Growlanser (video game)

Growlanser is a series of tactical role-playing games (SRPGs) developed by Career Soft and published by Atlus in Japan and Working Designs and Atlus USA in North America. The series is known for its character-driven narratives, intricate storylines often dealing with themes of destiny, war, and morality, and its blend of real-time and turn-based combat mechanics.

The first Growlanser game was released in 1999 for the PlayStation. Subsequent entries have appeared on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita. While the core gameplay remains consistent throughout the series, each Growlanser title features a new setting, cast of characters, and overarching storyline.

A key element of the Growlanser series is the "Free Move" battle system. Unlike traditional grid-based SRPGs, characters in Growlanser have a limited range of movement that refreshes after each action. This allows for more dynamic and strategic positioning during combat. Additionally, the games often feature multiple endings determined by player choices and character relationships.

The series is also recognized for its distinctive character designs by Satoshi Urushihara and its musical scores, often composed by Noriyuki Iwadare.

The Growlanser series has gained a cult following among fans of tactical RPGs due to its engaging storylines, strategic combat, and replayability stemming from the multiple endings available in each game. Despite not achieving mainstream commercial success, the series is considered a notable example of the SRPG genre.