Game Details
| Size | 808 MB |
| Region | USA |
| Genre | Tactical RPG |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Release Year | July 31, 2012 |
| Console | PlayStation Portable (PSP) |
Growlanser IV: Wayfarer of Time (released in Japan as Growlanser IV: Over Reloaded) is widely considered the peak of the Growlanser series. Originally a 2003 PS2 title, this 2011 PSP remake finally brought the game to the West, offering a massive, branching tactical RPG experience with a heavy focus on character relationships.
The Conflict of Noyeval
The world is a powder keg of four warring nations (Dulkheim, Valkania, Marquelay, and Iglesias) and the sudden reappearance of “Angels”—god-like beings that once wiped out an advanced civilization.
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Crevanille: The silent protagonist and a “Ruin Child” raised by mercenaries.
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Remus: Your loyal, younger-brother-figure and archery specialist.
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The Familiar: A magical fairy companion that acts as your spokesperson. In the PSP version, you can choose between several types with different personalities.
📝 Game Description
Wayfarer of Time is a “Non-stop Dramatic RPG.” Unlike many strategy games that use a grid, this game uses Free-Range Movement.
Key Features:
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Real-Time Tactics: Battles take place directly on the exploration map. You issue commands (Attack, Magic, Item), and characters execute them in real-time based on their speed. You must manually account for travel time and casting bars.
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The “Fate” System: You can actually prevent the scripted deaths of major characters by completing specific side quests or making the right tactical choices during battle.
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Vacation System: Between major story beats, you spend “Vacation Days” at your home base. This is where the dating sim elements shine—you can build intimacy with your party members, leading to over 40 different endings.
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PSP Additions: This version adds three completely new story branches, new characters (like Tricia and Meline), and a “Fast-Forward” button to speed up the dialogue and combat.
⭐ Short Review: A Strategy Masterpiece
The Good
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Unrivaled Choice: Your decisions actually matter. Saving a character or picking a side in the war can completely lock or unlock 20-hour chunks of the game.
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Unique Combat: The blend of real-time and turn-based strategy is refreshing. It feels more like a “battlefield commander” simulator than a standard RPG.
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Huge Content: With a single playthrough lasting 50+ hours and dozens of endings, the value for money is staggering.
The Bad
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Trial-and-Error Battles: Some missions have “hidden” failure conditions (e.g., an NPC dies before you can reach them). You will likely need to restart several missions once you see what the “trick” is.
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Technical Age: The backgrounds are pre-rendered and can look a bit blurry on modern screens. The game definitely looks like a polished PS2 port rather than a native PSP title.
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Slow Start: The political intrigue takes a few hours to really rev up, which might test the patience of some players.
Verdict: If you are a fan of Fire Emblem or Persona, this is the perfect middle ground. It offers the tactical depth of the former with the deep social bonds of the latter. It is easily one of the top five RPGs on the PSP.
Screenshots
