Summary
Strategy games are often unique for their complexity, depth, and mechanics-focused approach to design. While this tends to make them more inaccessible than the average game, it often provides players with a rewarding loop that offers long-lasting value. As a result of this focus on systems and mechanics, strategy games are often left with broad design spaces.
With so many directions to take a specific system, and the myriad of sub-genres to apply these systems to, strategy games often leave plenty of opportunity on the cutting room floor. As seen in titles such asDarkest Dungeon 2, this typically gives successful strategy games room for ambitious sequels.
Tinyfolksis aturn-based strategyRPG that excels with its minimalist design, both visual and mechanical. The game’s premise is similar to other strategy games, such asDarkest Dungeon, but built with a more accessible approach in mind. This makesTinyfolksa rather unique strategy game with broad appeal, and its short run-time ensures its minimalist gameplay doesn’t outstay its welcome.
Unfortunately, this also means thatTinyfolksis a little lacking in depth. It’s hard to suggest more complexity would makeTinyfolksbetter, as it runs the risk of contradicting what makes the game so great, but a more ambitious structure could make for a great sequel.
Thronefallis an innovative base-defense game with intuitive controls and easy-to-learn gameplay that excels with its accessibility and lightweight RTS mechanics. The game’s control scheme and careful balance of economy management, base-building, and real-time strategy make for a complex but approachable puzzle that’s consistently engaging.
Additionally,Thronefall’s elegant design is packed with synergistic mechanics and systems that could easily be built upon on a larger scale. If GrizzlyGames were to set their sights on a more ambitious horizon and break free of the typical tower-defense structure, there’s most definitely room for further innovation.
Battle Brothersisa sandbox RPGthat excels with its deeply tactical turn-based combat and diverse character progression. The brutal and unforgiving combat and the stories that emerge from each memorable battle make for a unique experience, but it could be argued thatBattle Brothersis let down by a repetitive structure.
It’s certainly addictive, especially for those who enjoy the game’s combat, but a sequel that explores a more diverse structure with meaningful quests and more memorable NPCs might prove worthwhile. It would be a shame forBattle Brothersand its methodical,intricate combat systemto be left as-is when there’s still room for innovation.
Cobalt Coreisan innovative roguelike deck-builderwith a refreshing, tactical combat system and cozy atmosphere. The game’s calming ambiance, facilitated by a soothing color palette and joyful soundtrack, is a particular strength, supported further by a diverse cast of quirky characters.
The charming writingand relaxing atmospheremake for a well-rounded and synergistic experience that would be worth experiencing even if the game were a standard deck-builder. However, both the world the game paints and the combat system it presents would be perfectly suited to a more ambitious design, perhaps even a fully-fledged RPG.
Warcraft 3is a beloved classic real-time strategy game that remains popular today. However, despite its healthy community,Warcraft 3is an old game. Originally released in 2002, there are signs of age, specifically in the game’s outdated presentation and the way in which it controls.
The game’s visuals, while charming, could certainly benefit from a fresh coat of paint, and the animations in particular feel somewhat rudimentary by today’s standards. The game’s user interface is also lacking in comparison to games such asStarCraft 2, for example. With its unique design,Warcraft 3is still a distinctive real-time strategy game, and its vague similarities to games such asLeague Of Legendsgive its design a broad appeal that a sequel could most certainly capitalize on.
Into The Breachis a unique tactics game that combines a roguelike structure with crunchy combat puzzles. The game’s combat system is, in itself, rather innovative, but the generous telegraphing of enemy attacks and hazards is particularly refreshing.
This works in combination with the ability to undo moves and even reset a turn, which is what givesInto The Breachsuch a puzzle game feel. Despite its unique and innovative design, however,Into The Breachis somewhat limited by its structure and would arguably benefit from a more ambitious sequel.
Wildfrostisa unique roguelikedeck-builder with a charming cartoon art style and a focus on tactical positioning as well as classic card play. The game’s tactical element is particularly refreshing, butWildfrost’s combat encounters can also be cumbersome to analyze, making larger battles particularly exhausting.
The lack of clarity inWildfrost’s design and user interface would be the perfect aspect to address in a sequel. Furthermore, there’s no doubt room for ambition in the game’s variety of factions, cards, and companions. Furthermore, to see more ofWildfrost’s charming world and even, perhaps, break free of the standard roguelike formula would be a welcome surprise.
StarCraft 2isa classic real-time strategy gamethat, against all odds, has managed to maintain a relatively healthy and active community even years after its peak. However, the unfortunate lack of extended developer support has resulted in a slowly stagnating game that’s only occasionally spiced up by small patches.
It could be argued that the reason for the slowly decreasing popularity ofStarCraft 2and real-time strategy games as a whole is its sheer inaccessibility. The speed and knowledge required to compete at a high or even moderate level inStarCraft 2can be intimidating to many players, and this is something that a sequel would be perfect for addressing. However, reintroducing a once-beloved genre with accessibility in mind and without compromising the competitive integrity of the original games would no doubt prove a difficult task.
