Sometimes twitchy video game genres, such as fighting games and shmups, don’t provide the kind of challenge you’re craving. Fast-paced, action focused titles have their place, no doubt, but every now and then you need the exhilaration that comes with squashing enemies with your brain. That’s when strategy and tactics games prove appealing.
There’s a fine line between the strategy and tactics genres. Strategy games typically task you with managing all battle aspects, such as harvesting energy sources and building bases or troops. The StarCraft games are excellent examples. Tactics games, on the other hand, typically focuses on maneuvering troops and other combat elements. Gears Tactics represents the category well. The games in either category can operate in a turn-based or real-time fashion.
But enough talk—it’s time to play some games. These are the best strategy and tactics titles that PCMag has reviewed.
