Summary
Tactical games come in many forms; from the unforgiving battles ofXCOMto the minimalist gameplay ofTinyfolks, there are plenty of experiences to be had. Turn-based combat and the management of individual units can be complex, but many of these titles can be fun even for newcomers.
The best of these titles are able to offer accessible gameplay that remains deep, allowing for experiences that are easy to learn and hard to master. These are titles likeBattle Brothers, with its simple gameplay loop and unforgiving combat, orWildfrost, with its approachable tone and challenging encounters.
Fans of Klei Entertainment’s iconic style will immediately get a kick out ofInvisible, Inc’sslick presentation, but it’s the innovative blend of tactics and stealth that holds this title together. Tasking players with the control of just a few characters at once,Invisible, Incis a methodical experience that puts a great deal of weight on each and every move.
This is elevated bya healthy dose of random generationand a unique sense of style, complemented by a great deal of build variety. Best of all,Invisible, Inc’sstealth-focused gameplay plays like no other stealth game, offering a truly unique experience.
StarVadersis a stylish roguelike deck-builder with a unique twist. In the game, players battle waves of diverse enemies using card play to control a mech suit. But players can’t die inStarVaders; instead, they must prevent enemies from reaching the bottom of the screen, where they’ll inflict “doom” and eventually end any given run.
This creates a unique gameplay loop that’s reminiscent ofSpace Invaders, elevated by deck-building mechanics. The intuitive cards and addition of a tactical grid allowStarVadersto maintain a brisk pace, and the fun is further fueled by immense variety thatencourages multiple builds.
Tinyfolksis a charming pixel-art strategy game with tacticalturn-based combatreminiscent of games such asDarkest Dungeon. Combining simple mechanics with tremendous variety and an addictive gameplay loop,Tinyfolksis able to offer players a fun-first tactics game that’s free of the frustrations of its clear inspiration.
Driving the overall experience is this title’s incredible chip-tune soundtrack, packed with memorable tunes that control the mood and pace of the game. The minimalist but deeply nostalgic pixel-art is another strength, providing a simple but well-crafted presentation that’s easy on the eyes.
Battle Brothersis a sandbox RPG that excels withits unforgiving combat. The turn-based and tactical encounters ofBattle Brothersare consistently tense thanks to deadly enemies and unforgiving game mechanics, such as morale and permanent injury, that can quickly snowball out of control.
While sure to scare some players away, this unforgiving nature only makesBattle Brothersmore rewarding. Furthermore, the game features customizable difficulty settings that allow players to make the experience more accessible, providing a perfect starting point for newcomers.
With its tight, grid-based levels and abundance of open information,Into The Breachoffers a small-scale experience that’s extremely player-friendly. In the game, players battle various aliens with a small squad of mech suits, battling it out in turn-based, tactical encounters.
The tremendous variety of mechs to field, each with their own expressive abilities, is perhaps the game’s greatest strength. However, it’s the generous telegraphing of enemies and ability to undo moves — and even reset turns — that keepInto The Breachfree of frustration. As a result,Into The Breachis able to balance challenge and fairness in equal measure.
From its charming cartoon visuals to its whimsical character designs and fantastical soundtrack,Wildfrostisan enchanting experiencefrom the get-go. For fans of roguelike deck-builders,Wildfrostalso offers tremendous staying power with its diverse build varietyand unique mechanics.
In the game, players control a variety of companions on a tactical battlefield, battling enemies and supporting their team with a variety of cards. All in all, the tactile user-interface and satisfying player feedback are a great part of what makesWildfrostso fun, and it’s only elevated by its diverse gameplay and charming visuals.
Cobalt Coreis a colorful roguelike deck-builder with charming pixel-art visuals and uniquely tactical spaceship battles. In the game, players control their own spaceship via cards that represent three unique crew members. These crew members each have their own personalities and styles, adding a great deal of diversity to the gameplay and elevating the overall experience.
However,Cobalt Coreis also supported by a wonderful soundtrack and a unique combat system. The ability to control a spaceship with cards, even on a single axis, presents a unique puzzle, and the game’s design takes full advantage of this clever twist.
Presenting a design that combines elements of games such asXCOMandInto The Breachwhile very much remaining its own beast,Tactical Breach Wizardsoffers a finely-tuned tactical experience. With its synergistic blend of witty writing, tactical puzzles, and cinematic presentation, this title offersa well-crafted adventurethat barrels along at a steady clip.
Best of all,Tactical Breach Wizardsoffers an immediately fun experience with its cinematic introduction, quickly getting players into the tactical action. Complementing this immediate pace is a steady stream of new characters, abilities, and upgrades that constantly work to provide players with more options in combat. As a result,Tactical Breach Wizardsis a fun tactics game with tremendous staying power.
