5 Great Strategy Games With Unique Control Schemes

Key Takeaways

Strategy games require patience and tactical planning
Unique control schemes can enhance the gameplay experience
Innovative features like voice commands and gyro controls add to gameplay excitement

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, let me tell you about three games that have truly stood out to me due to their innovative control schemes – Black & White, Tom Clancy’s EndWar, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

As someone who enjoys strategy games, I must admit they’re a blast, but the truth is they aren’t for everyone. They demand a lot of patience, strategic thinking, and a real appreciation for taking a step back and watching events unfold. Given their popularity, there’s a strategy game out there on just about every topic. From ancient civilizations and World War II, to future space wars – the variety is truly amazing!

Playability is also a key concept that can make or break a strategy game, as some titles can be fun, but the way they’re designed to be controlled might leave something to be desired. Here are some great strategy games with unique control schemes.

5 Pikmin

The One That Started It All

Olimar needs to collect all his ship’s pieces to escape the mysterious planet
Some items require a specific amount of Pikmin

The game Pikmin begins when Captain Olimar finds himself stranded on an enigmatic planet after a crash landing. He quickly discovers that the key to his escape lies in gathering the scattered fragments of his spaceship, which are spread out across the surface. To assist Olimar, players must cultivate various species of Pikmin and direct them collectively to carry out diverse chores.

Managing tasks within this game appears deceptively straightforward, but players must strategize on how their Pikmin should perform their duties and move necessary objects to advance. Several items are marked with numbers indicating the number of Pikmin needed to lift them. The control system itself isn’t overly intricate or dissimilar in a technical sense, yet the way Olimar and the Pikmin interact and work together to reach shared objectives is distinctive and was scarcely seen in other games at that time.

4 Frozen Synapse

Player Control Relies Heavily On Planning And Different Routes

Players must use the top-down view to control their characters and find blind spots
As opposed to other strategy games, controlling units feels a little more restricted, but in a good way

In the sci-fi city of Markov Geist lies the innovative game, Frozen Synapse. Here, players immerse themselves in a world blended with virtual reality, populated by entities known as shapeforms. The game offers tactical, turn-based battles that demand both patience and strategic thinking to secure victory swiftly.

In the heat of battle, players will need to command a compact team of armed soldiers, with the ultimate objective of annihilating every enemy unit. What sets Frozen Synapse apart in terms of control mechanisms isn’t about complex technology, but rather how players can manage their units. Potential paths are highlighted in green, and players must strategically use the top-down view to discover hidden spots and areas of protection to attack enemies and dodge incoming fire. Managing units in this game offers a distinct experience, as it doesn’t feel unlimited like other games, which might seem restrictive, but surprisingly, it works effectively.

3 Black & White

The Hand Of A God Has Many Different Abilities

Holding down on the mouse allows for continuous resource collection from a specific source
Players’ hand is the hand of God, which adds another layer to the experience

Individuals who have always yearned for a position of divine power, with multitudes worshipping them and constructing sanctuaries in their name, would find immense satisfaction with the engrossing strategy game called Black & White. In this captivating experience, players will assume near-omnipotent control over their world, overseeing resource management and shaping its destiny.

Based on the choices made by players, the world’s fate will either improve or deteriorate, influenced by whether they follow the path of a benevolent or malevolent deity. As players perform divine actions, their following increases, granting them greater power to manipulate various aspects of the game. A feature that might not be immediately intuitive is that holding down the mouse button on a resource such as wood results in continuous collection. Additionally, the cursor frequently appears as a hand, suggesting the guiding presence of God.

In strategy games, players usually only issue commands to their units. However, the experience of controlling an omnipotent force and witnessing divine intervention directly is a whole new ball game.

2 Tom Clancy’s EndWar

Voice Commands Make Tactical Approaches Feel More Realistic

Set in a world where an energy crisis has crippled modern society
Players can use voice commands to tell their units who or what to attack

The storyline of Tom Clancy’s EndWar unfolds after a devastating nuclear terror attack in Saudi Arabia causes the death of six million people and disrupts the region’s oil trade, leading to a global energy crisis. This turmoil triggers widespread chaos and the collapse of any existing order worldwide. Notably, this game was designed as a turn-based strategy for handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS, while it offered real-time gameplay on other platforms.

In Tom Clancy’s EndWar, the control scheme stands out because, quite frequently, you don’t even need the controller. Instead, this game employs voice commands, allowing players to instruct their units on who or what to attack just by using specific words. This not only enhances realism in the gaming experience but also gives the game a distinct edge when it comes to combat and strategy, setting it apart from other titles.

1 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Controlling Pixel Byleth With The Switch’s Gyro Controls Is Very Fun

Byleth is tasked with instructing students in a military academy
Players can control pixel Byleth with their Switch controller

Initially, Byleth was a mercenary, but in the game “Fire Emblem: Three Houses,” he transitions into a teacher at a renowned military academy. His mission is to ensure his students are thoroughly trained and ready for whatever lies ahead. The game offers captivating strategy elements, enabling players to strategize their battle tactics effectively.

Though most of this game’s narrative doesn’t involve innovative control methods, it does contain an intriguing hidden feature. In the loading screens, you might notice a tiny pixel art depiction of Byleth at the bottom. It may sound unbelievable, but you can manipulate his movements using the gyro sensor on your Nintendo Switch! This function, though not particularly practical, is a delightful Easter egg the developers included, and it took some players hundreds of hours to uncover.

2024-10-27 08:04