Turn-Based versus Real-Time
Some of you will be thinking “what about real-time strategy?” and that's a good question. Well, real-time strategy games are quite a different beast to the turn-based style and ultimately I just don't really enjoy them as much. I like having the opportunity to consider what my options are before making a decision and acting upon it. Real-time strategy demands that you make that decision on the fly and with the challenge I'm looking for that just doesn't sit well. I find real-time strategy games don’t offer the same kind of depth of system that turn-based strategy games normally offer either. They share a lot of similarities for sure but I just find them offering too little to keep me interested in the long term.
Console versus PC
Before mentioning some favourites (Civilisation and XCOM) it’s important to consider the difference between console and PC systems. The Civilisation and XCOM series of games are from the same developer, Firaxis Games, and It's true to say I'm pretty thankful for what they've done with consistently high quality titles in this genre. Most recently of course they have released Civilisation: Beyond Earth for the PC and I will be astronomically ecstatic If they ever bring that to consoles, however remote a possibility that may be. It's a shame there are not many more developers doing this kind of work for consoles but the reality is that the genre of turn-based strategy fit's so much better on PC which is due mainly to 2 issues I believe. Firstly, that these kind of games, with more complex systems and mechanics, can suffer from the limitations of using a controller as your input device rather than a keyboard and mouse. Although the end result is simply down to how well the developers have managed to implement the UI and control system on a controller, rather than any kind of hardware limitation. Secondly, that console gamers are, generally speaking, not looking for this kind of experience. PC gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to turn-based strategy and there’s a lot of gems I’ve missed being a console gamer but that’s just how the cookie crumbles. A quick look at Steam’s games selection right now will show you a glut of quality turn-based games already available, both old and new. Truth is I've never really been an avid PC gamer. I've flirted with it once or twice but for me, playing a lot of other style games also, I prefer the intuitive feel of a controller and to be seated in front of my large screen TV rather than at a desk with a monitor.
The Civilisation Series
The Civilisation franchise (as is the common term now) has several iterations but it was Civilisation 4 (PC) and Civilisation Revolution (Xbox 360) that I played the most.
Civilisation 4 has absolutely enormous depth, especially so when you include the 2 expansion packs that are available for it: Warlords and Beyond the Sword. The latter even included a new game mechanic called Corporations. You could easily spend months and even years playing this game, getting to know the finer details of the system, and still you would be challenged. I spent a phenomenal amount of hours playing this title and had many mornings late for work just because I just had to take one more turn...
For those of you unfamiliar with the Civilisation series (where have you been!) here's a brief synopsis of the gameplay's method: After you've chosen your Leader (think Alexander the Great or Queen Victoria of England) you are placed on a region of the randomly generated map with just a couple of starting units depending on your chosen Leader. In most cases you would start off with one Warrior unit and one Settler unit. The first thing you’d do is place your settler somewhere in the local terrain then you can turn that initial settler unit into your first city. Once that's done the game really begins. From here you'll take your fledgling civilisation and nurture it, create more settlers to found new city's, workers to work the land, archers to defend you city’s walls. Grow an empire, raise an army, found religions and send missionaries abroad, make treaty's and trade deals, make enemies and allies, defend your territory and vanquish your foes. All of this across the river of time taking your civilisation through human technological advancement, from stone-age man to the modern world. Crikey! There’s a lot going on there but for me It just doesn't get any better than that.
Civilisation Revolution was the console version of the Civilisation series released in 2008 on PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS. I had many, many fun hours with this game, getting to 100% completion and only finally putting it down a few months before the release of the PS4 in fact. It was a fantastic console realisation of the Civilisation series but more importantly here, what Revolutions shows us is that a stand-out turn-based strategy game and/or Civilisation title could be done on console and was not the preserve of PC gamers alone. Thank goodness!
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM:Enemy Unknown is another great example of the genre, funnily enough from the same company that brought us the Civilisation series; they do know what they're doing there. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is set in the not-too-distant future where Earth is assaulted by alien forces and it's up to YOU to fight back the invasion and save Earth and humanity. You construct a team equipped with the latest technology and battle against ever-increasingly devious alien forces. In Enemy Unknown you will be harshly punished for your mistakes; sending rookie recruits off too far of your flanks or leaving them under-protected will see them quickly succumb to the merciless invaders. Get that rookie through a mission or two though and they'll start earning rank, becoming one of 4 initial classes: Assault, Support, Heavy and Sniper. As you begin to push back the tide of alien invaders you'll learn some of their secrets too, even turning their technology back at them. After you've researched any recovered items you will begin to create new technology and weapons and maybe even unlock unknown human brain potential! How cool is that? Very, would be my answer.
What is it about turn-based strategy games I love?
In most cases it's the sheer depth of games systems and mechanics I find irresistible. More often than not I'll start many different game saves with varying amounts of progress to simply explore the possibilities of said system before deciding on my favoured method of progression. Only then getting on to actually attempting to beat the game. Makes me feel like a mad scientist sitting in front of his latest crazy contraption, pulling levers and flicking switches in all sorts of combinations to experiment and discover actually “what can this machine do?” Move, counter-move, analyse, move again. “Check and mate” or as more frequently happens “Check and, oh, darn it, I died...”. A significant portion of how you learn the system of these games is done on a trial and error basis. If one method fails you'll need to analyse what you did wrong, go back, make adjustments to your strategy and try again. Repeat until success. Getting it right and succeeding is all about learning from your mistakes and as long as you do that you're on the right path to success. Once you overcome any particular hurdle though you'll find a renewed spirit and surge forward into unknown territory. Of course, that is until you encounter the next hurdle because there are normally many, but that's the challenge right?
Another large part of the attraction for me is the number-crunching. Yep, I was one of those at school who actually enjoyed algebra simply for the sake of the puzzle. It’s about the moment of satisfaction you get when you make that breakthrough and overcome the obstacle. It’s also that I just can't help getting excited by feeling the grind in my brain weighing up all the possible min/max’s and probable eventualities or outcomes. I know, I know, I probably should get out more, but then who's going to rule the world?
Current Turn-Based Strategy Games on the PS4
At the time of writing this the only significant turn-based strategy game I’m aware of on the PS4 is Natural Doctrine. You could say Natural Doctrine is a lot like marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. Personally I have enjoyed my time with it but make no mistake, it's a tough one. Incredibly unforgiving in fact but that's just part and parcel of turn-based strategy gaming for me, although this title definitely pushes what’s reasonable and fun to the limit. The smallest mistake or error of judgement in Natural Doctrine will see only one of your party members fall before it's game over, requiring you to reload your last save and try again. And so, not for the feint of heart but reasonably rewarding nonetheless. Certainly worth some consideration if you're a turn-based strategy fan.
There are a few other games worth mentioning here. Not strictly turn-based strategy games in the true sense of the definition but most definitely offering a certain degree of strategy and/or turn-based mechanics. Those I’m thinking of are Child of Light and Transistor.
Child of Light has a turn-based combat mechanic that works really well. Each character in your party, as well as the enemy’s, works in battle at different speeds on a timeline. It is the combination of different party members, and hence speeds, that become the critical factor for success. The wrong party members will see your hopes of success in battle quickly dashed but the opposite is also true, so mix up your party a little if you come across a difficult enemy or boss.
Transistor I absolutely fell in love with and it still makes me feel warm inside thinking about it’s silicone logic based thematics. From the very beginning I became totally enraptured with the art style and music and was swept away with the story and world created within. The strategy aspect comes from assigning the Transistors powers which you unlock as you level up. There are 16 different ‘functions’ which can be combined in a surprising array of variations and it’s these variable combinations that provide the strategy aspect. Seriously, If you’ve read this far and have not played the game go and get it.
What's to come for PS4?
This is the best bit. There's are some potentially fantastic strategy games in the pipeline for the PS4 and here's a short list of those I’m aware of below:
Blood Bowl 2 should be released sometime in 2015 and is a faithful digital recreation of the original Games Workshop board game. Set in the Warhammer Universe Blood Bowl is basically a game of American Football but with menace. It’s a turn-based sports game where you start with a team of the race of your choice (think Halflings, Dark Elves, Dwarves, Chaos beings and more. Humans are there too of course) and then take that team through tournaments and league’s, much the same way you would do with any sports league based game. The difference with Blood Bowl though is the sheer downright nastiness of the competition. Nothing is off the cards as you use every single dirty trick in the book (as long as the referee isn’t looking!) to get that ball in the touchdown zone. This is no simple task though and Blood Bowl is a dangerous sport where it’s not unheard of for players to die on the field, maybe even getting eaten by ravenous trolls.
The Banner Saga I’m very, very much looking forward to this title. The art, the music, the Nordic theme and the promise of a great story to unfold. Originally released on PC some time ago now and a sequel is already in the works but we should get to enjoy the original on PS4 in the next few months before the follow up a short while later.
Skulls of the Shogun is a quirky little turn-based strategy game with a classical Japanese theme which looks a lot of fun. It was released for PC some time ago now and we are overdue for the release on the PS4. Hopefully it will make an appearance sometime soon. Potential PS+ title I’m thinking.
Most of these should be out this year (2015) pending any production delays of course and I'm going to be checking out all of them, particularly Blood Bowl and The Banner Saga.
A Little Wishful Thinking
Looking elsewhere there are some fantastic strategy games that really could do with a PS4 port. Massive Chalice is a turn-based strategy game that I’ve come across in recent months and hope to see it come over to PS4 from it’s native PC format. If we’re lucky we may see this released alongside or shortly after the promised Xbox One version. Another that has grabbed my attention is a roguelike turn-based RPG called Darkest Dungeon and I’m pleased to say this should be with us on the PS4 in the near future although that’s not a confirmed reality just yet.
Ok, that’s pretty much it. Some questions though:
Do you prefer real-time strategy to turn-based? If so why?
How do you find console and PC strategy games compare? Can console iterations even compare to those released on PC?
What do you love or even hate about the genre? Why so?
Yes, that’s definitely it. Your turn.
Sharing My Love for Turn-Based Strategy
I love playing video games and I’m fairly sure most of you do too. That’s why we’re here right? Probably much like you I’ve played all genres of games over the years. After a while though you may come to realise there is one kind that you love more than others. For me that favourite, just in front of RPG’s, is turn-based strategy games. My preferred platform is console too (PS4) and I’ve mentioned that here because it’s a pretty significant point considering the genre.Turn-Based versus Real-Time
Some of you will be thinking “what about real-time strategy?” and that's a good question. Well, real-time strategy games are quite a different beast to the turn-based style and ultimately I just don't really enjoy them as much. I like having the opportunity to consider what my options are before making a decision and acting upon it. Real-time strategy demands that you make that decision on the fly and with the challenge I'm looking for that just doesn't sit well. I find real-time strategy games don’t offer the same kind of depth of system that turn-based strategy games normally offer either. They share a lot of similarities for sure but I just find them offering too little to keep me interested in the long term.
Console versus PC
Before mentioning some favourites (Civilisation and XCOM) it’s important to consider the difference between console and PC systems. The Civilisation and XCOM series of games are from the same developer, Firaxis Games, and It's true to say I'm pretty thankful for what they've done with consistently high quality titles in this genre. Most recently of course they have released Civilisation: Beyond Earth for the PC and I will be astronomically ecstatic If they ever bring that to consoles, however remote a possibility that may be. It's a shame there are not many more developers doing this kind of work for consoles but the reality is that the genre of turn-based strategy fit's so much better on PC which is due mainly to 2 issues I believe. Firstly, that these kind of games, with more complex systems and mechanics, can suffer from the limitations of using a controller as your input device rather than a keyboard and mouse. Although the end result is simply down to how well the developers have managed to implement the UI and control system on a controller, rather than any kind of hardware limitation. Secondly, that console gamers are, generally speaking, not looking for this kind of experience. PC gamers are spoilt for choice when it comes to turn-based strategy and there’s a lot of gems I’ve missed being a console gamer but that’s just how the cookie crumbles. A quick look at Steam’s games selection right now will show you a glut of quality turn-based games already available, both old and new. Truth is I've never really been an avid PC gamer. I've flirted with it once or twice but for me, playing a lot of other style games also, I prefer the intuitive feel of a controller and to be seated in front of my large screen TV rather than at a desk with a monitor.
The Civilisation Series
The Civilisation franchise (as is the common term now) has several iterations but it was Civilisation 4 (PC) and Civilisation Revolution (Xbox 360) that I played the most.
Civilisation 4 has absolutely enormous depth, especially so when you include the 2 expansion packs that are available for it: Warlords and Beyond the Sword. The latter even included a new game mechanic called Corporations. You could easily spend months and even years playing this game, getting to know the finer details of the system, and still you would be challenged. I spent a phenomenal amount of hours playing this title and had many mornings late for work just because I just had to take one more turn...
For those of you unfamiliar with the Civilisation series (where have you been!) here's a brief synopsis of the gameplay's method: After you've chosen your Leader (think Alexander the Great or Queen Victoria of England) you are placed on a region of the randomly generated map with just a couple of starting units depending on your chosen Leader. In most cases you would start off with one Warrior unit and one Settler unit. The first thing you’d do is place your settler somewhere in the local terrain then you can turn that initial settler unit into your first city. Once that's done the game really begins. From here you'll take your fledgling civilisation and nurture it, create more settlers to found new city's, workers to work the land, archers to defend you city’s walls. Grow an empire, raise an army, found religions and send missionaries abroad, make treaty's and trade deals, make enemies and allies, defend your territory and vanquish your foes. All of this across the river of time taking your civilisation through human technological advancement, from stone-age man to the modern world. Crikey! There’s a lot going on there but for me It just doesn't get any better than that.
Civilisation Revolution was the console version of the Civilisation series released in 2008 on PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS. I had many, many fun hours with this game, getting to 100% completion and only finally putting it down a few months before the release of the PS4 in fact. It was a fantastic console realisation of the Civilisation series but more importantly here, what Revolutions shows us is that a stand-out turn-based strategy game and/or Civilisation title could be done on console and was not the preserve of PC gamers alone. Thank goodness!
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM:Enemy Unknown is another great example of the genre, funnily enough from the same company that brought us the Civilisation series; they do know what they're doing there. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is set in the not-too-distant future where Earth is assaulted by alien forces and it's up to YOU to fight back the invasion and save Earth and humanity. You construct a team equipped with the latest technology and battle against ever-increasingly devious alien forces. In Enemy Unknown you will be harshly punished for your mistakes; sending rookie recruits off too far of your flanks or leaving them under-protected will see them quickly succumb to the merciless invaders. Get that rookie through a mission or two though and they'll start earning rank, becoming one of 4 initial classes: Assault, Support, Heavy and Sniper. As you begin to push back the tide of alien invaders you'll learn some of their secrets too, even turning their technology back at them. After you've researched any recovered items you will begin to create new technology and weapons and maybe even unlock unknown human brain potential! How cool is that? Very, would be my answer.
What is it about turn-based strategy games I love?
In most cases it's the sheer depth of games systems and mechanics I find irresistible. More often than not I'll start many different game saves with varying amounts of progress to simply explore the possibilities of said system before deciding on my favoured method of progression. Only then getting on to actually attempting to beat the game. Makes me feel like a mad scientist sitting in front of his latest crazy contraption, pulling levers and flicking switches in all sorts of combinations to experiment and discover actually “what can this machine do?” Move, counter-move, analyse, move again. “Check and mate” or as more frequently happens “Check and, oh, darn it, I died...”. A significant portion of how you learn the system of these games is done on a trial and error basis. If one method fails you'll need to analyse what you did wrong, go back, make adjustments to your strategy and try again. Repeat until success. Getting it right and succeeding is all about learning from your mistakes and as long as you do that you're on the right path to success. Once you overcome any particular hurdle though you'll find a renewed spirit and surge forward into unknown territory. Of course, that is until you encounter the next hurdle because there are normally many, but that's the challenge right?
Another large part of the attraction for me is the number-crunching. Yep, I was one of those at school who actually enjoyed algebra simply for the sake of the puzzle. It’s about the moment of satisfaction you get when you make that breakthrough and overcome the obstacle. It’s also that I just can't help getting excited by feeling the grind in my brain weighing up all the possible min/max’s and probable eventualities or outcomes. I know, I know, I probably should get out more, but then who's going to rule the world?
Current Turn-Based Strategy Games on the PS4
At the time of writing this the only significant turn-based strategy game I’m aware of on the PS4 is Natural Doctrine. You could say Natural Doctrine is a lot like marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. Personally I have enjoyed my time with it but make no mistake, it's a tough one. Incredibly unforgiving in fact but that's just part and parcel of turn-based strategy gaming for me, although this title definitely pushes what’s reasonable and fun to the limit. The smallest mistake or error of judgement in Natural Doctrine will see only one of your party members fall before it's game over, requiring you to reload your last save and try again. And so, not for the feint of heart but reasonably rewarding nonetheless. Certainly worth some consideration if you're a turn-based strategy fan.
There are a few other games worth mentioning here. Not strictly turn-based strategy games in the true sense of the definition but most definitely offering a certain degree of strategy and/or turn-based mechanics. Those I’m thinking of are Child of Light and Transistor.
Child of Light has a turn-based combat mechanic that works really well. Each character in your party, as well as the enemy’s, works in battle at different speeds on a timeline. It is the combination of different party members, and hence speeds, that become the critical factor for success. The wrong party members will see your hopes of success in battle quickly dashed but the opposite is also true, so mix up your party a little if you come across a difficult enemy or boss.
Transistor I absolutely fell in love with and it still makes me feel warm inside thinking about it’s silicone logic based thematics. From the very beginning I became totally enraptured with the art style and music and was swept away with the story and world created within. The strategy aspect comes from assigning the Transistors powers which you unlock as you level up. There are 16 different ‘functions’ which can be combined in a surprising array of variations and it’s these variable combinations that provide the strategy aspect. Seriously, If you’ve read this far and have not played the game go and get it.
What's to come for PS4?
This is the best bit. There's are some potentially fantastic strategy games in the pipeline for the PS4 and here's a short list of those I’m aware of below:
Blood Bowl 2 should be released sometime in 2015 and is a faithful digital recreation of the original Games Workshop board game. Set in the Warhammer Universe Blood Bowl is basically a game of American Football but with menace. It’s a turn-based sports game where you start with a team of the race of your choice (think Halflings, Dark Elves, Dwarves, Chaos beings and more. Humans are there too of course) and then take that team through tournaments and league’s, much the same way you would do with any sports league based game. The difference with Blood Bowl though is the sheer downright nastiness of the competition. Nothing is off the cards as you use every single dirty trick in the book (as long as the referee isn’t looking!) to get that ball in the touchdown zone. This is no simple task though and Blood Bowl is a dangerous sport where it’s not unheard of for players to die on the field, maybe even getting eaten by ravenous trolls.
The Banner Saga I’m very, very much looking forward to this title. The art, the music, the Nordic theme and the promise of a great story to unfold. Originally released on PC some time ago now and a sequel is already in the works but we should get to enjoy the original on PS4 in the next few months before the follow up a short while later.
Skulls of the Shogun is a quirky little turn-based strategy game with a classical Japanese theme which looks a lot of fun. It was released for PC some time ago now and we are overdue for the release on the PS4. Hopefully it will make an appearance sometime soon. Potential PS+ title I’m thinking.
Most of these should be out this year (2015) pending any production delays of course and I'm going to be checking out all of them, particularly Blood Bowl and The Banner Saga.
A Little Wishful Thinking
Looking elsewhere there are some fantastic strategy games that really could do with a PS4 port. Massive Chalice is a turn-based strategy game that I’ve come across in recent months and hope to see it come over to PS4 from it’s native PC format. If we’re lucky we may see this released alongside or shortly after the promised Xbox One version. Another that has grabbed my attention is a roguelike turn-based RPG called Darkest Dungeon and I’m pleased to say this should be with us on the PS4 in the near future although that’s not a confirmed reality just yet.
Ok, that’s pretty much it. Some questions though:
Do you prefer real-time strategy to turn-based? If so why?
How do you find console and PC strategy games compare? Can console iterations even compare to those released on PC?
What do you love or even hate about the genre? Why so?
Yes, that’s definitely it. Your turn.
Last edited:
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Admartian
Always glad to see people writing, either reviews or opinions (but being as I set up the opinion section and all, kinda glad you wrote an opinion piece 
