It's a shame really, because the setting, art and even the 3D graphics really are old school D&D, which I absolutely love. Even the 2D based overland map hearkens back to the old days when SSI made the best RPG's on the block. But even this nostalgic setting can't make up for all the things that are wrong with this PSP title.
At the end of the day D&D Tactics fails to serve its core audience and fans of tactical role-playing games having many more options that are just plain better. It's just a shame that the developers couldn't balance implementing authentic rules with playability. Only someone that has memorized the 3.5 ruleset can understand what is really going on as you engage the enemy, pick up objects, select gear, etc - and honestly that is asking way too much of any gamer. In the end it's hard to recommend this game even for hard core D&D fans - go play the real thing - at least you'll have the source books handy.