Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these games have left an indelible mark on the turn-based strategy genre. Each one has its unique charm and contribution to the evolution of this niche but captivating genre.


In a sea of excessively dynamic, swift first-person shooter games, it’s the intricate gameplay mechanics that have kept them captivating for decades. This longevity can be attributed to the foundation set by numerous titles since the Eastern Front in 1981. The basic visuals allowed developers to devote more resources towards perfecting the gaming experience itself, resulting in some of the most intriguing and immersive video games ever created.

Turn-based strategy video games boast some of the most intricate gameplay elements found in gaming. These range from detailed resource allocation to commanding vast armies, making these games notoriously challenging. To comprehend why they are still beloved today, it’s crucial to reflect on the pioneering turn-based strategy games that preceded modern ones and significantly shaped their development.

8 Panzer General

A Turn-Based Strategy Game Focusing On Battles From World War 2, Famous For Hex-Based Wargames.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

  • Developer – Strategic Simulations Inc
  • System – PC
  • Released – 1994
  • Genre – Turn-Based Strategy

The game titled “Panzer General” is a strategy game set in a turn-based format, reenacting battles from World War II. It stood out in its genre by offering an approachable starting point for players with minimal or no experience in this type of game. By simplifying the gameplay mechanics, it boosted the popularity and accessibility of the Hex grid warfare system to a broader player base.

Panzer General was among the early turn-based strategy games that incorporated campaign advancement, enabling players to enhance their equipment and troops using earned experience points. While not the inaugural video game dealing with World War 2 or authentic battles, it stands out as one of the first to concentrate on specific engagements with precise settings, offering dates for scenarios and intriguing historical details too.

7 Shogun: Total War

The Turn-Based Strategy Game That Combined Turn-Based And Real-Time Gameplay.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

One of the pioneering turn-based strategy games, Shogun: Total War, introduced an innovative blend of approaches during battle sequences. This game offered a turn-based system intertwined with real-time action, offering players a distinctive gaming experience when it was first released.

As an avid gamer, I found the blend of turn-based and real-time combat in this game truly exhilarating. It made the gameplay more demanding while offering fresh opportunities. In a turn-based scenario, we could plan and execute strategic moves across a broader map. But when two armies clashed, the action transitioned to real-time, adding an electrifying pace that elevated the experience in turn-based games. This innovative system played a significant role in shaping the beloved strategy game, Shogun: Total War 2, one of the most iconic turn-based games ever created.

6 Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War

A Turn-Based Strategy Game That Popularized Romance Mechanics.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War was the fourth game in the Fire Emblem series and is recognized for contributing to the development of the Generational system, much like that found in the Civilization franchise. In addition, this game received acclaim for its unique Romance mechanics, which have significantly impacted not only turn-based games but also the broader video game industry as a whole.

By integrating both the Generational and Romance systems, gamers can oversee interactions between two characters, potentially producing a robust second-generation character through the Generational system. These interwoven systems, as seen in Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War, have significantly impacted the direction of subsequent games within the Fire Emblem series.

5 Jagged Alliance 2

The Turn-Based Strategy Game That Raised The Stakes.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time
  • Developer – Sir-Tech
  • System – PC
  • Released – 2000
  • Genre – Turn-Based Strategy

In the realm of turn-based strategy gaming, Jagged Alliance 2 paved the way by introducing the Action Point system, which added tension and demanded careful planning. This system restricted the player’s actions every time they moved a unit or initiated an attack, forcing them to think more strategically about their troop commands due to the limited number of Action Points available.

Jagged Alliance 2 is known for pioneering a distinctive approach by giving each mercenary in the game their own distinct personalities, voices, abilities, and backstories. This feature significantly boosted player engagement, an aspect that numerous subsequent games have drawn upon as inspiration.

4 Advance Wars

One Of The First Handheld Turn-Based Strategy Games.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

One of the pioneering titles for handheld turn-based strategy games was Advance Wars, allowing gamers worldwide to engage in tactical battles anytime, anywhere. This portable approach has significantly impacted the development of numerous subsequent turn-based games and may even have served as a precursor to the popular mobile game RAID: Shadow Legends.

In simpler terms, “Advance Wars” was an exceptionally enjoyable and accessible turn-based game during its time, boasting easy-to-grasp mechanics but offering depth for those who wanted it. This versatility made it a hit among both casual and dedicated players. What’s more, “Advance Wars” introduced a counter system, which meant that specific units were stronger against others, encouraging strategic thinking and requiring players to manage their units tactically.

3 Civilization V

The Most Popular Turn-Based Game Of All Time

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Discussing the evolution of the “Civilization” series, it’s worth noting that Civilization V marked a significant shift compared to its predecessors. Instead of a square-based grid, it adopted a hexagonal system, offering improved movement, positioning, and map design. This change from previous versions was substantial. Moreover, Civilization V introduced the “One Unit Per Tile” system, meaning that players could only station one unit on each tile. This necessitated more strategic thinking when deciding where to place units, making gameplay more challenging and tactically rich.

One significant advancement that made Civilization V stand out among its contemporaries upon release was the introduction of City Districts. These districts enabled players to concentrate on specific areas of expertise for their cities, such as production, science, or others. This feature inspired other games in the genre to introduce more city enhancements and specializations.

2 Heroes of Might and Magic III

The Most Additive Turn-Based Game

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time
  • Developer – New World Computing
  • System – PC
  • Released – 1999
  • Genre – Turn-Based Strategy

Heroes of Might and Magic III is renowned among strategy gamers as a timeless classic, thanks to its innovative world design and exploration mechanics. Its unique gameplay structure significantly contributed to the overwhelming positive response it received from players.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found myself trapped in a repetitive cycle within this freshly designed game world, persistently taking “One More Turn” to delve into unexplored corners of the vast map. This phrase, “One More Turn,” has become a hilarious internet meme among enthusiasts of turn-based gaming. What makes Heroes of Might and Magic III truly remarkable is its intricate Hero leveling system that lets me customize my Hero to suit my preferred gameplay style, giving the game a hint of role-playing game (RPG) essence at times.

1 X-COM: UFO Defense

One Of The First Turn-Based Strategy Games.

Turn-Based Strategy Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time
  • Developer – Mythos Games
  • System – PC
  • Released – 1994
  • Genre – Turn-Based Strategy

X-COM: UFO Defense continues to hold significant impact in the realm of turn-based games, blending strategy, tactical play, immersive world construction, and compelling narrative. To this day, its gameplay style remains influential within the genre. Notably, X-COM: UFO Defense introduced a horror element that set it apart when initially launched.

X-COM: UFO Defense stood out uniquely when it was launched due to its blend of resource management strategy, base construction, tactical battles, and team-based gameplay. The line-of-sight mechanic restricted the player’s vision to what their soldier could perceive, introducing a suspenseful aspect to the gameplay reminiscent of horror games. This mechanic often resulted in unexpected confrontations, adding thrill to the experience, a factor that is still missing from many turn-based games even today.

Read More

2024-11-16 04:35