Vandal Hearts (1996)
Genres:Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical
Themes:Fantasy
Game modes:Single player
Story:You assume the role of Ash Lambert, a hero torn between saving his country and restoring honor to the disgraced Lambert dynasty. As he struggles with his inner demons and personal problems, he will meet various companions throughout his journey. They will help your character fight to overthrow the oppressive regime and ward off an ancient being that threatens the world.
Vandal-Hearts is a 3D turn-based strategy game. Unlike many games of the genre, the various battlefields have sloped surfaces that will either work to your advantage or against you. It will be up to you to accommodate your strategy and amount an appropriate offensive assault against your foes as well as set up defensive measures.Show more
Vote to bring this game to GOG and help preserve it.786
This game is an unbelievably funny and also smart. There was a PC version released back in the day so there is some probability this game gets a GOG treatment. Everything depends on Konami I guess.
I don't remember much about this game, but the parts I do are permanently stuck in my brain. Comically large blood sprays when you take out living enemies (to the point where the volume of blood wouldn't fit in a human), the same animation spraying out gravel when you kill a golem, and archers and flying archers being super good. I'd love to play this again and remember the actual game itself.
**Why *Vandal Hearts* (OG PC Version from Asia) is Konami’s Best RPG Ever**
*Vandal Hearts*, originally released on PlayStation and later ported to PC in Asia, stands as one of Konami's finest RPGs—often overlooked, yet undeniably influential. A tactical RPG released during the golden age of 1990s gaming, it delivered an unforgettable blend of strategy, storytelling, and emotional weight rarely matched by its contemporaries.
What makes *Vandal Hearts* so special is its rich narrative and political intrigue. Players follow Ash Lambert and his companions as they navigate a brutal war, uncover betrayals, and question the very foundations of justice. The mature tone, layered characters, and complex moral choices helped set it apart from more light-hearted RPGs of the era. It wasn’t afraid to be dark, and it did so without losing its emotional core.
The gameplay is equally iconic. With fast-paced, grid-based combat and a class system that allowed meaningful customization, battles were both accessible and deeply tactical. It rewarded smart positioning, long-term planning, and risk-taking. The stylish blood geysers from defeated enemies even added a visceral flair that players still remember to this day.
Bringing the original Asian PC version of *Vandal Hearts* to **GOG** would be a massive win for game preservation. It would give modern audiences the chance to experience a Konami classic that helped define tactical RPGs. As strategy RPGs surge in popularity again, *Vandal Hearts* deserves to be recognized not just as an early example—but as one of the **best ever**.
It had a version for Microsoft Windows, so it's more likely that GOG will be able to release this game than Final Fantasy Tactics.
The game was somewhat linear, had little replay value, and was difficult, but it featured a much more mature story that was well ahead of its time.
It's considered, along with Brigandine and the Arc the Lad series, the alternative to Final Fantasy Tactics on the PSX for those looking for a strategy game with a fantasy setting.
I never finished Vandal Hearts despite absolutely loving the game's sequel, but I really like what I played. Every character has a unique class, the story is really engaging and pulls you in with its political drama, and best of all, when you annihilate an enemy you witness an epic blood geyser shoot out from their sprite. Given Konami's push to bring back Suikoden with the remaster of I & II, they really need to do Vandal Hearts, next! Unfortunately the PC version was only released in Japan/Asia as far as I'm aware, so I can't speak to the quality of it, but I really hope something can be done to bring it back for worldwide audiences. Honestly can't believe VHI and II have never been re-released, ever (not even as a PSone Classic on PS3/PSP/Vita).
Vandal Hearts is one of the best titles for the PS1, and one of the best tactical RPGs of all time. A fascinating story of politics and mysticism, engaging and deep characters, and simple yet coherent gameplay mechanics. I don't know if there's any such a thing as a perfect game, but Vandal Hearts comes close. I'm surprised it isn't on GOG already, and I think it'd be great if Konami brought this classic here, as it has other PS1 titles (MGS comes to mind)
Find all those hidden spots in this awesome tactics RPG, and become this ultimate warrior in golden armor. Beat the game? Start again and develop your characters completely different. Beat it once again? Bet, you want to experience the story again. Must-have!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!Take your Pokémon journey to the Kanto region with your energetic partner, Pikachu, to become a top Pokémon Trainer as you battle other trainers. Use a throwing motion to catch Pokémon in the wild with either one Joy-Con controller or Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life. Share your adventure with family or friends in 2-player action on one system using a second Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus (sold separately). You can even connect to the Pokémon GO app using a compatible smartphone to bring over Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region! Explore the diverse and vibrant region of Kanto! True-to-size wild Pokémon roam around in the game, so catch them like a real Pokémon Trainer by using motion, timing, and a well-placed Poké Ball. Go on a stroll with your favorite Pokémon in your Poké Ball Plus! Connect your game directly to Pokémon GO* to receive Kanto region Pokémon.Open world Fantasy Kids
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine IIThe galaxy is in peril. Entire worlds are falling. The Imperium needs you. Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperor's warriors, with Clive Standen (Vikings, Taken) as the iconic Captain Titus. Unleash deadly abilities and an arsenal of devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid hordes. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets. Uncover dark secrets and drive back the everlasting night to prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.Action Science fiction
Front Mission 2089-IIFront Mission 2089-II is a tactical role-playing game developed by Square Enix, MSF, and Winds, and was published and released in Japan by Square Enix in 2006 and 2008 for the mobile phones. The game was released on September 15, 2006 and February 21, 2008.Warfare
Front Mission DSDiscover the origins of the Front Mission series in this explosive handheld saga that was never before localized for North America. Reborn exclusively on the Nintendo DS, Front Mission introduces exciting new features, such as dual screen presentation and multiplayer modes, that update the classic that gave birth to seven beloved sequels. Using Touch Screen functionality, players command a squad of customizable mechs known as wanzers and direct them through turn-based skirmishes across the battlefields of the 21st century.
Front Mission 3Yokosuka, Japan, 2112 AD. The young student Kazuki Takemura works as a test pilot with Kirishima Industries, a production company of military battle wanzers (walking panzers), mechanized walking robots with movement similar to that of a human being. Kazuki has just finished testing the combat capabilities of the new Zeinslev prototype in the lab. Finishing his day's tasks he is asked by his best friend Ryogo to help with a company delivery to the Japanese Defense Force (JDF) military based. This simple choice determines where Kazuki is when strange things begin happening in Japan. A large explosion, a wanzer theft, his sister Alysia being hunted, rumors of a powerful weapon, and accusations of involvement by agents of both the OCU and the USN all make the situation more complicated. Kazuki is swept up in a plot of conflicting loyalties and attacked by various factions. He will need to recruit additional characters and wanzers in order to be victorious in battle and investigate leads to uncover what is going on.Science fiction
Front Mission 2089Front Mission 2089 is a tactical role-playing game developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., MSF, and Winds, and was published and released in Japan by Square Enix Co., Ltd. in 2005 and 2008 for the mobile phones. The game was released on March 7, 2005, October 27, 2005, and June 18, 2008.
Front Mission 2089 borrows many of the gameplay mechanics found in Front Mission. The video game progresses in a linear manner: watch cut-scene events, complete missions, set up their wanzers during intermissions, and sortie for the next mission. Missions in Front Mission 2089 are traditional tactical RPG fare, ranging from destroying all enemy targets to protecting a particular allied target. Due to its mobile phone format, the story of Front Mission 2089 is told through episodic content; new episodes were released for download on the video game's official website on a bi-weekly basis. A returning feature in the game is the Arena. Like in Front Mission, players can fight other players to win monetary rewards. Mission rankings also make a return; based on the scoring system of Front Mission 3, players can earn new parts and wanzers by doing well during missions. Another returning feature is briefings. Lastly, players can choose to play two unique scenarios - one with the Oceania Cooperative Union (O.C.U.), and one with the United States of the New Continent (U.S.N.).Warfare Science fiction
Front Mission 2Front Mission 2 is a tactical role-playing game for the Sony PlayStation developed by G-Craft and published by Square Co., Ltd., and was released in Japan on September 25, 1997. Front Mission 2 is the second main entry and the third entry overall in the Front Mission series. Like other Front Mission titles, Front Mission 2 is part of a serialized storyline that follows the stories of various characters and their struggles involving mecha known as wanzers.Action Science fiction
Catherine ClassicAn enhanced version of the original 2011 game.
"... with enhancements for modern PC like 4K resolutions, unlocked framerate, customizable keyboard and mouse controls and optional Japanese Voice Over included."
"Catherine: a tale of love, betrayal, and the terror of commitment. Experience the mature action-adventure-puzzle game unlike any other from the makers of the Persona series, now enhanced for PC in all its Classic glory. Is love over? Climb to the top or die trying."Action Horror Romance
Front Mission 4In the year 2096, the Wanzer ("Walking Tanks" mecha) form the backbone of many military forces. The European Community is enjoying a period of relative peace when it is surprised by sudden attacks on German bases from a mysterious force. To investigate, it is decided to send the EC Armor Tactics Research Corps, also known as "Durandal". Inside the Durandal, a young new recruit, Elsa soon finds herself caught in an international plot. Meanwhile, the nation of Venezuela, is attempting to secede from the Unified Continental States (U.C.S.). UCS Forces are sent in to restore order and dispose of Governor Diaz. During a routine patrol, Sgt. Darril and his patrol witness a cargo plane being shot down. Heading to investigate, they soon discover it was a plane carrying part of Diaz's gold. For demoralized UCS soldiers like Darril, this smells like opportunity...
Front Mission 4 is a turn based strategy game where the plot switches between two different theaters of operation: Elsa and Darril. Controlling the wanzer forces of either character, the story progresses simultaneously. Most battles take place on an overhead map divided into a Player phase and an Enemy phase. Typically a wanzer can move once and use his remaining Action Points (AP) to fire on the enemy or use an ability. Success in battle earns Experience Points, which are traded in for new abilities, such as Rapid Fire or Evasion bonuses. Each character has a set limit of Skill slots, which are filled up differently by abilities. While each character starts with a preference in skills, there is no limitation on what any pilot can learn. Money, found during on the map (along with items) or earned after a successful battle, can be used to upgrade wanzers and purchase new weapons.Science fiction
Front MissionFront Mission is the first main entry and the first entry overall in the Front Mission series. Front Mission is part of a serialized storyline that follows the stories of various characters and their struggles involving mecha known as wanzers.Fantasy Historical Science fiction