RPG game tactics. Download tactical games, tactical turn-based games on PC, tactical role-playing games for PC

Tactical games: exercise your brain and train your ingenuity

Tactical games – distant relatives chess games, more entertaining and
disengaged from mathematics, having different level difficulties. That's why the players
with different levels of training can master tactical role-playing games, gradually
getting involved in the gameplay and moving on to a more difficult level.

Getting acquainted with the genre of tactical games can happen at any age, and you can often see the following picture: a thirty-five-year-old dad organizes the work of a virtual special forces group with no less passion than his eight-year-old son leads through the labyrinth of space soldiers. If there is only one computer in the house, then real “battles” are organized for it, before moving on to virtual battles!

Tactical War Battlefield

All tactical games are similar in the characteristics of the heroes, which are increased at each
next level - they run faster, aim better, their weapons become more powerful.
The heroes' habitat also changes according to the principle of making the picture more complex and more impressive, and the heroes' opponents are no slouch either. In general, the further into the forest, the thicker the partisans!

The similarity with wargames is based on the organization of battles. Virtual "wars"
very popular among fans computer games resting on the Internet from
monotony of everyday life. Picked up some ammo and off you go! Everyone between the ages of 5 and 75 wants to feel like a winner of monsters, space pirates or a gang of terrorists!

A map with a grid, hexagonal, isometric, or rectangular, serves as a field for
placement of characters, along which they move in accordance with established
rules of the game. The characters walk around and do various things. Victory in a virtual battle will always belong to the player who correctly organizes the actions of the heroes, plans all moves and exits (tactical turn based games).

Tactics and calculation are paramount

Tactical battles in this type of game not only come to the fore, but exceed in time all other stages combined: shopping in the store, peaceful actions, and exploration of the environment. In general, virtual battles of tactical games are an activity for training memory, improving logical thinking, and not just “running and shooting”!

To resolve most quests in tactical role-playing games you need to complete
an interconnected series of fights using various tricks and tricks. if you love
solve various puzzles, calculating everything several moves ahead, then tactical role-playing games are what you need!

Download tactical games (tactical games) via direct links and at high speed – it's fast, convenient and affordable!

Tactical RPGs are an amazingly diverse genre that has absorbed so much that it is fit to write doctoral dissertations and organize scientific debates on it. Perhaps no other direction in games today provides developers with so much scope for creativity, and players with the freedom to make decisions and compose their own multi-moves, as these interactive adventures. But at the same time, they are also an unusual, fascinating test of intelligence and endurance.

And even though all this happens only on screens, a truly good tactical RPG on PC easily transports the player’s consciousness to other worlds and eras, forcing him to believe in the proposed game mechanics and laws (no matter whether they are extremely simple, or, on the contrary, cunning and confusing), as the highest truth of the local, virtual universe. Making you worry, fear, get angry, admire, be moved and experience a whole range of other feelings and emotions, often suppressed for one reason or another in real life in front of living people. Yes, yes, good role-playing games with a tactical element successfully integrated into them are really capable of all this, and such a loud statement is not just idle chatter - this fact is confirmed scientific research sociologists and psychologists.

Well, enough of the eulogies, let's move directly to our top tactical RPGs. The only thing I would like to note in conclusion is the impressive number of really cool projects in this genre and their paradoxical dissimilarity from each other, which makes it difficult to clearly identify the superiority of one over the other. So take the positions proposed in the top as a convention - all the games presented here are good in their own way.

21. Silent Storm

The release of the turn-based tactical RPG Silent Storm in 2004 was a real breakthrough in the genre, the game was so rich in a variety of ideas. Moreover, almost all of them work here as originally intended by the developers; in other words, they have an extremely positive impact on the gameplay.

There is also a fascinating combat system based on realistic, reliably conveyed characteristics of damage to one or another part of the body and a solid set of weapons (about 70 units), and a wide selection of tactical solutions for each separate mission, and two factions to choose from, and an unusual setting (mixing a real historical era, specifically, with science fiction). Even the plot has various development options and numerous branches, which even today is not found in purely tactical games as often as we would like.

All this is just a small fraction of the advantages of Silent Storm, which will definitely be of interest to gamers who do not put graphics at the forefront, but prefer the tactical element.

20. Fallout Tactics

No less legendary game, released in 2001 by Softworks (developer 14° East), the events of which unfold in the Fallout universe, well known to millions of players.

The game, in fact, is very close to the first two parts of the series, but still has a noticeable bias towards tactical battles (although, if desired, they can be transferred to real time).

19. Commandos 3: Destination Berlin

A very unusual project from Pyro Studios, located at the intersection of several genres: , RPG, action, stealth, and even a little bit from .

The game has an excellent script, several unique types of fighters, the ability to use various equipment and even multiplayer. However, the main features characteristic of the game as a whole are the most gorgeous locations in their depiction and design, creating some kind of enchanting mood for the players. And this despite the fact that Commandos 3 was released in 2003, so the overall level of graphics and effects here is relatively low.

18. Jagged Alliance 2

Some readers may have noticed that previously this place was occupied by another game from the Jagged Alliance series, which got here more out of the principle of “making way for the young” than due to its own merits.

We discussed and decided to replace it with the “old man” Jagged Alliance 2, more worthy of mention in our top. And that's why.

Jagged Alliance 2 is a golden classic of tactical strategies, whose gameplay is characterized by unprecedented tactical depth due to the many details controlled by the player. There is the opportunity to assemble a squad by choosing suitable fighters from more than a hundred unique mercenaries, each of whom has not only a specific set of skills, but also their own character, which determines the reaction to everything game events and relationships with other team members. There is also an editor for creating your own character.

All events in Jagged Alliance 2 develop randomly, making each playthrough unique and unrepeatable, and the available missions can be completed in a variety of ways.

The only thing we must sadly warn you about is that this wonderful creation came out a very long time ago - in 1999. You can draw the appropriate conclusions yourself about its visual qualities.

But if you manage to put up with its graphics, which are more than simple by modern standards, truly incredible adventures and exciting tactical battles await you.

17.Hard West

Tactical game with RPG elements about, into which the developers (CreativeForge Games) managed to successfully incorporate elements and a bit of .

Beautiful picture, interesting story, an interactive environment (occupies a very important place in the game), a lot of side effects, characters, weapons and unique skills - what else does a game need to attract attention. Especially those who are interested in the theme of the Wild West and tactical role-playing games.

16. We Are The Dwarves

Very unusual game, which stands out among all other tactical RPGs on several counts.

Firstly, the setting of We Are The Dwarves deserves attention, in the center of which were three brave dwarves who went on a magic stones. It would seem that these guys belong right between fairies and, as well as other inhabitants of fantasy worlds. But no, our dwarves are “astronauts,” and they will explore “planets” lost in the “endless depths of space.”

Secondly, the game offers interesting gameplay, built on several innovative principles, which are difficult to describe; it’s better to see and try it all yourself.

And finally, thirdly, a hardcore game. Even too much. Perhaps only the most patient will be able to cope with at least its first quarter. Moreover, difficulties at each stage of the game will appear new and completely unpredictable.

15. The Banner Saga Series

A series of tactical RPGs from the Stoic studio, currently consisting of two games. Based on the Old Norse setting, which the developers added with their own creative ideas.

Besides this, The Banner Saga characterized by a pleasant, hand-drawn visual style, fairly simple and quickly learned combat mechanics, which, however, provides unimaginable scope for tactical combinations, and a fascinating concept of traveling through the local world, during which things happen to the player every now and then random events, forcing you to make morally difficult ones and having important implications for future decisions.

14. The Dwarves

Another tactical role-playing game whose main characters are dwarves. True, this time everything happens in a classic fantasy setting.

The game offers more than a dozen characters ready to join the squad of Tungdil (the protagonist of The Dwarves), interesting main and additional quests, a good plot based on the novels of Markus Heitz, and of course, intense tactical battles with dozens of different opponents.

13.Legends of Eisenwald

A role-playing game with tactical combat, made in . Amazingly detailed inside game world, the rapidly and unpredictably developing plot brings Legends of Eisenwald closer to such famous projects as Mount & Blade and King’s Bounty. The developers themselves call their creation a simulator of a knight errant.

The game is different big amount historically accurate units, types of equipment and weapons. Moreover, weapons can be selected individually for each fighter. Also, each member of the squad has a skill tree, allowing over time to turn him into a narrow-profile combat unit.

12. Valkyria Chronicles

A 3D tactical game with unusual visuals, a large number of characters and a challenging storyline. Definitely will appeal to all lovers.

The game initially appeared as an exclusive for the PlayStation 3, but in 2014 a special version was released for Windows. The PC version also received a ton of additional in-game content.

In addition to the unique element of tactical strategy, Valkyria Chronicles has a deep RPG system: all fighters, and there are more than a hundred of them, are unique, for each it is necessary to select the appropriate equipment and wisely upgrade their abilities.

11. The Age of Decadence

An isometric tactical RPG from Iron Tower Studio, in the setting of which the ideas of the Ancient Roman Empire are intricately mixed, and also contains some elements of the post-apocalypse.

The main feature that stands out The Age of Decadence, among all the isometric RPGs of the last few years, is incredibly hardcore. Here the principle of “one mistake - and start all over from the last save point” is raised to the absolute level.

The graphics in the game, despite the release in 2015, look much older. However, Iron Tower Studio's locations and game objects turned out to be very convincing.

The plot and history of the local world deserve special praise, rich in many details and details, and contributing to an incredibly deep immersion in the game.

10. King's Bounty Series

A wonderful series of computer games, which is a mixture of RPG and RPG. Main features:

1. A bright fairy-tale world that captivates with its beauty
2. A fun story that pokes fun at fantasy tropes.
3. Unusual quests
4. Interesting, although not new, battle mechanics and balanced role system, the presence of several game classes

9. Shadowrun Series

A series of isometric tactical RPGs with an unusual setting that combines elements of fantasy and. By the way, the Shadowrun universe was originally created for the tabletop role-playing game of the same name, so the mechanics here were worked out very carefully.

All three games from the Shadowrun line are distinguished by an interesting, large set of races and classes, a classic role-playing and combat system that migrated here from the 80s, and also amazing.

8.Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon– 2D RPG from Red Hook Studios, which also combines elements of tactical strategy and. The game is captivating with its turn-based combat system and a well-conveyed dark fantasy atmosphere. The latter is the merit of the artist-designers and sound engineer, who gave Darkest Dungeon an original visual concept and a powerful, soul-chilling sound.

In addition, the game boasts a unique system of the heroes’ state of mind: while exploring the dark depths, squad members are constantly stressed, suffer from various phobias, and can even develop a mental disorder. All this, of course, directly affects their combat effectiveness and behavior. By the way, the death of characters here is permanent.

Random generation is very important in Darkest Dungeon: it creates the structure of the dungeon, offers a list of characters available for recruitment, determines the reward for success, and so on. In general, roguelike at its finest.

7. Mordheim: City of the Damned

Another stunningly beautiful and exciting role-playing game in a dark fantasy setting (based on the popular Warhammer universe), but unlike Darkest Dungeon, it offers more traditional principles gameplay. And here they are brought almost to perfection.

Four factions available, each with their own unique fighter classes, variety of weapons and abilities, challenging combat system, taking into account dozens of different nuances (distance, terrain, equipment, formation, luck and much more - all of this in one way or another affects the course of the battle), the gloomy atmosphere and impressive scenery of a city mired in bloody battles, multiplayer and single-player modes are the most obvious advantages, which City of the Damned boasts.

6. Tyranny

A fun, story-driven RPG with isometric view from . It is based on a huge, well-developed world with many opportunities for the player, a non-linear plot, a global role-playing system, the ability to take companions and much more. Including an excellent combat system with a tactical pause.

Overall, Tyranny fully meets the high gaming standards set by Obsidian Entertainment, and will be of interest primarily to fans of large-scale, wide-open RPGs for player interaction. But fans of tactics will also find a lot of interesting things here.

5. Xenonauts

A masterpiece from independent developers Goldhawk Interactive, it is a tactical role-playing game based on the X-COM series. The game adopted many mechanics from the named series, modernized and successfully supplemented them, bringing even more depth and tactical freedom to the gameplay.

The player will have the opportunity to take control of a paramilitary intergovernmental organization that protects the planet from the predatory attacks of alien aggressors.

All Xenonauts gameplay is divided into two parts:

1. Tactical battles taking place in a turn-based mode. At the same time, the environment is constantly changing, depending on the mission being performed, and game events are never the same and consistent. I would also like to note the wide variety of enemies (about fifty types of alien opponents) and high locations, which have a tangible impact on the course of the battle.
2. Wide-functional base management, allowing you to recruit personnel, conduct various research, expand the network of interceptors to fight enemy forces and equip your fighters best weapon. However, it will not be possible to upgrade quickly and comprehensively: players will have to constantly keep strict records of resources and maintain a balance between all the areas presented for the development of the base.

4. Wasteland 2

Continuation of the famous series of post-apocalyptic RPGs from Brian Fargo. Perhaps one could even say that this is the best project within the framework of a post-apocalyptic tactical strategy/RPG, where the player gets to take control of a squad of assorted fighters. All other projects either came out too long ago or do not reach the level of Wasteland 2 in terms of quality.

cult, has received deservedly high ratings in both Metacritic, and, it seems, one of the main contenders for the title of “Game of the Year”.

Original Sin 2 offers a traditionally diverse set of races and classes, a large number of quests, dialogues, the ability to choose from several options in almost every game situation, and much more.

We are primarily interested in the local tactical battles, which take place in a step-by-step mode and with the active participation of party members. As in the previous part, to successfully complete the battle, players will have to competently use the features of the environment, which has become even more interactive here. Plus, the element of luck will play an important role.

It’s also nice that Original Sin 2 has 4-player options, allowing you to play as

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general description

Similar to computer role-playing games, the player controls a group of characters with a set of upgradeable characteristics; he explores the game world, completes quests and engages in battles with various kinds opponents. The battles themselves, however, are more similar to wargames: player-controlled characters and their opponents are placed on a map with a rectangular, isometric or hexagonal grid, along which they can move in turn order, taking certain actions. Victory in battle is determined by the success of the interaction of the characters and the correctness of the decisions made by the player in planning the battle.

It is important that tactical battles represent the main, if not the only part of the gameplay, and its other components (exploration of the world, peaceful interaction with NPCs, purchases in stores) are kept to a minimum and serve as additions to battles - the time spent in them is not comparable with the time carried out in the actual battles. Thus, almost all quests in tactical role-playing games are resolved by going through a chain of battles and some actions performed in these battles.

Story

Tactics Ogre influenced that look much more tactical RPG that are recognized by gamers today, this includes games such as Final Fantasy Tactics And Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. Not only did the characters move individually across the battlefield grid, but the view was also isometric and the turn order was calculated for each character individually. Although this game defined the genre, it is not widely recognized among American gamers since it did not reach American audiences until several years later. Sequel to the original Tactics Ogre - Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis- was later released for the Game Boy Advance.

Generation of games for 32-bit consoles

The thirty-two-bit era had many iconic RPGs such as Vandal Hearts from Konami, Final Fantasy Tactics And Front Mission 3 from Square, and Shining Force 3 from Sega.

Final Fantasy Tactics, while it may be disputed, did the most to bring tactical RPGs to the US. [ ] Being developed by former employees of Quest, the developer responsible for the series Ogre Battle, this game combined many elements of the series Final Fantasy with gameplay style Tactics Ogre.

Tactical RPG on

Although the genre is represented by significantly fewer games than game consoles, it is not so exotic for this platform. Examples of TRPGs for a personal computer include a series of games X-COM, Jagged Alliance And Silent Storm. Tactical role-playing games on PC tend to have a much smaller role-playing component and a larger tactical component.

• The Rebelstar series (1984-1988) and Laser Squad (1988), developed by game designers the Gollop brothers, were the predecessors of the more popular series X-COM. They were deprived of the economic elements and components characteristic of X-COM global strategy.
• X-COM: UFO Defense (1992), which spawned the series of the same name, combines elements of grand strategy and tactical role-playing games.
• Jagged Alliance (1994) gained enormous popularity and spawned a series of the same name, one of the most significant events of which was Jagged Alliance 2 (1999).
• Incubation: Time Is Running Out (1997) was one of the first 3D tactics games.
• Vantage Master (1997), developed by Japanese company Nihon Falcom, was not released outside of East Asia.
• Gorky 17 (1999, published in the USA under the title Odium) was developed by the Polish company Metropolis Software and later continued with two games in the third-person shooter genre.
• Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001) was an unusual spin-off in the Fallout series. Its action took place in the central states of the destroyed nuclear war USA.
• Shadow Watch (2000), despite its unusual tactical system (action points were obtained by performing various actions themselves), was a commercial failure.
• Freedom Force (2002) and its sequel Freedom Force vs. 
• theThirdReich (2005) focuses on the adventures of a team of superheroes in a world reminiscent of the Marvel universe.
• Soldiers of Anarchy (2002) is a real-time tactical role-playing game where the player controls a squad of mercenaries.
• Games from the UFO series - UFO: Aftermath (2003), UFO: Aftershock (2005) and UFO: Afterlight (2007), although they are the ideological heirs of the X-COM series, are practically devoid of strategic and economic components and can well be called tactical role-playing games.
• Access code: Paradise (2003) and its sequel The Authority of Law (2005) were developed in Russia. The action takes place in the cyberpunk world of the future.
• Operation Silent Storm (2003), also developed in Russia, and its sequels - Operation Silent Storm: Sentinels (2004) and Hammer and Sickle (2005) - became prominent representatives of tactical role-playing games dedicated to the Second World War (with some fantastic assumptions). The Battle for Wesnoth (2003) is a turn-based strategy game with open source
• . It contains very significant role-playing elements and, with some reservations, can be called a tactical role-playing game.
• Metalheart: Rise of the Replicants (2004) is a tactical RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world; it received very low critical ratings.
• Shadow Vault (2004), developed in Slovakia, was also criticized in the European and American press.
• Developed by the Russian company Apeiron, the tactical role-playing games “Brigade E5: New Alliance” (2005) and “7.62” to a certain extent copy the mechanics of the Jagged Alliance series.
• JAZZ: Job for Hire (2007) was developed as another game in the Jagged Alliance series, but due to a break between the developers and the copyright holder, it was released as a separate game not related to this series.

Comparison with traditional RPGs

Tactical RPGs have several differences from traditional ones.

• Tactical RPG tend to present more massive battles than typical RPGs. In a typical computer RPG, the player controls either one character or a party of six or fewer, fighting against a group of monsters or enemy characters of similar numbers. Tactical RPGs are more open-ended, often featuring battles between six heroes and eight or more computer-controlled opponents. In Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen, the player could control multiple parties, each of which could have up to five characters, thus allowing battles to occur between two armies, each with 25 characters or more. Recent games in the Super Robot Wars series have introduced the platoon system, which allows the player to group units into regiments; V last mission Alpha 2 theoretically allows 76 player units on the map. RPGs on PC are also diverse in this regard. X-COM 3 allows you to divide agents into groups.
• In a typical console RPG, combat takes place on a static screen and does not provide room for maneuver, changing positions, flanking, etc. tactical RPG combat takes place on a map, usually isometric and divided into squares (and it resembles a chessboard) on which the characters can move. Each square usually represents some type of terrain and has attributes such as relative height, type of magical energy, difficulty of moving through it, etc. Thus, a sheer wall might be difficult to climb through, while a castle might have steps. The direction of the attack often affects damage and accuracy (so in , an attack from the rear is literally a hundred times stronger). In other words, proper maneuvering is extremely important in tactical RPGs, while the importance of maneuvering in a standard console RPG is often completely absent.
• Typically, battles in console RPGs, depending on the game, are either turn-based (most Dragon Quests, Final Fantasy X), or in real time (series Tales of…, Star Ocean). Tactical RPG they are mostly turn-based to allow the player to gauge the difficulty and plan their strategies. In some tactical RPG there is a real-time element, like in Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen.
• Some mainstream RPGs have de-emphasized character class ( Final Fantasy IX), and don't allow much flexibility regarding each character's combat role. Healers will always be healers, fighters will always be fighters, for example. Tactical RPG on the contrary, they tend to provide much more freedom, allowing the player to choose the class of each character, and even provide a system whereby classes change during the course of the game. Several milestones tactical RPG, including Dofus, Hoshigami: Ruining Blue Earth.
• In both genres, there are typically two phases (or turns) per round: the player's phase (turn) and the enemy's phase (turn). During each of them, units of one team are able to move and attack units of the enemy team. The phase ends when all units have performed an action. Final Fantasy Tactics And Shining Force allow you to move only one character at a time, and Vandal Hearts 2 both phases are performed simultaneously.
• In both genres, units can only move a limited distance and attack enemies within a certain radius.
• In both genres, units are typically divided into classes with specific strengths and weaknesses. Exception: series Front Mission.
• IN tactical RPG the first three concepts from 4X/4P(Expand, Explore, Exploit - Expand, Scout, Develop) are avoided in favor of a greater emphasis on battles (i.e. Destroy). Many strategy games have a separate tactical element for determining the outcome of battles, although these are usually on a much larger scale than in purely tactical games.
• System tactical RPG carries out character statistics with such parameters as: hit points (hit points, HP), magic points (mana, MP or, in some cases, SP), attack, defense, speed and accuracy, which can vary from character to character. Attacks may also have elemental properties that grant strengths and/or weaknesses in areas such as bludgeoning, piercing, or heat damage.
• Eastern tactical role-playing games typically use a swords-and-sorcery fantasy or hybrid world combining fantasy and sci-fi elements, while Western TRPGs tend to have a more realistic, contemporary military theme.
• Most Eastern TRPGs were developed for game consoles, while virtually all existing Western TRPGs were developed for.
• Eastern TRPGs are often relatively linear and committed to a specific plot, while Western TRPGs are more open-ended and rarely contain rigid plot boundaries.
• Eastern TRPGs are characterized by the presentation of a plot connecting battles through plot scenes and character dialogues, sometimes quite voluminous and lengthy. Western tactical RPGs are often limited to brief briefings between battles.
• Western TRPGs often have a world map with sectors through which you can travel in a fairly random order.
• In Western TRPGs, there are usually significantly more neutral objects on the battlefield (not belonging to either the player or the enemy) that can be interacted with - for example, destroyed.

The turn-based tactics genre is becoming relevant again.

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The turn-based tactics genre is becoming relevant again. There is no time for the success of remakes popular games and successful Kickstarter companies confirm this. New projects are released regularly, winning recognition from critics and ordinary users. In anticipation of the release of an unusual I'm not a Monster We have selected ten iconic and simply wonderful representatives of the genre. We warn you right away: it will not be in the top "Civilizations" And Master of Orion. We're talking about games that focus on small-squad combat—games that rely on intelligence, wits, and tactics to win. Intrigued? Then let's begin!

Tenth place - “Operation Silent Storm”

Who would have thought that the game was from a Russian developer? Nival will turn out to be a real hit and a trendsetter of the genre. Yes, probably many, because at that time the studio was already quite widely known. "Operation Silent Storm" talks about a special detachment during the Second World War. The spirit of a large-scale military conflict is felt every second, and the player, like a real commander, plans a foray into enemy territory.

Technically and gameplay-wise, the game in 2003 could surprise. True, at times the impression was spoiled by the appearance of ubersoldiers in exoskeletons. The fantasy elements are not to everyone's taste. Some opponents had almost cheating abilities, and the very appearance of unimaginable technology from the future confused the prevailing idea of ​​the game, which depicted in great detail the main confrontation of the 20th century. Otherwise, Silent Storm remains in the memory of many as a project that made a significant contribution to the industry.

Ninth place - Xenonauts

Xenonauts- excellent clone X-COM: UFO Defense. So excellent that we decided to put it in the top, and not the original game. The project turned out to be not a carbon copy, but rather a development of the ideas of UFO Defense. True, they looked alike, like identical twins. Again sprite graphics, albeit in high resolution, almost the same interface. The rapid response system detects a UFO, and off we go... First contact, and you are immediately plunged into a confrontation between special forces and aliens. In the first skirmish with aliens, most likely, you will lose your squad.

The game turned out to be incredibly difficult. Hardcore tactics will appeal to fans of that same X-COM, but definitely not to the mass player. Here everything is decided by preparation and development of a plan that you will have to follow step by step. And if something suddenly goes wrong, it’s a big deal. Extraterrestrial creatures easily take out fighters taken by surprise.

Eighth place - Laser Squad Nemesis

Series Laser Squad is not so well known in the CIS, but that doesn’t make it any worse. The very first game of the franchise could have been placed in the top, but we decided to go with Nemesis.
Overall, it's a standard turn-based tactical action game, but with one twist... Laser Squad Nemesis is a multiplayer game. Outstanding game designer Julian Gollop, by the way, created and X-COM series, built a system that was then used for years.

This time the player can take on the role of both a defender of humanity and an alien invader. Here you have a choice of powerful mechs, fast infantry, and a swarm of aliens. Roy literally. Everyone’s tactics are different, and the gameplay depends on who is in your squad. Some will have to get closer to the enemy and set up ambushes, while others will be able to dig in at a respectful distance and use powerful space guns along with telekinesis.

Unfortunately, Nemesis has not received any updates since 2006, but some enthusiasts still play it. No wonder, because the gameplay remains just as exciting even after years... Again, how many multiplayer turn-based tactical games do you know?

Seventh place - Into the Breach

From the creators Faster Than Light We were expecting something amazing. And for good reason. At first sight, Into the Breach It may seem simple, almost primitive, but don’t let the appearance scare you. This is a real gem of the genre with gameplay thought out to the smallest detail.

The game is reminiscent of chess in many ways, including visually. Your equipment is located on separate cells, while the ubiquitous bugs wait on others. But they have a whole bunch of chips that they can definitely surprise you with. For example, you make a move, and then it turns out that another enemy is crawling out of the ground. Right below you. Here you need to study tactics of all types and think through every move.

The gameplay changes radically, as soon as you replace the set of mechs in your squad. It’s just a pity that in terms of duration the project is almost as modest as in terms of appearance. But this is where replayability comes to the rescue. You can return to Into the Breach again and again, trying different, sometimes unobvious, tactics. For example, nowhere does it say that with a hook and a cable you can attract not only enemies, but also your own equipment. And this is just one hidden feature out of many!

Sixth place - Vandal Hearts

Through turn-based combat Vandal Hearts tells a story steeped in the spirit of medieval wars. While your squad is fighting on the battlefield, intrigues are being woven and conspiracies are being planned in the political arena.

The game is very similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, but you need to take into account that in many ways it was Vandal Hearts that served as the source of inspiration for the spin-off of the famous series. The fighters on the team are unique, even if they fit within the framework of standard classes. But there is not a single unnecessary hero. The balance is calculated to the smallest detail. And for almost every new battle you will have to come up with new tactics.

At one time, Vandal Hearts became a step towards the development of the genre, intelligently implementing and sorting out the accumulated ideas. If you decide to play it now, it's unlikely to disappoint you... As long as you're not picky about graphics. Otherwise, this is a standard turn-based tactical role-playing game from the nineties.

Fifth place - Jagged Alliance 2

In due time, the second part of the series Jagged Alliance made a lot of noise, especially in the post-Soviet space. The sequel largely followed the formula of the original, but deepened it in every single aspect. The mercenaries have become more colorful, the interface and controls have become more convenient. There was no need to get used to the game; everything was done on an intuitive level. But I had to learn to fight. Hiring fighters, choosing perks and weapons - all this required attention and calculation from the player. But it was no less fascinating than the battles with the soldiers of the usurper Queen Deidrana.

And the banana state of Arulco itself then, in 1999, amazed many with the depth of its elaboration. You had to communicate with the locals, train the people’s militia, and the player’s actions affected the world. For example, returning to the battlefield, you could find ruins there, the bodies of defeated enemies and crows circling above them. Jagged Alliance 2 has become truly iconic. And proof of people's love are dozens of mods that were carefully passed on disks from hand to hand.

It's a shame that since then there have been only failed attempts to resurrect the great series. All hope for THQ Nordic. Although... there's not much hope.

Fourth place - Shadowrun: Hong Kong

Shadowrun not like most of the games in the top. This is not only a turn-based tactics game, but also an advanced role-playing game, moreover, in a unique setting where cyberpunk is intertwined with fantasy. Here, elves wear formal suits, dwarves hack security systems, and orcs are armed not with axes, but with shotguns. The main difference between this Shadowrun and previous parts of the series is that Hong Kong is an order of magnitude larger. And we are not talking about square kilometers, but about the opportunities that the game provides. Here you have a whole field for tactical tricks, and a lot of branching dialogues. And the game is written superbly... Almost the same way it was designed. Except that the script sags in places.

The gameplay of the game is reminiscent of the same Jagged Alliance: you prepare a squad, select fighters, and so on. But on the battlefield you have to act differently. You don't have a squad of mercenaries, but thugs from Hong Kong. Every second contraction begins slowly. You are looking for ways to solve a puzzle, see how to get out of the next one. difficult situation... And then suddenly everything seems to speed up, and the tangle instantly unravels. This game has a special dynamic.

Third place - Invisible, Inc.

A game that many critics called a design miracle. Yes, in many ways this is a copy of other tactical games. You will have to hide, sneak and deceive enemies using standard techniques for the genre, but... The way Canadian developers from Klei Entertainment skillfully tie stealth into turn-based mechanics is amazing.

Each level is a challenge for attentiveness and ingenuity. You are not led by the hand, but given a whole bunch of options to choose from. The entire game is preparation for one final mission. This is both plot-driven and well-executed. In the scenario, your intelligence organization was attacked and some of the agents were captured. You have only two operatives at your disposal. Yes, as the game progresses you can free a couple more, but if the available fighters are killed, then that’s it. Start the game again.

Gameplay in Invisible, Inc. came out fresh and dynamic, but it is not the main advantage of the game. As we have already said, design is at the forefront here. The developers masterfully used colors and shapes, creating their own unique style. This is what will make you replay Invisible, Inc. Every now and again. Fortunately, mission details and levels are procedurally generated for each playthrough.

Second place - Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin became pleasant surprise for all fans of old school RPGs. But the sequel not only was not inferior to its predecessor, but also surpassed it in all respects. brainchild Larian already takes pride of place in the lists best projects last decade, and we even called it best game last year. Excellent mechanics, well-developed and deep mythology and excellent graphics. All this about Divinity: Original Sin 2.

Yes, yes, it is X-COM that comes out in first place. But this should not be surprising. It was this series of games that largely influenced the turn-based tactics genre. And you’ve heard its name more than once in the top.

Could easily be in first place original game from the nineties, but Enemy Unknown deserves a high title no less. After all, it is this part of the franchise that is responsible for returning the genre to its former glory.

Firaxis Games They didn’t just revive what was created twenty years ago. No, they became a real example for all remake creators, giving new life exactly the original idea. The game retained the atmosphere and spirit of that very X-COM, but was modernized and adapted for modern players.

The gameplay has changed and become more intuitive. Fights with alien invaders drag on and don’t let go. In addition, looking for a way out of stalemate situations is now much more exciting. Hardcore is accurately and accurately mixed with accessibility.

There are many varieties of aliens, and they are all unique. Each battle with them turns into a separate little story that could pass for an episode of a science fiction series. And if you also study the dossier of your fighters, it can turn into a real drama. From first contact to the end of the campaign, you can lose a lot of operatives. And every loss is perceived as personal. In order for as many comrades as possible to remain alive, you will have to learn the habits of the enemy and the abilities of all your fighters.

The global part is no less fascinating. Management will take a lot of time, but will give you a lot of emotions. It’s worth mentioning the design of Enemy Unknown, which is now being copied by everyone.