Summary
The strategic thrills of turn-based gaming go hand in hand with the often battle-heavy nature of epic fantasy. When paired up, the two genres can offer players a unique, immersive experience that provides both magic and war-focused action.
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Thanks to the turn-based mechanics, players can enjoy the freedom of carefully constructing their next move, whilst getting engrossed in fantasy storytelling. From tactical, high-stakes wars to complex, narrative-altering decision-making, turn-based, fantasy games can provide a satisfying blend of technical strategy and high-concept plotting. Here are six such epics that managed to keep gamers hooked.
6Total War: Warhammer 2 – A High-Intensity, Turn-Based Epic
Blending the iconic world ofWarhammerwith the intense, strategic gameplay oftheTotal Warseries, this epic sequel is brimming with thrilling battles. Featuring a real-time tactics system, this 2017 release managed to eclipse its predecessor on every front.
The game’s immersive turn-based campaign provides players with opportunities to conquer territories, engage in diplomacy, and form dangerous alliances. Such exciting developments stem from the epic battles that make up the bulk of the playing time, throwing gamers into heated, real-time conflictswith a diverse selection of powerful factions. The fantastical blend of potent magic, intimidating monsters, and world-building within theWarhammer Fantasyuniverse quickly established this as a standout entry inWarhammer’s long history of thrilling video games.
5Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance – Takes The Disgaea Series In A More Challenging Direction
This tactical RPG took gamers on a wild ride through the hectic Netherworlds, chock-full of intense turn and grid-based combat sequences. With a noticeably grittier plot than previous entries in the series, this 2015 release tookDisgaeain a new and exciting direction.
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The narrative zeroes in on Killia, a demon looking for payback against the Void Dark. The vengeful nature of the odyssey displayed in this game is a key part of its appeal, providing players with a harsher, darker adventure that fits perfectly with the high-stakes, strategic action on hand. With a wide range of side quests, classes, teammates, and exciting post-main game challenges on offer, Disgaea 5 gives gamers plenty of bang for their buck.Coupled with a distinctive art styleand a catchy soundtrack,Alliance of Vengeanceis a consistently engrossing piece of turn-based gaming.
4Final Fantasy Tactics – A Landmark Entry In The Classic Series
Since first hitting the shelves all the way back in 1997,Final Fantasy Tacticshas enjoyed a strong cult following. Itimpresses players and critics alikewith its epic battles and intricate gameplay mechanics.
Taking gamers to the kingdom of Ivalice, this turn-basedFinal Fantasyinstallment sports a deep, thoughtful narrative, supremely immersive gameplay, and complex tactical combat. In battle, players must think carefully about the abilities they want to utilize against a variety of dangerous opposition and terrain.Tacticsalso provides players with a rich character progression systemand extensive customization options, further assisting in players being able to tailor their team’s talents for their own brand of play style. Thanks to its impressive visuals and soundtrack on top of everything else,Final Fantasy Tacticsis a timeless gem in the turn-based strategy category.
3Heroes Of Might And Magic 3 – An Immersive, Battle Strategy Extravaganza
Boasting seven different campaigns to play through, from the third entry inthe classicHeroes of Might and Magicserieswowed players with its narrative variety and gameplay options. With competitive online play to enjoy on top of everything else, this fantasy epic has plenty of replay value.
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The game impressively balances exploration, strategic battles, and resource management for an immersive experience. Over time, players get to enjoy building their own armies, developing their heroes, and conquering vast portions of the fantasy world of Antagarich. With charmingly nostalgic graphics by modern standards, the battle-focused epic intrigues players with its collection of factions, atmospheric soundtrack, and alarmingly addictive gameplay loop. Overall, it remains a landmark moment in turn-based strategy gaming decades after its initial release.
2Fire Emblem: Awakening – A Masterclass In High-Stakes, Tactical Action
Picking up a whopping 2000 years after the events of the first two entries in the series,Fire Emblem: Awakeningthrows players into more of the tactical battlefield action the series is known for. Awakening manages to both live up to the legacy of the originals whilst also tweaking its signature gameplay style for a more modern generation of gamers.
Players are thrust into a post-war period in Ylisse, with the world now divided into three troubled kingdoms. The game’s tactics-focused battles require considerable planning and forethought from gamers, as they must consider everything from weapons and skills to unit placement. Much like its predecessors, Awakening also has a permadeath feature, adding an extra layer of urgency and tension as players run the risk of losing allies for good. With its effective blend of challenging gameplay and immersive storytelling, thisFire Emblemchaptercontinues to stand outas a seminal turn-based piece of gaming.
1Divinity: Original Sin 2 – A Dark Fantasy Epic
Sporting a rich and complex lead storyline, thisDivinityinstallment transports players to the impressively detailed world of Rivellon. Gamers take control of a Sorcerer and must make tough decision that willchange the fantasy world on offer forever.
When it comes to turn-based strategy,Divinity: Original Sin IIis an effective piece of isometric viewpoint gaming. With a litany of powers and weapons to sift through, players must decide the best course of action when confronting the game’s diverse array of adversaries. The game also offers players ahigh degree of creative freedomwhen it comes to both character customization and overall progression. With engrossing, tactical gameplay and an immersive narrative, this fantasy game works like a charm in providing players with effective, turn-based thrills to enjoy.
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