turn-based tactics Archives

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

New Roguelikes & Roguelites in September 2026: The Monthly Update

- Serious Sam: Shatterverse was released on August 31 for PC (Win). - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault was released on September 2 for PC (Win), PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox. - Cosmo Tales entered Early Access on September 3 for PC (Win). - Rutrum was released on September 3 for PC (Win). - Mewgenics was released on September 8 for PS5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series. - Wanderburg entered Early Access on September 8 for PC (Win). - Ex Sanguis entered Early Access on September 10 for PC (Win). - Roguecraft DX was released on September 10 for PC (Win). - Forsworn was released on September 10 for PC (Lin, Win). - Fresh Tracks VR was released on September 10 for PC VR. - Shroom and Gloom entered Early Access on September 11 for PC (Mac, Win). - Dunebound Tactics was released on September 14 for PC (Win). - Cloudbreaker was released on September 15 for PC (Lin, Win). - Fleetbreakers entered Early Access on September 15 for PC (Win). - Sublight was released on September 15 for PC (Win). - Two Sides of Hell was released on September 17 for PC (Win). - Furyball: Rogue Revenge entered Early Access on September 23 for PC (Win). - Stick It to the Stickman was released on September 23 for PC (Win).

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Heroes of Might and Magic 3 Remake doesn’t dare touch the “magical balance” of the original

Jean-Félix Monin and his team at Ubisoft are developing a remake of Heroes of Might and Magic 3, acknowledging the dedicated fanbase and the legacy of the original game. To ensure the remake resonates with both new and veteran players, they established a panel of insiders for design reviews. The core elements of the original game will remain intact, but the remake will transition to 3D graphics to provide a fresh experience. The Heroes of Might and Magic 3 Remake is set for release in 2027 and is seen as complementary to the early access title Olden Era, which also modernizes the franchise.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs ‘have their loud, vocal advocates,’ Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre

Tim Cain discussed RPG combat styles on his YouTube channel, emphasizing a balanced view between turn-based and real-time gameplay. He highlighted the "real-time with pause" (RTWP) system, which allows players to queue commands while the game is paused, as a unique blend of strategy and action. James Brawley, a lead designer for the upcoming turn-based tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, acknowledged the merits of RTWP and expressed optimism about its resurgence, indicating a significant audience for this style. Both combat styles have unique strengths and can coexist, influencing the future of RPGs.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 review

Mechanicus 2 is a follow-up to the original Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games, priced at £31.50. It is available now on Windows 11 but does not support multiplayer or Steam Deck. The sequel features two distinct campaigns, allowing players to choose between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the necrons, offering a deeper exploration of the necrons' complexities. Unlike its predecessor, Mechanicus 2 limits players to five named leaders with basic upgrade trees, reducing customization options. Technical issues include subtitle bugs and performance problems, and the soundtrack is less impactful than the original. The game lacks the charm and innovation of the first installment, despite being enjoyable as a casual experience.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

40K XCOM-like Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is getting a sequel and this time we’ll get to purge ‘seven distinctive enemy factions’

In 1998, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate was released as a turn-based tactics game featuring the Ultramarines and Chaos. In 2022, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters was launched, focusing on the Grey Knights and their battle against Chaos, drawing inspiration from the XCOM series. Daemonhunters received feedback regarding limited enemy diversity, primarily featuring Nurgle's minions. A sequel is announced to introduce seven distinct enemy factions. The Warhammer Skulls showcase revealed updates including a release date and DLC roadmap for Dawn of War 4, a new Skitarii class for Darktide, a platformer with a ratman protagonist, and tiger warrior DLC for Total War: Warhammer 3. Updates will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players ‘increasingly favour more real-time experiences in games’

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, noted a trend towards real-time mechanics in RPGs, suggesting that action-oriented games are gaining popularity while turn-based strategies are seen as "legacy genres." He appreciates games that allow for strategic deliberation but acknowledges the growing player desire for a blend of turn-based tactics and real-time decision-making, as seen in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite the shift towards real-time mechanics in newer Final Fantasy titles, there has been a resurgence of turn-based gameplay, evidenced by the success of games like Persona and the Yakuza series' transition to turn-based combat. The preference for gameplay styles may depend more on player expectations than demographic trends, with modern titles often featuring high production values aligned with real-time action, while isometric or top-down RPGs typically favor turn-based mechanics.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Menace’s first major early access update overhauls its least interesting faction and jettisons its reviled promotion tax system: ‘We have done away with it’

Menace is a turn-based tactics game currently in early access, receiving positive feedback for its engaging strategy despite some initial issues. A major update, called the 'Redacted' update, has been released, introducing significant changes to core features and mechanics, enhancing gameplay and addressing previous concerns. Additionally, the gaming community is looking forward to the upcoming release of Star Wars: Zero Company, which draws inspiration from Mass Effect and X-COM.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

One of the Best Games of the 2010s Is Now Free for Millions of PC Gamers

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a turn-based tactics game developed by 2K Games and Firaxis Games, is available for free to Amazon Prime members with a GOG account until July 1. The game, originally released in 2012, is a reimagining of the 1994 classic UFO: Enemy Unknown and has a Metacritic score of 91. Players can expect around 30 hours to complete the main storyline, with completionists potentially investing up to 70 hours. The offer includes the “Complete Pack” version, which features the XCOM: Enemy Within expansion and all previously released add-on content.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company director has ‘an axe to grind’ with turn-based tactics, says fans don’t have to settle for no story, crummy graphics, and clunky controls: ‘Depth doesn’t cost you elegance’

Greg Foertsch, the creative director of Star Wars: Zero Company, believes that a compelling narrative is essential for tactics games, challenging the idea that they can succeed solely on strategic gameplay. He emphasizes that tactics games can successfully combine engaging narratives with strategic depth, as demonstrated in his previous work on Marvel's Midnight Suns. Foertsch aims to redefine expectations in the genre by delivering a game that excels in both storytelling and visual appeal.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

‘Early on in the 2000s, we got enamored with consoles and I think certain games didn’t make the leap right:⁠’ Star Wars Zero Company’s director has a theory about why old school PC gaming genres are back with a vengeance

Greg Foertsch, the creative director of Star Wars Zero Company, discussed the revival of traditional PC gaming genres, particularly real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based tactics, during a dialogue with PCG associate editor Ted Litchfield. He highlighted the challenges faced by fans of grand strategy, 4X, and CRPGs from the early 2000s to the 2010s, noting that players seeking these complex experiences were primarily limited to PC platforms. Foertsch mentioned the barriers such as InstallShield wizards and intimidating online communities that hindered newcomers. He also indicated that Zero Company aims to provide a rich gaming experience beyond just a combination of Star Wars and XCOM. A full preview of the game is available, along with a comprehensive guide article for readers to stay informed about its developments.