Strategy-RPGs can be very intimidating. People worry that they won't understand what's going on…that it'll be hard or boring. So if you've made it past all those fears and you're ready to take the plunge, congratulations!
You probably don't want to start with Final Fantasy Tactics…not unless you're extremely patient, willing to put up with a lot of frustration, and able to do the homework required to get a handle on the job system. Personally, I found it intimidating. And it moves a bit more slowly than other SRPGs.
I cut my teeth on Fire Emblem but not before I dipped a toe into the water with Advance Wars. No, the latter isn't technically a SPRG. But it does have strong genre elements…starting with that scary grid. The game provides a simple learning curve, and it uses generic character units in place of customization and leveling.
Provided you understand the rock-paper-scissor dynamics between the units, then Advance Wars is a breeze. Just drive a character up near another one, and open fire.
After playing Advance Wars, Fire Emblem was nothing I couldn't handle.
You just have to stay patient. SRPGs are like chess matches and are slower than games from other genres. Witnessing your characters use hard-earned abilities to decimate the enemy is the ultimate payoff.
Some titles are more accessible for newcomers. Because it only allows four characters on the field for its action-oriented combat, Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume is faster than your average Nippon Ichi SRPG.
Valkyria Chronicles is not only gorgeous but its third-person perspective makes it feel a bit like a cel-shaded Gears of War. No space marines here but maybe that's a good thing. The Sega SRPG is a great way to break into the genre.
If you're interested in SRPGs and are wondering where to start, then I would recommend that you take it slowly and be patient. Valkyria Chronicles and Valkyrie Profile make for great introductions, but you can get started in many other ways. All you need to do is give it all a chance.
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