Summary
Strategy games offer myriad experiences across a variety of sub-genres, each requiring their own skill sets. These experiences offer a wide range of difficulties, and while some are more accessible than others, many titles can scare players away with their challenging gameplay.
These games offer unforgiving gameplay loops that are typically difficult to learn, often requiring time and practice. In addition, many of these games feature challenging combat systems that rarely if ever hand over victory freely.
Quasimorphis a tactical roguelike that featureshardcore survival mechanicsand a grim-dark setting. The survival mechanics and lethal nature of most enemies ensures a challenging experience that can be difficult at first. However, the extraction-shooter structure ofQuasimorphprovides some forgiveness, making the overall experience somewhat less frustrating.
Taking advantage of the game’s stance system is a particularly unique learning experience, a task that encourages players to manipulate their action points to gain the upper hand. Furthermore, knowing when to fight, sneak, and simply run for it is an instinct that needs to be learned in order to survive. However, overcoming these challenges is what provides the fun, and once players have gained a deeper understanding of its systems, the game can become an expressive experience.
Wildfrostisa roguelike deck-builderthat’s able to provide a great deal of expression with its tactical battlefields and generous rewards system. In the game, players battle enemies on chaotic battlefields, playing cards to aid their companions and perform powerful attacks.
In and between each combat is a generous helping of loot that enables players to quickly develop a unique build on any given run. However,Wildfrostis also quick to punish mistakes, offering increasingly difficult combat encounters that reward patience.
Kenshidumps players into an incredibly hostile environment full of dangerous mobs and aggressive factions. It’s an immediately difficult experience that hinders the player at every step, forcing them to overcome overwhelming odds and learn its myriad systems with little to no direction.
The complete lack of hand-holding may result in an inaccessible experience, but this also allowsKenshito champion player agency. With no set goals, players are able toexplore of their own free will, carving their own path through the game’s harsh world.
Battle Brothersis an open-world RPG with a sandbox structure and strategic combat. In the game, players manage a rag-tag crew of mercenaries in a low-fantasy world populated by royal houses, aggressive monsters, and greedy brigands.
The variety of dangers in the world ofBattle Brothersaren’t avoidable; the player’s position as a mercenary makes combat a mandatory experience, and completing any of the game’s contracts without casualties can be incredibly challenging on higher difficulties. However, the wide variety of perks allow for expression, and the game’s myriad enemies and items keep gameplay fresh.
Dune: Spice Warsisan atmospheric strategy gamethat offers tremendously crunchy gameplay that can at first be overwhelming. This is thanks to its complex variety of resources, thematic mechanics, and deadly environment.
It’s easy to lose an entire army to the unpredictable sandworms, or fail to properly manage any of the myriad resources. However,Dune: Spice Warsbecomes an engaging and expressive experience once players have gained a better understanding of its systems and factions.
Darkest Dungeon 2is a challenging roguelike that offers players a non-stop gauntlet ofturn-based combat, careful decision-making, and resource management. However, it can be a brutally punishing and awfully unforgiving experience, especially at first.
This difficulty is controlled, however, by a roguelite progression system. This won’t be for everyone, butDarkest Dungeon 2’sgameplay loop encourages the collection of meta-currency in unique ways. Furthermore, the game’s upgrades never take too much from the game’s difficulty, ensuring victory is always earned.
As is the case with many tabletop games,the complex mechanicsofDune: Imperiummust first be understood before players can express themselves. It can be difficult at first, as players must not only learn the mechanics of the game, but learn how to find a clear path in a sea of opportunities.
This complex decision-making can be incredibly challenging, and mistakes aren’t always immediately obvious; poor decisions can have an impact on the remainder of the game. However, once players have gained some experience navigatingDune: Imperium’sdiverse board spaces, the fun in its risky gambits and long-term strategies begins to show itself.
StarCraft 2or, more specifically, its competitive multiplayer, offers a particularly cut-throat experience that requires practice and patience in order to succeed. While it may at first seem like more effort than it’s worth,StarCraft 2’sasymmetric factions and dense build variety offer plenty of opportunities for player expression and creativity.
Once players have become accustomed to the speed of play, its breakneck pace becomes more fun than frustrating, allowing even longer matches to zip by. It takes time to find the fun, butStarCraft 2is an RTS unlike any other, offering a truly expressive arena that’squick to punish mistakesand reward creativity.
