Summary
There are many great turn-based games, both new and old, that cover a broad variety of genres. Fromturn-based RPGsto tactical roguelikes, these games offer a diverse selection of experiences that often leave players wanting more.
Turn-based deck-builderssuch asSlay The SpireandMonster Trainare expecting sequels, andDarkest Dungeon 2proved that it could adapt a tried-and-true formula. However, these turn-based games are unfortunately yet to receive a sequel.
Tactical Breach Wizardsis a slick andstylish turn-based strategy gamethat excels with its witty writing and cinematic presentation. This charming title offers substance in equal measure, however, with neatly packed level designs that provide crunchy combat puzzles.
With such a finely tuned and elegant design,Tactical Breach Wizardsis able to offer strategic gameplay and an engaging narrative simultaneously. The lack of flaws in the game’s design makes it the perfect fit for further expansion and adaptation, and it’s more than deserving of the treatment.
Tinyfolksisa unique strategy gamefor its minimalist approach to both visuals and design, offering an accessible experience via stripped-back mechanics. However, there’s still a great deal of tactical depth toTinyfolks, simply offering accessibility with a shorter run-time and an almost pure focus on turn-based combat.
There are obvious similarities toDarkest Dungeon, butTinyfolksexcels with the limitations it sets for itself, succeeding with every mechanic, every system it manages to strip away. This leaves players with a purely tactical, bite-sized experience. However, a more ambitious sequel that maintains a minimalist design could prove engaging, perhaps offering players a lengthier experience.
Battle Brothersis an open-world sandbox RPG with a focus on brutal, tactical combat encounters. Revolving around the management of a mercenary company in a harsh, hostile world, players are tasked with completing contracts and managing resources to keep afloat.
Despite featuring a detailed character progression and combat system, it could be argued thatBattle Brothersis somewhat let down by its repetitive structure. As a result,Battle Brotherswould no doubt benefit from a more ambitious sequel, perhaps one that elaborates on the game’s world.
Caves Of Qudisan open-world roguelikeRPG with an old-school look and feel. The game hosts many strengths, from its in-depth character and methodical combat, to its evocative writing and alien atmosphere. All of this is in support of a unique and immensely detailed science-fantasy world that combines procedural and hand-crafted content.
The sheer diversity of the game’s world and the freedom players are given to explore it facilitates a wonderful sense of discovery. To see more of the game’s world, perhaps in greater detail, or within a different structure, could prove worthwhile. There’s a certain charm toCaves Of Qudand its retro aesthetic that sure sparks the imagination, but a more detailed art-style or perhaps a new perspective could open up the world of Qud to a wider audience.
Combining the gameplay of typicalroguelike deck-builderswith a tactical twist,Cobalt Coreis able to offer an exciting combat system that’s immediately fresh and yet familiar enough to be accessible. AmongCobalt Core’sgreatest strengths, however, is its cozy atmosphere.
This atmosphere is facilitated by colorful visuals and a soothing soundtrack of euphonious chimes and synths, supported by a cast of quirky, charming characters. The synergistic design and presentation of the game’s world and the characters within are unfortunately limited by the roguelike structure, and a sequel that could expand on these strengths would most certainly be worthwhile. Furthermore,Cobalt Core’scombat system would also be perfectly suited to other genres, such as a fully-fledged RPG.
Into The Breachis a grid-based tactics game that emphasizes methodical and experimental play with its generosity of open information. Supporting this is the addition of an undo button and even the ability to reset turns, providing players with one of the fairest tactical experiences on the market. This puzzle-game approach to design results in truly rewarding combat encounters that are rarely frustrating.
Complete with an intuitive user-interface and rewarding RPG character progression,Into The Breachoffers a consistent and satisfying gameplay loop. However, it could be argued thatInto The Breachis somewhat let down by its roguelite structure, which limits the ambition of the game and somewhat contradicts the design of its combat system. There’s something to be said for the bite-sized nature of the game’s tactics, but a sequel wouldn’t go amiss.
Wildfrostis a charming roguelike deck-builder with plenty going for it, notwithstanding its enchanting cartoon art-style. The game’s unique and tactical gameplay blends well with the otherwise straightforward deck-building mechanics, butWildfrostdoes suffer from a few flaws.
Most notably,Wildfroststruggles somewhat with its readability. More specifically, the game’s battlefields can become particularly messy later in the game. WhileWildfrostis a game of open information, this creates occasional issues with readability that aren’t helped by the game’s lack of consistency when it comes to interactions. Fixing this readability would no doubt improve the game, butWildfrostdeserves a sequel just to see its charming world expanded.
Dicey Dungeonsis a distinctiveroguelike dungeon-crawlerthat tasks players with engaging in aYahtzee-esque combat system. However, the game is spiced up in a myriad of ways, including a variety of unique playable characters, elemental damage, and a distinctive equipment system.
The node-based exploration of the game’s dungeon is at first strategic, but the small scale of each floor results in a loop that often leaves players with clear priorities. As a result, the game can get somewhat repetitive in its structure, which itself is fairly standard to begin with. As a result, a sequel that expanded on the dungeon-crawling mechanics of the game could prove promising. Furthermore, the elegant design ofDicey Dungeonslends itself to further expansion as-is, ripe for the addition of new dice, characters, enemies, and bosses.
