The Battle of Polytopia is a simplified 4X game that allows players to experience the Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate aspects of the genre in under an hour. Available for mobile devices, it's the pocket-sized 4X that anyone can play anywhere.
Pros:
Distillation of the 4X genre in a great turn-based action game
Nintendo 3DSPC WindowsMac OSLinuxPlaystation 4vitaXbox Onewii uIOS iPhonestadiaNintendo Switch
Experience the adventure of a lifetime as a steam-driven pirate crew in SteamWorld Heist. With its insane skill shots and turn-based strategy gameplay, this game lets you manually aim the guns of your robots and upgrade your recruits' unique abilities, weapons, and stylish hats. With a well-written story, engaging characters, and a challenging battle system, it combines the best of XCOM and Worms gameplay in a beautifully designed world of robot pirates. And with a soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe, this is a game you won't want to miss!
PC WindowsMac OSXbox OnePlaystation 4IOS iPhoneAndroidNintendo Switch
The Banner Saga 2 is a gripping Norse-inspired fantasy adventure that engages you with its exceptional narrative and captivating art direction. The game features a turn-based combat system that challenges your strategic thinking, new creatures and obstacles, and battles resolved through primary objectives rather than max-murdering the other side. Make difficult decisions that can lead to starvation, mutiny or death, while defying traditional conventions and rejecting typical rules of morality. The sequel is a must-play, with vastly improved combat, deep and rewarding narrative, and an immersive visual and sound design.
Pros:
Engaging narrative
Captivating art direction
Improved combat system
New creatures and obstacles
Battles resolved through primary objectives
Cons:
Difficult for new players who did not play the first game
Console controls are awkward and obtuse
Environmental art can make combat harder to navigate
Experience World War II from the Axis perspective in Panzer Corps 2's massive branching campaign with over a thousand unique units, challenging you to use strategy and tactics to outsmart your enemies, not just outclick them. With a comprehensive modding system, the game will offer endless replayability. Whether you want to challenge your friends online, or enjoy user-created content, Panzer Corps 2 is the ultimate wargame experience.
Pros:
Fun turn-based wargame with great attention to detail and awesome visuals
Random Scenario generator adds tons of replayability and variety
Combination of all the good parts of previous Panzer General/Corps games combined into one
Lovely visuals and solid engine
Some interesting (albeit somewhat half-baked) mechanisms, such as splitting your unit to facilitate encirclements.
Cons:
No grand map
Mission tree cut down to total victory or game over, no interesting mission paths
Little infantry variation
Potential for more alt history campaigns and areas to explore
PC WindowsXbox OnePlaystation 4Nintendo SwitchIOS iPhoneMac OSLinux
Lead your civilization to greatness in Sid Meier's Civilization® VI by expanding your cities and engaging in espionage. With endless customization options and challenging diplomatic relationships, you will enjoy an engaging and rewarding experience. The game is packed with content, has brilliant visuals and a fantastic musical score, making it an utterly compelling and deeply satisfying experience for players of all ages.
In Templar Battleforce, command a team of Templars as they protect human colonies from waves of aliens. With extensive customization options and a sci-fi storyline, each battle requires strategic planning and management of each Templar's skills and attributes. The game has no microtransactions or ads, and the story narrative provides tips and clues in an interactive manner. The cons are the lack of voiceovers, faults in storytelling, and overwhelming management options for newcomers. Overall, Templar Battleforce is a fun, immersive, and customizable tactical RPG game worth playing.
Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.
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Experience the epic conclusion of The Banner Saga trilogy in a dark and desperate world-ending event. As you lead over 40 powerful heroes through tough odds, your decisions truly impact the game's outcome. The storyline concludes in a beautifully animated epic finale with a Grammy-nominated soundtrack that'll leave you feeling both triumphant and nostalgic.
Pros:
Excellent storytelling, art and setting
Innovative custom battles
A fitting end to the saga
The series ages very well
Grammy-nominated soundtrack
Cons:
Some outcomes of fights seem meaningless
Lack of impact for decisions made earlier in the game
PC WindowsLinuxMac OSPlaystation 4Xbox OneNintendo SwitchIOS iPhone
In Chroma Squad, you become the leader of a group of five stunt actors who create their own Power Rangers-inspired TV show. Customize your studio, craft weapons, upgrade equipment, and fight in turn-based battles. Enjoy a branching storyline, skill trees, and a chiptune soundtrack.
Pros:
Simple mechanics
Charming pixel art style
Great soundtrack, Management sim elements
Entertaining story
Cons:
Random crafting system
Repetitive boss fights
Luck-based mecha battles
Lack of tutorial, Underwhelming difficulty for experienced strategy game players
In this hex-based, turn-based strategy game, players will lead the Imperial forces of the Armageddon Steel Legion and Space Marines from a variety of Chapters against the Ork invasion through over 30 scenarios, on the hostile terrain of the planet and its gigantic Hive Cities.