Highlights
- The September Nintendo Direct featured numerous tactical RPG announcements, including Eiyuden Chronicle, Unicorn Overlord, Wargroove 2, and the Switch version of Wartales.
- The Switch's versatility as a handheld and docked console makes it ideal for tactical RPGs with long playtimes.
- With the recent and upcoming tactical RPG releases, Nintendo Switch owners have plenty of options to enjoy the genre.
The September Nintendo Direct brought with it plenty of announcements of titles both anticipated and unexpected. In addition to the reveal of several new first-party Nintendo titles that are now undoubtedly on many players' wishlists, there were a plethora of promising third-party games showcased. Of these announcements, a surprising number of titles fell into the tactical RPG classification, a genre that is already well-represented on the Switch. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, the new title from original Suikoden developers, along with the brand-new Unicorn Overlord, Wargroove 2, and Switch version of the PC title Wartales are all tactical RPGs or RPGs with tactical-leaning combat that fans should be looking forward to.
It makes sense that both RPGs and tactical RPGs are genres with healthy libraries on the Switch, given the dual nature of the hardware. Being able to play in either docked or handheld mode is well-suited to games that can often have runtimes over the 100-hour mark. After a significant delay, the system already saw the release of Advanced Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp earlier this year, joining the ranks of other great tactics titles like both Fire Emblem games, Triangle Strategy, Tactics Ogre: Reborn, Wargroove, XCOM 2, and others already on the system. With several more games in the genre recently revealed and landing on the platform soon, it's never been a better time to be a tactics fan and a Switch owner.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a True Spiritual Successor to Suikoden
After originally planning a 2023 release date, the developer behind Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes recently confirmed a delay only for the game to thankfully get a confirmed release date as part of its trailer in the September Nintendo Direct. Although its development team includes several of the key staff behind the legendary Suikoden series and is a spiritual successor to those games, Eiyuden Chronicle is a decidedly more tactical affair. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes follows in Suikoden's footsteps while also folding in some new tactics-leaning mechanics such as building up a home base and developing party members through the use of its facilities.
Unicorn Overlord Looks to Successfully Blend Two 32-Bit Classics
One of the more surprising announcements at the Nintendo Direct was the reveal of Unicorn Overlord, a new tactical RPG from developer Vanillaware and published by Atlus. Right off the bat, the gameplay footage revealed calls to mind classics from the 32-bit era such as Suikoden and Dragon Force on the Saturn through its implementation of both single-member combat and large-scale tactical warfare. Featuring the incredible art style that Vanillaware games are known for and some compelling-looking tactical gameplay, fans won't have to wait too long before getting their hands on Unicorn Overlord with its March 8, 2024 release date.
Wargroove 2 Follows-Up One of the Switch's Best Indie Tactics Games
Before the excellent Advanced Wars games finally made their way to the Switch, the best available alternative was Chucklefish's Wargroove. With the success and acclaim of the original, it was only a matter of time before a sequel arrived, and Wargroove 2 looks to provide more excellent tactical battles with a variety of new unit types and maps. Switching up the first game's medieval aesthetic for a piracy one, Wargroove 2 is absolutely a game for tactics fans to keep on their radar.
Wartales Provides a Unique Open-World Spin on Tactics
One of the new tactics games headed to the Switch actually arrived on the system via a shadow drop during the airing of the Nintendo Direct. Wartales has already had significant success on PC thanks to its unique blend of open-world RPG and turn-based tactical gameplay, and it's a natural fit for the Switch library. With engaging tactical combat, a massive open world, and some light survival elements thrown in, Wartales is available now to help ease the wait for the other tactics games announced this week.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes will be available on April 23, 2024, for PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
