Gaming is an unstoppable industry which is set to be worth more than $222 billion US dollars globally this year. There are games for people of all ages and interests and one particularly popular type is strategy, these games provide great challenge and entertainment.
Over time the genre of strategy games has expanded from traditional card games to a huge selection of different game types, from casino games on sites to Casino 888, to mobile app puzzles and survival and civilisation PC and console titles.
If you are looking for some new challenging games to try out, the amount of choice can be almost overwhelming. Here is a helpful round up of some of the best strategy games worth playing right now:
Battle Brothers
Available on: Windows, Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S
Developed by Overhype Studios, Battle Brothers is an epic tactical role playing game. Players, set in a mediaeval fantasy world, are tasked with leading a group of mercenaries in an open world campaign.
In the beginning, the company you can afford are mostly criminals and drunks. You will use your historical equipment, including axes, spears and maces, to fight tactical battles and, terrifyingly, not all that are killed will stay deceased.
As combat continues, your company will develop their skills and become better fighters. You will come across three crises in the latter stages of the game, including a war between noble houses, the undead scourge and a greenskin invasion.
While this game is very highly rated, some criticise the lack of in depth tutorial at the start of Battle Brothers. The game has a great combat system and is praised for its originality.
XCOM 2
Available on: Microsoft Windows, OS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.
Another highly rated tactic game is the sequel to XCOM. Developed by Firaxis Games, XCOM 2 is set 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. XCOM are a military group fighting aliens that are invading Earth.
This second iteration was released in February 2016 and is played from a top-down perspective. The player is tasked with issuing commands in order for the soldiers to take out the aliens, complete missions and meet other objectives throughout the game.
XCOM 2 is a gripping game but is also difficult to play and succeed in at times.
Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri
Available on: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Alpha Centauri is a sci-fi depiction of life in the 22nd century where players begin on a planet known as Chiron. Released in 1999, the game is a 4X turn based strategy title with both single and multiplayer modes.
Following on from the earlier Civilisation games, in Alpha Centauri, there are over 75 technologies to discover and 60 projects involved in building your extraordinary empire. Players are not alone on the planet, there are worm like alien parasites that attack the population centres.
Later in the game, you discover that these parasites can think collectively, you must navigate this challenge and work to delay the planet’s metamorphosis into full self-awareness as this will give it access to all of humanity’s knowledge.
The game is rated more highly than its predecessors in the series and is praised for its creative but believable plot. However, the graphics were nothing significant for its time and are not comparable to modern game experiences.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Available on: Nintendo Switch
If you are looking for a strategy game to enjoy on the Nintendo Switch then Fire Emblem: Three Houses is certainly one to try out. The game, released in 2019, is a single tactical role playing title that is based on the fictional continent of Fódlan.
Here there are three ruling nations at play, each of which are connected by the Garreg Mach Monastery. Playing the role of Byleth, a professor, players must choose their class and guide them through a series of challenging battles.
During the time between the main battles, the player must participate in other activities, such as field trips, gardening and teaching classes. There are also events aimed at building relationships with your students.
The game is highly rated and praised for its in depth characters and storylines, it has won a series of awards including the Excellence title at the Japan Game Awards in 2020. These are just some of the top strategy games that are worth trying out if you are looking to take on a new challenge. Given there is such a huge variety of titles with different themes and difficulty levels, there are certainly top class strategy games to suit all interests and abilities.