heal while sitting, which I loved.”
“There is no camera like the more popular SRPGs you may be used to (Tactics, Disgaea, MG Acid, etc.), but the gameplay and strategy are not ruined because of this design choice.”
“The gameplay offers the ability to heal while sitting, which I loved.”
“The manual on the inside is in black and white (unfortunately), but it is a 29-page manual with plenty of detail on the class types, gameplay, and more.”
“Ragnarok Tactics is a spin-off to the MMO game, Ragnarok Online, that is based on the more traditional gameplay genre of strategic RPGs, such as Final Fantasy Tactics, Growlanser, Tactics Ogre, and Disgaea.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the heartfelt effort evident in its packaging, which resonates with collectors and fans alike. This attention to detail enhances the overall experience, making it feel more personal and meaningful.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally positive, but some users feel that certain elements detract from the overall experience, though they do not consider these issues to be game-breaking.
“While this is, by no means, a game breaker, it does take away from the overall atmosphere of the game.”
“The lack of environmental detail really diminishes the immersive experience I was hoping for.”
“The sound design feels flat and uninspired, which detracts from the intended mood of the game.”
