Hello there, fellow gamers! đź‘‹ Are you a fan of tactical combat games? Do you enjoy the feeling of planning out your moves meticulously and outsmarting your opponents? Then, you might want to check out these seven strategy games like XCOM.
XCOM is a popular tactical game that has captured the attention of many players worldwide. It’s a game where you take charge of a team of soldiers who are tasked to fight off an alien invasion. The game’s turn-based combat system and base management mechanics have made it a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts. If you’ve played and enjoyed XCOM or looking for similar games to challenge yourself, we’ve got you covered.
Frozen Synapse
Frozen Synapse is a turn-based tactical game that is all about strategy and planning. The game is set in a dystopian city-state called Markov Geist, where players are in charge of a squad of soldiers known as “Operatives.” These operatives must be deployed strategically and given precise orders to complete their objectives.
Turn-based tactics
The gameplay in Frozen Synapse is turn-based, which means that players take turns plotting the movement and attacks of their operatives. Each turn is divided into two phases: planning and execution. During the planning phase, players issue orders to their operatives, such as where to move, what actions to take, and what weapons to use. After both players have completed their planning phase, the actions are executed simultaneously.
Real-time execution
Despite being a turn-based game, Frozen Synapse offers a unique twist on the genre by featuring real-time execution. This means that once both players have made their moves, the actions are executed simultaneously in real-time. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must predict their opponent’s next move and plan accordingly.
Campaign mode
Frozen Synapse also features a campaign mode that offers a branching storyline where your choices affect the outcome. Players must make tough decisions that affect the outcome of the game and their operatives’ fate. This mode offers hours of gameplay and replayability, as players can go through the campaign multiple times with different outcomes.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is another tactical RPG game that shares the same gameplay mechanics as XCOM. The game was released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and became an instant classic. It was later remade for the PlayStation Portable with updated visuals and additional story content.
Tactical RPG
In Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, players control a team of characters with unique abilities and classes. You must strategically place your units on a grid-based battlefield to take out enemy forces while protecting your own team. Each character can level up and learn different abilities, making them more powerful in battle. You’ll need to carefully choose which characters to include in your team and which skills to focus on to overcome increasingly difficult challenges.
Branching storyline
The story in Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is a major draw for many fans of the game. The game features a branching storyline that changes based on the choices you make during the game. There are multiple paths you can take, and each one has different outcomes and endings. This adds a level of replayability to the game, encouraging you to play through it multiple times to see all of the different storylines.
Battles
Combat in Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is turn-based and takes place on a grid-based battlefield. You must carefully consider each move you make, as you’ll need to outthink your opponent to be successful. The battles can be challenging, but the satisfaction of winning a hard-fought battle is worth it. The game is known for its difficulty, so expect to die a few times before you get the hang of it.
Banner Saga
If you’re looking for a game that’s not just about tactical combat, but also about making tough choices that will affect the outcome of the game, then Banner Saga is the game for you. This tactical RPG is set in a Viking-inspired world and features turn-based combat with a focus on positioning and strategy. The game presents a unique art style with hand-drawn animations and a beautiful soundtrack that takes you on a mesmerizing journey.
Choices Matter
The choices that you make during the game have a lasting impact on the story and can lead to permanent character deaths. Each decision that you make has a ripple effect that can affect the entire game, making your experience truly unique. The game presents you with complex moral dilemmas that will make you ponder about the right course of action, which is what makes this game stand out.
Resource Management
Besides leading your characters through battles, you also have to manage resources such as food and supplies. You have to maintain a delicate balance between replenishing your resources and keeping your party healthy. Every move counts, and the wrong decision can exhaust your resources leading to disastrous consequences.
Invisible Inc.
Invisible Inc. is a tactical turn-based game that focuses on players controlling a team of secret agents on a series of missions with procedurally generated levels. In this game, players will need to rely on tactics and strategy to infiltrate highly secure corporate buildings, gather intel, and complete their objectives. Each mission requires careful planning and execution as players must adapt to unexpected challenges and obstacles that may arise.
Stealth
Stealth is the core principle of Invisible Inc. To successfully complete missions, players have to avoid detection from enemies and security systems. Players must make strategic use of the limited resources and abilities at their disposal to sneak past heavily guarded areas, hack security systems, and take out guards while avoiding detection. Failing to maintain a low profile will alert guards, trigger alarms, and make completing objectives far more difficult. The player must stay vigilant and aware of their surroundings to be able to stay one step ahead of their enemies.
Shop
Players can spend their earned credits in a shop between missions to purchase new equipment and abilities. The shop offers a range of items to assist players in their missions, and players can also upgrade their existing tools and skills. Players must choose carefully which items they purchase and invest their credits to ensure they have the necessary tools to complete the more challenging missions that lie ahead. The shop is a critical aspect of the game that allows players to increase the effectiveness of their agents and keep their team well-equipped for the challenges to come.
Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point is a turn-based tactics game that challenges players to defend humanity against an alien threat. With a combination of ranged and melee weapons, players must control a team of soldiers to take down enemy forces and protect their bases. The game features a realistic line-of-sight system and destructible environments, allowing players to use strategy and tactics to gain the upper hand in combat.
Scavenging
One of the key features of Phoenix Point is scavenging. Successfully completing missions will reward players with valuable resources that can be used to upgrade gear and weapons. This adds an element of resource management to the game, requiring players to prioritize which upgrades to pursue based on their current needs. Players must also manage their team’s equipment, distributing resources and gear among their soldiers to maximize their effectiveness in combat.
Survival
Another key aspect of Phoenix Point is survival. Players must keep their team healthy and rested to maintain their effectiveness in combat. This means managing resources like food, medicine, and rest time. Injured soldiers will need time to recover, and neglected soldiers may develop conditions that hamper their combat abilities. Players must also protect their bases from enemy attacks, keep them supplied with resources, and upgrade them to unlock new abilities and technologies.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is an iconic strategy game that has captivated gamers worldwide since its release in 2016. As a player, you are in charge of leading a civilization from ancient times to the present day. You must research technologies, build your empire, and conquer your foes to become the dominant civilization in the world.
Strategy
As a strategy game, Civilization VI requires you to prioritize your actions carefully. You must make important decisions such as which technologies to research, what resources to collect, and which units to build. With each decision, you must strategize to ensure the survival and growth of your civilization.
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is a crucial aspect of Civilization VI. Players must interact with other civilizations through trade and alliances to create a balance of power. Alternatively, they can choose to go to war with their rivals to gain autonomy. The diplomatic choices made can affect the entire game and determine the fate of your civilization.
Victory Conditions
Civilization VI features multiple victory conditions, including military conquest, cultural dominance, and scientific achievement. Players must determine which victory condition to pursue and prioritize their actions accordingly. With each victory condition posing a unique challenge, players must be equipped with the right strategy and tactical skills to achieve their goals.
If you are a fan of tactical combat and strategy games, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI offers a remarkable gaming experience like no other. With engaging gameplay, challenging objectives, and multiple paths to victory, this game guarantees hours of fun and entertainment.
Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles is a tactical RPG game that features turn-based combat with a mix of real-time shooting elements. Developed and published by Sega, the game was released in 2008 for PlayStation 3 and later for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4. If you are a fan of XCOM series, you will find a lot of similarities in Valkyria Chronicles.
Character Development
Players can level up characters and upgrade their weapons and abilities. The game has a wide range of playable characters, each with unique skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Players must learn the strengths of each character and create a balanced team to take advantage of different playstyles. The game rewards players who train their squad members and upgrade their weapons by unlocking new abilities and skills.
Storyline
Valkyria Chronicles takes place in an alternate world with a fictionalized version of the Second World War as its backdrop. The game tells the story of a group of young soldiers who must defend their country against a foreign invasion. The game has a strong storyline with well-developed characters and cutscenes that add depth to the game’s world.
Thanks for Reading and Keep Fighting
Now that you have a list of strategy games like XCOM, it’s time to pick your next tactical combat adventure. Whether you want to command a squad of tanks or an army of cyborgs, there’s a game on this list that will scratch that itch. So thanks for joining us on this mission, and don’t forget to come back soon for more gaming content that will keep you at the edge of your seat!
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