Best Console Strategy Games

Highlights

Mouse & keyboard are better for strategy games than controllers due to easier menu navigation & commands.
Unicorn Overlord is a modern console strategy RPG with deep gameplay & fantasy elements.
Gears Tactics merges Gears of War & XCOM elements, offering a cinematic experience for casual strategy gamers.

As someone who has spent countless hours huddled around maps, strategizing and commanding armies to victory, I must say these games have been a significant part of my gaming journey. From the epic battles in Middle Earth to the emotional storytelling of Valkyria Chronicles 4, each game offers a unique experience that captivates me in its own way.

Despite all the debates and discussions over which gaming console or system is the best, the reality is that there’s little difference between modern systems, whether it be PC, Xbox Series X, or PlayStation 5. Each system does have its share of strengths and weaknesses, though, with PC generally being the best place to play deep and involving strategy games.

In simpler terms, strategy games usually work best when played using a mouse and keyboard because they allow for quick navigation through menus and various commands without much delay. However, some exceptional strategy games have emerged on consoles recently, designed specifically for smooth gameplay with controllers as well.

12 Unicorn Overlord

An Easy-To-Pick-Up Strategy Game With Stunning Artwork

Unicorn Overlord represents a strategy role-playing game, set in a fantasy realm, that stands as one of the top contemporary interpretations of the genre on a console. The game immerses players in the role of a prince, striving to reclaim a kingdom seized from his family and unite disparate nations against evil forces. It pays tribute to tactical JRPGs from the 90s and offers a wealth of opportunities for players to devise strategies by mixing classes and units.

Fans of strategic gameplay are sure to appreciate the ability to manage unit maintenance and resources, as well as the distinctive and engaging overworld battles depicted on the map in “Unicorn Overlord”. While the narrative, characters, and races may follow familiar patterns of the fantasy genre, they are consistently intriguing and skillfully developed to maintain player engagement. Unlike many other games within this genre, battles in “Unicorn Overlord” are automated, allowing players to focus on crafting their strategies, coordinating units, and employing tactics to emerge victorious in combat.

11 Brigandine: The Legend Of Runersia

An Engaging Strategy Game With A Solid Story

Platform: PC, PS4, and the Switch.
Release: 2020
Developer: Matrix Software

Strategy gamers with an affinity for anime aesthetics might find Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia worth exploring. While it doesn’t delve as deeply into strategy or offer the complexity of games like Crusader Kings or Rome: Total War, it still provides a rich strategic experience with multiple playable paths, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a taste of strategy gaming infused with JRPG elements. The narrative unfolds through stunning illustrations and spoken Japanese dialogue reminiscent of visual novels. In the game’s preparation phase, players manage their units, enhance them, and assign them quests. During battles, players attempt to seize enemy bases in turn-based combat on hexagonal grids.

As a devoted admirer, I’m excitedly sharing that “Brigandine: Legend of Runersia” is a sequel to the PS1 classic, “Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena.” Though it maintains the engaging gameplay mechanics cherished by fans, this new edition brings forth an array of novel characters and a captivating fresh narrative. This makes it accessible for newcomers who haven’t delved into the PS1 original yet. In “Brigandine: Legend of Runersia,” you step into the shoes of a commander in one of six distinct territories, each with its unique storyline that unravels the diverse reasons driving each region to join or resist this grand war. Your mission is to conquer and vanquish other nations, revealing the intricate web of motives behind their decisions.

10 Crusader Kings 3

An Advanced Grand Strategy Game That’s Adapted Well To Consoles

Initially debuting on PCs in September 2020, “Crusader Kings 3” later became available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in March 2022. Additionally, this game found its way onto Microsoft’s affordable Game Pass service for Xbox, allowing many players to enjoy it.

“Crusader Kings 3” stands as an immersive, strategic game set during the Middle Ages, where players are challenged to establish and nurture a dynasty throughout multiple centuries. This title was applauded by critics and enthusiasts of the genre on both PC and console platforms.

9 Pikmin 3

A Lighthearted But Challenging Strategy Game For The Family

Back in 2013, I got my hands on a unique gaming experience with Pikmin 3, exclusively for the Wii U. Just like many other games from that console, it eventually found its way to the Nintendo Switch as an upgraded version, offering an even more immersive adventure.

Unlike many games on this list that mainly involve controlling massive armies for destructive wars, Pikmin 3 instead allows players to manage cute, colorful creatures called Pikmin, which they direct to accomplish various tasks and intricate puzzles.

8 Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

An RTS Perfectly Adapted To Console Controllers

Back in the day, I was absolutely hooked on the Command & Conquer series. This strategic powerhouse first made its mark way back in 1995, and for nearly two decades, it seemed like there was always a fresh installment waiting for me every year, all the way up to 2012.

In 2007, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars was made available on both PC and Xbox 360. This installment brought a host of innovative additions to the established series, including unit enhancements and unique abilities specific to each faction. It’s an excellent strategy game for console players seeking something slightly vintage.

7 XCOM 2

Challenging Turn-Based Strategy With A Ton Of Depth

Initially launched in February 2016, just like its precursor XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 provided one of the finest turn-based strategic adventures in contemporary video gaming. In this game, players assume command over a squad of soldiers and are challenged to accomplish diverse objectives amidst intense battles against a multitude of challenging adversaries.

While the game is famed for its intense top-down combat, it’s crucial to remember that managing a mobile base is just as important. In this aspect, players are tasked with carrying out research, delegating duties to their team, and advancing their soldiers.

6 Gears Tactics

A Cinematic Strategy Game That Expands On The Gears Universe

The significant commercial achievement of XCOM inspired numerous follow-ups, with Gears Tactics standing out as the most noticeable. Essentially, it’s like combining the feel and characteristics of both the Gears of War and XCOM series in a blender.

Although the Gears IP is the biggest selling point of Gears Tactics compared to XCOM 2, it’s also worth noting that Gears Tactics is more beginner-friendly. The game certainly isn’t easy, though it seems that developers Splash Damage and The Coalition made a conscious effort to make Gears Tactics an option for casual strategy gamers, an audience that was largely put off by XCOM 2‘s brutal difficulty.

5 Sid Meier’s Civilization 6

The Full Civilization 6 Experience On Console

The “Civilization” series stands as one of the most renowned titles within the strategy game genre. Back in 1991, MicroProse struck gold with the initial release of “Civilization,” a foundation that the expansive grand strategy franchise has continued to develop upon.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: “Civilization 6” doesn’t shy away from the lengthy nature of each game, which is one of its appealing aspects, as constructing an entire empire over several hours offers a unique sense of accomplishment that’s hard to find in other strategy games. This prolonged gameplay also amplifies the tension of later-game decisions, as players strive to preserve their hard-earned progress while defending against potential annihilation by enemy armies or even nuclear attacks.

4 The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth 2

A C&C-like Experience In The Lord Of The Rings Universe

Initially launched on PC in February 2006, followed by a release on Xbox 360 several months afterwards, “The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth 2” provided an immersive real-time strategy gaming experience within the “Lord of the Rings” universe. Players could command various factions like Gondor, Mordor, and Men of the West, while iconic locations such as Helm’s Deep, Isengard, and Minas Tirith served as maps. Moreover, players had the opportunity to summon renowned characters, such as Legolas, Gandalf, and Aragon, into battle.

Similar to its previous version, “Battle for Middle Earth 2” features two distinct storylines: one for the Good side, and another for the Evil side. Additionally, it provides a Skirmish mode where players can design customized battles.

3 Halo Wars

A Strategy Game Designed For Consoles

Similar to how the classic game “Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth” met the longing of numerous fans seeking a real-time strategy title based on “Lord of the Rings,” Xbox Game Studios’ “Halo Wars” fulfilled the desires of many Halo enthusiasts yearning for a real-time strategy game within the Halo universe.

Initially launched as an exclusive for the Xbox 360 in February 2009, “Halo Wars” eventually found its way onto PC and Xbox One platforms in December 2016. The game was masterfully crafted by Ensemble Studios, who successfully managed to create a strategy game that appealed strongly to fans of the “Halo” series while also standing tall on its own as a strategic gem. Notably, since it was specifically designed for the Xbox 360 instead of being a simple port from PC, it has earned a reputation among console gamers as one of the finest strategy games available.

2 Frostpunk

11 Bit Studios, a Polish developer, introduced the captivating title “Frostpunk” back in 2018 for PC platforms. A year later, console gamers also got to experience this game. The story unfolds in the year 1886, but it’s not our history as we know it; instead, it presents an alternate timeline where a catastrophic volcanic winter has left civilization in ruins.

In the chilly realm of Frostpunk, it falls upon me as a player to construct and manage a city in this harsh volcanic winter, where I must make tough choices that could mean life or death. This game was highly praised by critics, even landing a nomination for Best Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2018.

1 Valkyria Chronicles 4

Emotional Storytelling In An Excellent Strategy RPG

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a tactical role-playing game produced by Sega, which debuted on PlayStation 4 in 2018 and later became available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PC in September of the same year. Unlike some games that strive for innovation, this one maintains its gameplay style consistent with earlier installments in the series while continuing to prioritize storytelling through extensive cutscenes.

Similar to Frostpunk, Valkyria Chronicles 4 was also nominated for the Best Strategy Game at The Game Awards in 2018. However, neither game won the title as Into the Breach emerged victorious instead.

2024-08-14 23:55