Game Details
| Size | 485 MB |
| Region | Europe |
| Genre | RPG |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Year | 2007 |
| Console | PSP |
Jeanne d’Arc (2007) is widely considered one of the finest Tactical RPGs (TRPG) ever made, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with titans like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre. Developed by Level-5 (the studio behind Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni, it manages to be both mechanically deep and incredibly accessible.
History with a Twist
The game is a “historical fantasy” retelling of the Hundred Years’ War. While it features real figures like Joan of Arc, Gilles de Rais, and King Charles VII, it adds a supernatural layer:
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The Armlets: Jeanne and a few chosen allies possess magical armlets that allow them to “Henchin” (transform) into powerful armored warriors.
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The Enemy: The English army isn’t just human; they are aided by a demonic force of orcs, skeletons, and beastmen controlled by the Duke of Bedford.
📝 Game Description
Unlike many TRPGs that can feel like “homework” due to overly complex menus, Jeanne d’Arc is streamlined for fast, satisfying play.
Key Features:
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Unified Turns: Instead of individual unit speed, the game uses “Player Phase” and “Enemy Phase.” You move your entire army at once, then the enemy does the same.
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Burning Aura: When you attack an enemy, a “Burning Aura” appears in the space behind them. If another one of your units moves into that aura, their attack power is massively boosted for that turn.
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Skill Stones: There are no “traditional” magic points. Characters equip “Skill Stones” that provide active abilities (like Heal or Fireball) or passive buffs (like HP +50). You can even fuse these stones together to create new, more powerful skills.
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Godspeed: This is the game’s “X-Factor.” When a transformed character (like Jeanne) kills an enemy, they get an immediate extra turn. If played correctly, Jeanne can wipe out 4 or 5 enemies in a single “Godspeed” chain.
⭐ Short Review: The PSP’s Shining Armor
The Good
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Perfect Pacing: Most missions have a “Turn Limit.” This prevents the “turtling” strategy common in other TRPGs and forces you to play aggressively and tactically.
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Visual Splendor: It is one of the most beautiful games on the system. The colors are vibrant, and the 3D models are full of personality.
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Emotional Weight: Despite the “demons and magic,” the story treats Jeanne’s journey with surprising respect and emotional gravity.
The Bad
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Linearity: Unlike Final Fantasy Tactics, there aren’t many branching paths or deep “Job” systems to experiment with. You follow a set path to the end.
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Lack of Difficulty: Veterans of the genre might find the main campaign a bit too easy, as the “Godspeed” mechanic can be somewhat overpowered if abused. (The post-game “Colosseum” challenges do fix this, however).
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Character Balance: A few characters are significantly better than others, leading you to ignore half of your roster by the mid-game.
Screenshots
