turn-based Archives

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions, Beastro, Undisputed, and More

Herdling (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 4, available with Game Pass Premium. Total Chaos (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 4, included with Game Pass Premium. Solarpunk (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 8, available on day one with XBOX Game Pass. Undisputed (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – June 8, available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Persona 5 Royal (Cloud, Console, and PC) – June 9, available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Beastro (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – June 11, available through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Frog Sqwad (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 11, available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (Game Preview) (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 11, available day one on XBOX Game Pass. Junkster (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – June 16, available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Batman: Arkham Knight (PC, Handheld) – May 16, part of the XBOX on PC lineup. Escape the Backrooms (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 28, available through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. EA Sports UFC 6: EA Play Early Access Trial (Console) – Coming June 12, includes a 10-hour trial and progress carryover. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: Blitz Bushido Set (Cloud, Console, and PC) – Available now, includes exclusive skins for a limited time. Leaving June 15: - Jurassic World Evolution 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Warhammer 40K Space Marine: Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (Cloud, Console, and PC)

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

The Baldur’s Gate remakes should scrap the original combat system and fully embrace superior turn-based fights

Baldur's Gate 2 and potentially the original Baldur's Gate are set to receive remakes, with Wizards of the Coast re-engaging BG2's co-lead designer. A community poll indicated that 75% of participants prefer turn-based (TB) combat systems over real-time with pause (RTWP). The success of Baldur's Gate 3 has highlighted how TB mechanics can enhance combat, making it more strategic and engaging. Adopting a TB system could align gameplay with Dungeons & Dragons principles and improve the authenticity of the experience. However, remakes should balance innovation with the preservation of character complexities and narrative dynamics from the original games.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

A Baldur’s Gate 2 remake is apparently in development, with the original co-lead designer returning

Wizards of the Coast is planning a revival of classic titles, specifically focusing on remakes of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. Kevin Martens, a former BioWare developer known for his work on Baldur's Gate 2, is involved with Archetype Entertainment, a subsidiary of Wizards of the Coast. Fans are hoping for gameplay that combines nostalgia with modern mechanics, including real-time-with-pause battles and an optional turn-based mode. Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast's parent company, has faced challenges in leveraging the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons game while leaving Warlock as the only remaining project outside the traditional Baldur's Gate experience.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

Story-driven Japanese-inspired RPG Full Circle announced for consoles, PC

Publisher Deck13 Spotlight, in collaboration with 2nd Player Games, has announced a new pixel art RPG titled Full Circle, which is inspired by classic PlayStation games. The game will be available on PC via Steam, with more details to be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in August. Full Circle is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where humanity lives in the skies, and players will navigate a world filled with mutated beasts and rival cities. The game features strategic turn-based combat, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative that explores themes of hope and melancholy. Players can customize their party, engage in various activities, and explore distinct landscapes.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

I’m sorry, but I’m here to say that I really do not enjoy parrying stuff in videogames

The introduction of parrying mechanics into turn-based combat games has caused confusion and frustration among players who value the strategic depth of traditional turn-based gameplay. Many gamers feel overwhelmed by this shift, longing for simpler mechanics that allow for strategic planning rather than reactionary gameplay. While some appreciate the challenge of parrying, others believe it detracts from the satisfaction of executing well-thought-out plans. There is a desire for game developers to explore alternative ways to challenge players without relying on trends like parrying, which may not align with the core essence of turn-based games. Players yearn for a return to the simplicity and depth that once defined the genre.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Dragon Quest XII finally resurfaces with its first trailer as a new Monsters game heads to Xbox and PC

Dragon Quest 12 has been officially renamed from "Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate" to "Dragon Quest 12: Beyond Dreams." A new trailer has been released, showcasing the game's visuals and art direction. Additionally, a new installment in the Dragon Quest Monsters series, titled "Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World," is in development and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game will feature younger versions of characters Bianca and Nera from Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride.

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 27, 2026

Two Brilliant-Looking Indie Games Come Out This Week

IO Interactive is releasing 007 First Light, while indie titles Mina the Hollower and Enter the Chronosphere are also launching. Mina the Hollower is developed by Yacht Club Games and features a mouse navigating dungeons with challenges inspired by Castlevania and Zelda. Enter the Chronosphere is a sci-fi turn-based bullet hell roguelike from Effort Star, noted for its psychedelic art style and positive early reviews. Release dates include: - May 25: Paralives, Enter the Chronosphere (early access), EMUUROM, Jump King Quest, RUNNING TRAIN - May 26: Stonemachia, Town to City (1.0), World of Tanks: Heat, Birushana: Winds of Fate, LumenTale: Memories of Trey, Romestead, Realm of Ink, Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos, Teamfight Manager 2 - May 27: 007 First Light, Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 (port), Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered, Starminer - May 28: Amanda the Adventurer 3, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, Clockfall, Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten, Schrödinger’s Call, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (port), Stray (port), Touhou Yukkuri Mountain, Scale the Depths, STARDUST: Wish of Witch - May 29: Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition (port), Mina the Hollower

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

8 New Free Games Now Available On Steam For You To Play

Steam has released a selection of new free games available for download, including: - Another Zombie Shooter: A real-time accuracy tracker rewards precision in this shooter game. - Mulligan Keep: A cooperative deck-building dungeon crawler for up to four players. - The Pinkman Files: A fast-paced, turn-based combat game with detective elements. - Crown Chaos: A multiplayer party game focused on gaining points by controlling zones. - Knockout Carnival: An online multiplayer party game with chaotic physics-based challenges. - Laser Harp VR: A game where players organize a live show using a laser harp instrument. - Divine Diner: A narrative game about a demigod seeking to find their godly father. - ICR - Multiplayer Car Racing: An online multiplayer racing game with high-speed competition.

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Steam Giving Away $40 Game for Free

PC gamers can download Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War for free until May 28. The game, developed by Proxy Studios and Slitherine, is a turn-based 4X strategy title released in 2018, set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It has a Metacritic score of 71 and an 81% approval rating based on over 5,152 user reviews on Steam. Players can choose from four factions and engage in tactical warfare without diplomacy or technological advancements. While there is extensive downloadable content available, the base game provides a complete experience on its own.