EDCHUY'S PROFILE

Well, I'm ready! I hope it won't be too large, since I'm stuck with a low bandwidth internet connection (at least better than none at all!). Otherwise, I'll just leave it to download overnight.

I don't want to scare you, Max, but in all games I cited as having tactical battles, regardless of how the turns are arranged, each unit (whether friendly or enemy) executes its order(s) (if several, one choice is made and executed, followed by the next choice, etc.) immediately after the choice(s) has(ve) been made it during its turn, followed by the next one in the queue. In that sense, even RPGs using (EDIT) passive ATBs can be conceptually thought of being closer to tactical than the DBS of RMs (I find that hard to believe myself, but it does make sense!).

I also found the main definition of tactics from Merriam-Webster which says:

"1 a : the science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat b : the art or skill of employing available means to accomplish an end".

Hence, it would appear to me that it involves the choices made during the actual battle and not anything before it.

I found this article in wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_role-playing_game

The best representatives of a tactical RPG that I have played here in RMN are Aurora Wing and the Reconstruction, although I have also had a chance to play an early tech demo of DFalcon's other game (Oxtongue Heroes) as well as Anaryu's Cast Aside. Of the games mentioned in the article, I have played Master of Monsters (in that each player easily had at least 20 units to start the game if I remember correctly) as well as Shining Force I and II for Sega Genesis as well as at least the first two games of the X-Com series.

I agree with F-G that classifying TA as tactical is probably inaccurate, but not quite for the same reasons. Based on my experience with all those, I would say that it is not the number of characters that make it tactical RPG, but rather the mechanics involved. Examples of the mechanics I mentioned are: alternating turns between player and computer with all units from either side taking an action during each turn; movement and positioning affect whether certain things can be done, especially since skills or magic has a certain range and direction. I also don't agree with wikipedia's article that TRPG can't have exploration.

I don't think if this game is reclassified, that it would take anything from it.

EDIT: There's also some other games I have played that the alternating turn mechanics, except that party members and allies order turns are shown in a queue that I would also consider at least having tactical battles. Sacred Earth: Bonds and Xelos: Sinner's Circle are two examples of this. The latter one, if I recall correctly, whatever you chose to do in your turn could affect the order of your next turn.

At least he didn't give you the 0.5 stars he gave Fatal Fantasy "A Tale of two Worlds". I think this game will get among the most extreme reviews, those who really love and those who can't stand it. However, you still have a chance to improve some things in your Deluxe version.

Yeah, narcodis. I know you were incredulous that somebody could give it this rating. But to each its own, I say. Contrary to what others might believe, the more reviews a game has, the more inclined I am to believe the average RMN rating (not of the individual reviews) shown.