Turn-Based Strategy Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Turn-based strategy games offer more than just gameplay; the narratives in games like Banner Saga 3 and Fire Emblem shine.
Banner Saga 3 delivers a satisfying conclusion with player-driven choices shaping the story in a beautiful, melancholic winter tale.
From Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis, these games balance complex narratives and gameplay flawlessly.

As a seasoned connoisseur of turn-based strategy games, I can wholeheartedly vouch for these three masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

Turn-based strategy games are all about gameplay, whether it’s the tactical battles or managing resources and troops. What makes these games truly special, however, is their engaging, often overlooked stories that propel the action forward. With the current resurgence of this genre, represented by games like ‘Unicorn Overlord’, ‘Project Triangle Strategy’, and the latest ‘Fire Emblem’ series, now is an excellent opportunity to explore some of the most captivating narratives in the genre.

Many games within this specific genre share similar storylines as a basis, yet it’s captivating to observe how various developers and distinct franchises approach these themes uniquely. The following titles are remarkable not just within the turn-based strategy genre, but across all strategy games due to their distinctive storytelling.

6 Banner Saga 3

Satisfying Conclusion To A Wonderful Trilogy

The Banner Saga Trilogy is one of the best indie-developed strategy series out there. Stoic Games has crafted an astounding trilogy, solid gameplay incredible visuals and art, and a superb story. Banner Saga 3 picks up where the previous two titles left off. A small Viking convoy trying to survive the apocalypse. The story in Banner Sage 3 is shaped directly by player choices in the two previous games, not only does this make every difficult decision extremely important, it makes sure players live with the consequences of their actions for hours upon hours.

In summary, “Banner Saga 3” concludes an enchanting and somber narrative, beautifully accompanied by stunning visuals and an exceptional soundtrack. This captivating winter tale is regrettably brief, yet it boasts one of the finest stories ever crafted in a strategy game within recent years.

5 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Ike’s Coming-of-Age Story Hits All The Right Notes

As a series, Fire Emblem is known for its robust storylines, although they can be predictable and somewhat minimalist. However, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance deviates from this pattern. The game tells the tale of Ike and his band of mercenaries, who are hired guns but find themselves in a politically intricate world teetering on the edge of catastrophe. Among its many endearing characters, you’ll meet Mordecai, Mist, Oscar, Boyd, and several others. The support dialogues between most main characters effectively round out their individualities and provide additional depth to the primary storyline.

“Path of Radiance is a captivating tale that weaves together various themes such as slavery, discrimination, social class disparities, and an immersive fantasy plot brimming with political machinations, heartache, and nonstop excitement. The game skillfully juggles these elements, delivering a compelling and enjoyable narrative, which contributes to its enduring popularity among fans within the series.”

4 Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

An Excellent Foray Into The Art of Good Prequels

As a gamer, I’d say “I recently dived into the world of ‘Tactics Oge: The Knight of Lodis’, an iconic JRPG with a vintage charm that’s hard to resist. It’s often overlooked but packs quite a punch in the turn-based strategy genre. Unlike its successors, it’s set as a prequel, taking us on the journey of Alphonse, a knight from Lodis, who finds himself in the land of Ovis. Here, he learns about the ruthless nature of those he serves. The game unfolds as Alphonse unearths the intricate webs of conspiracy woven by the ruling powers, revealing their oppressive actions towards the island, plans for continental conquest, and the secrets behind powerful mystical artifacts.”

Just like any game in the Tactics Ogre series, decisions matter greatly. Alphonse’s campaign can take many directions based on player choices, and the story itself is influenced by gameplay. The demise of key characters significantly affects the plotline. What sets Knight of Lodis apart is its ability to weave a complex and poignant narrative that encourages players to empathize with Alphonse’s actions while acknowledging his shortcomings. Remarkably, each branch of the story has an equal level of quality, which was quite impressive for games on the Game Boy Advance.

3 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions

The Quintessential Turn-Based Story

Many strategy games featuring turn-based combat often revolve around stories of grand wars between realms, ideological conflicts, and power struggles within politics. Some might argue these motifs are repetitive, but games like “Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions” execute these themes so skillfully that their familiarity becomes irrelevant.

The War of the Lions is an extraordinary tale that revolves around a young mercenary named Ramza, who navigates the tumultuous reality of his world. The continent of Ivalice is riddled with social stratification, cunning aristocrats, and religious oppression. Players experience the intricate and gripping narrative through Ramza’s perspective. Despite being a tactical game, the pace remains engaging and never becomes tedious. The cinematics are captivating, and every encounter between Ramza and his childhood comrade Delita stands out as a memorable moment.

2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A Route Split With No Losers

One of the most popular games in its genre is “Three Houses,” and it has earned this status for several compelling reasons. The game’s primary narrative revolves around three principal characters – Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude – who are aspiring rulers of their respective kingdoms. These young leaders attend a monastery to prepare for their future roles. Each character, along with their fellow students, forms one of the three ‘houses’ within the monastery. Players have the freedom to pick which house they wish to align with at the start.

This story initially presents as a chronicle of motivated students embarking on daily quests, but soon evolves into a thought-provoking narrative focusing on political strife. It delves into the lengths individuals will go for their ambitions and the tension between camaraderie and responsibility. Gamers are privy to three distinct narratives, each revolving around one of the lords. Dimitri’s story is marked by sorrow, trauma, and vengeful determination; he struggles with his personal flaws to emerge as a more empathetic ruler. This narrative is particularly mature and showcases the potential greatness of a Fire Emblem tale. Both Edelgard and Claude have engaging campaigns as well, centered on their aspirations, personal grudges, and their lands’ needs. In summary, this is an excellent turn-based strategy game that every genre enthusiast should explore.

1 Tactics Ogre: Reborn

A Gripping and Emotional Story

In this game, you’ll discover one of the finest narratives among all strategy games. It presents tough choices that will make your stomach churn, immersing players in a grim tale where they must deal with hard decisions and witness Denam, the protagonist, becoming stained by blood. His journey can lead him from being an optimistic rebel to a ruthless knight leading a rebellion or finding a middle ground. Regardless of his path, Denam endures betrayal and heartbreak as he maneuvers through this stunning yet sorrowful world.

In “Tactics Ogre: Reborn,” the voice acting substantially enhances the narrative by providing genuine responses during challenging portions of the tale, such as the dilemma in Balamusa or interactions with Knight Lanselot. The game offers a vast and captivating world filled with intriguing and multi-dimensional characters, extensive lore, and an abundance of storyline that spans numerous hours to explore. This exceptional turn-based tactics game not only ranks among the best in its genre but also boasts one of the finest narratives available.

2024-08-29 01:35