Hōshin Engi

Hōshin Engi is an isometric tactical RPG based on the 16th-century Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods). The player takes the role of the novel's protagonist, the monk Taigong Wang, who must assemble a team of warriors to take on and defeat King Zhou of the Yin Dynasty and his consort Daji. Gameplay follows the template set by games such as Final Fantasy Tactics, with characters taking turns depending on their speed, and during each turn can perform actions such as moving, attacking, or using skills or items. The story missions follow a linear progression, with characters joining the party as the story dictates; between story events, individual characters can be sent to train for experience and treasures (equipment). Character growth is primarily dictated by weapon proficiency, as the abilities available to a character depend on their skill with their equipped weapon type. As their proficiency increases, more skills become available. A key feature are the "paopei" treasures, which are special magical equipment which grant access to special powerful abilities which can change the physical shape of the battlefield.