La Pucelle Ragnarok (NIS Classics Volume 3): The Purification & Tough Love of Bones Pie Zombie
3No idea why they started the title with Prinny Presents NIS Classics...but either way I am glad it performs better than vol 1 and adds new content to La Pucelle Tactics for ps2, which this ragnarok version is definitely a time sink (like Brigandine). No idea why I can't save mid battle, or purified enemies must be killed to rejoin, but that is tough Love for you, pun intended.
I do like the physical art, sound (very relaxing soundtrack they included) and art on each side of the box. Rhapsody (a lite strategy rpg) has a hard mode, so that helped a ton, and I prefer this collection over the tedious marl kingdom chronicles.
Characters in La Pucelle are more expressive (face graphics, tones, gestures), with that versatile purify mechanic also being used to stop enemies from respawning, while detonating the portal path as well (taking friendly fire damage on close tiles to blow up enemies farther away as the path redirects where you face). Purification to recruit has to be spammed on enemies to increase likelihood of joining after defeating an enemy.
Overall, I do prefer this to the disgaea games as well though it seems that La Pucelle doesn't have multiple difficulties, so I hope this doesn't spike. I am glad the tutorials were fun, showing what not to do, and of course editing to be under a minute (you can skip battle animations). It is also funny how they feign being hurt over No damage.
You do level up your equipment, so it definitely has a learning curve (you can do special moves immediately but must prep normal attacks to click begin battle), and can even survey shops to change their stock. I do feel the town parts are too limiting, but some strategy rpgs don't even let you explore at all, so no big deal (you gotta stop and talk to people, and let the target icon show them if they're near an exit to not accidentally teleport to the next map).
Definitely take a look for switch strategy rpgs (you can do way better than final fantasy tactics nowadays and not suffer tedious battle animations/dragging from unicorn overlord).