Turn-Based Games

Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out 1.

Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out

Platform: iOS
August 21, 2023
This new installment in the Six Ages series is a stand-alone survival-storybook combining interactive fiction and turn-based strategy. The world is ending, and your small clan's survival depends on how you manage its relationship with the remaining gods and their followers. Miracles have always required sacrifice. Now, your people need them more than ever, but the costs are higher, too. Is it worth aiding the destructive gods of Chaos to ensure your own survival?
Metascore:
96
User Score:
tbd
Meteorfall: Journey 2.

Meteorfall: Journey

Platform: iOS
January 25, 2018
Meteorfall is a deck-building roguelike. You'll choose your class from one of four unique adventurers, and then set out with a deck consisting of some basic attack cards. During the course of your adventure, you'll be presented with the opportunity to add powerful new cards to your deck.
Metascore:
95
User Score:
5.7
Balatro 3.

Balatro

Platform: Xbox Series X
February 20, 2024
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Metascore:
95
User Score:
tbd
Cobalt Core 4.

Cobalt Core

Platform: PC
November 8, 2023
Cobalt Core is a sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a unique single-axis combat system that will throw you for a loop. Many loops! Give orders to your crew by playing cards: Will you raise shields to protect your ship, dodge incoming missiles and cannon fire to avoid damage outright, or strike preemptively to disable your enemy's weapons? Outmaneuver your foes to stay just ahead of impending calamity, and reach the Cobalt Core!
Metascore:
94
User Score:
tbd
Sid Meier's Civilization II 5.

Sid Meier's Civilization II

Platform: PC
February 29, 1996
An empire-building turn-based strategy game. The game starts at the Old Stone Age in 4000 BC. Your tribe begins with a Settlers unit and has no knowledge about the surrounding area. As you found new cities and explore the surroundings, you may find hostile barbarians, villages, and other competing cultures. [Civ Fantatics' Center]
Metascore:
94
User Score:
8.7
Sid Meier's Civilization IV 6.

Sid Meier's Civilization IV

Platform: PC
October 25, 2005
Faster-Paced Fun - Gameplay has been streamlined for a tighter, faster, and more compelling experience.Greater Accessibility and Ease of Play - An easy-to-use interface will be immediately familiar to RTS and action game players, and newcomers to the series will be able to jump in and play. Tech Tree - Flexible Tech tree allows players more strategic choices for developing their civilizations along unique paths. More Civs, Units, and Improvements to enhance and grow your empire. Multiplayer -LAN, Internet, PBEM, and Persistent Turn-Based Server (PTBS) offer players all-new strategies and ways to play when competing or cooperating with live opponents. Team Play - Whether playing multiplayer or single player, team play offers a new way of setting locked alliances that result in shared wonder effects, visibility, unit trading, and shared territory that delivers a plethora of new strategic and tactical options. Civ IV comes to life! - Beautiful 3D world with dozens of fully animated units (including culturally unique units), and totally customizable armies. Cities and wonders will appear on the map. Wonder movies are back! [2K Games]
Metascore:
94
User Score:
8.2
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen 7.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

Platform: PlayStation 4
August 29, 2017
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen adds extensive new content in the fight against ADVENT when additional resistance factions form in order to eliminate the alien threat on Earth. In response, a new enemy, known as the “Chosen,” emerges with one goal: recapture the Commander. This expansion includes new Hero classes to counter the “Chosen”, new enemies, missions, environments and increased depth in strategic gameplay.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
7.1
Skulls of the Shogun 8.

Skulls of the Shogun

Platform: iOS
November 26, 2013
Crush your enemies and eat their skulls! Skulls of the Shogun is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game, supercharged with fighting-game flare and double-stuffed with a serious sense of humor! Enter the Samurai Afterlife and join forces with undead warriors, magical monks, and mighty mustachioed samurai generals!
Metascore:
93
User Score:
6.6
Dwarf Fortress 9.

Dwarf Fortress

Platform: PC
August 8, 2006
The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created. The legendary Dwarf Fortress is now on Steam. Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
8.5
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft 10.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Platform: iOS
April 16, 2014
Hearthstone is a free-to-play digital strategy card game where you can choose one of nine epic Warcraft heroes to play as.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
5.9
Twilight Struggle Mobile 11.

Twilight Struggle Mobile

Platform: iOS
June 24, 2016
Twilight Struggle is a strategy game set in the Cold War that presents new and different challenges with every game session. The game map is a world map of the period, whereon players move units and exert influence in attempts to gain allies and control for their superpower. The playable events in the game cover a vast array of historical happenings, from the Arab-Israeli conflicts of 1948 and 1967, to Vietnam and the U.S. peace movement, to the Cuban Missile Crisis and other such incidents that brought the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation. Play as the US or USSR during the Cold War and change the course of history.
Metascore:
93
User Score:
tbd
Advance Wars 12.

Advance Wars

Platform: Game Boy Advance
September 9, 2001
The battle lines have been drawn, and an elite group of sly strategists are massing troops at your borders. You'll have to command ground, air and naval forces if you hope to survive the coming wars, and it won't be easy. With 114 maps to battle on and both Single-Pak and Multi-Pak link modes, Advance Wars brings turn-based strategy to a depth never before seen on a handheld!
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.8
XCOM: Enemy Within 13.

XCOM: Enemy Within

Platform: iOS
November 13, 2014
XCOM: Enemy Within is the expansion to the 2012 Game of the Year award-winning strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Enemy Within adds an incredible array of new abilities, upgrades and weapons to combat new enemy and alien threats. This expansion pack also introduces new maps, new tactical and strategic gameplay, and new multiplayer content providing a fresh new gameplay experience.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.2
Sid Meier's Civilization VI 14.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Platform: iOS
October 4, 2018
Civilization VI offers new ways to interact with your world, expand your empire across the map, advance your culture, and compete against historys greatest leaders to build a civilization that will stand the test of time.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
5.6
Fire Emblem: Awakening 15.

Fire Emblem: Awakening

Platform: 3DS
February 4, 2013
Lead an army of soldiers in a series of scaled turn-based strategy battles. In the process, develop relationships with your team, utilizing their special abilities on the battlefield to gain victory and advance the story, which features a wide array of characters from a variety of nations and backgrounds. They can be joined by a character of your making, with a unique appearance crafted as you see fit.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
9.0
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri 16.

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

Platform: PC
February 12, 1999
Legendary designer Sid Meier presents the next evolution in strategy games, with the most addictive, compelling gameplay yet. Explore the alien planet that is your new home and uncover its myriad mysteries. Discover over 75 extraordinary technologies. Build over 60 base upgrades and large-scale secret projects for your empire. Conquer your enemies with a war machine that you design from over 32,000 possible unit types. [Firaxis]
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.7
Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor 17.

Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor

Platform: PC
April 30, 2008
The galaxy is being consumed by the fires of war as we enter the final act of the Dread Lord saga. Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor is the second expansion pack to the award-winning PC strategy game, Galactic Civilizations II. Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor expands the gameplay of Galactic Civilizations in all new ways. New campaign detailing the final chapter in the Dread Lords wars. The Terror Star arrives, capable of destroying any star. Unique technology trees for all 12 civilizations. Unique planetary improvements for each civilization. New 3D engine powered map editor. New Scenario Editor for creating highly detailed custom games. New Campaign Editor for players who want to create their own custom epic campaigns for themselves or to share with others. New Metaverse Tournaments: Specific maps & scenarios recorded to the Metaverse with prizes for top players. [Stardock]
Metascore:
92
User Score:
8.3
Banner Saga 18.

Banner Saga

Platform: iOS
October 2, 2014
Embark on your own epic journey in this tactical RPG, where your strategic choices directly affect your personal story, as well as the outcome of conflicts encountered during your struggle for survival in this Viking inspired tale. **NOTE: The Banner Saga does NOT run on iPhone 4. iPhone 4S and more modern devices recommended.
Metascore:
92
User Score:
7.0
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist 19.

I Was a Teenage Exocolonist

Platform: PC
August 25, 2022
Spend your teenage years on an alien planet in this narrative RPG with card-based battles. Explore, grow up, and fall in love. The choices you make and skills you master over ten years will determine the course of your life and the survival of your colony.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.8
Mission: It's Complicated 20.

Mission: It's Complicated

Platform: PC
February 14, 2020
Mission: It’s Complicated is a narrative-based, visual novel where you match super-awesome superheroes to go on missions during the night and dates during the day. The more compatible the pair of superheroes are, the more likely that they will fall in love and save the world.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.0
Auro: A Monster-Bumping Adventure 21.

Auro: A Monster-Bumping Adventure

Platform: iOS
February 8, 2015
Established in a unique fantasy universe, lead the brash, spoiled Prince Auro through procedurally-generated dungeons, with only a few tactical spells - and your wits - to protect you.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
6.8
Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar 22.

Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar

Platform: PC
February 14, 2007
The year is 2226 and the Drengin Empire reigns supreme across the galaxy. But something utterly evil is devouring the Drengin Empire from within. Expand your Galactic Civilizations II experience with espionage agents, player designed opponents, new alien races, new ships, unique planetary environments, asteroid fields, improved graphics and much more. [Stardock]
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.9
XCOM: Enemy Unknown 23.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Platform: iOS
June 20, 2013
Threatened by an unknown enemy, the Earth's governments unite to form a secret paramilitary organization, known as XCOM, to combat this extraterrestrial attack. As the commander of XCOM, you control the global defense team and its resources in a battle against the terrifying alien invasion. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a reimagining of X-COM, the classic strategy game from 1993, and developed by the award-winning creators of Civilization. You will control the fate of the human race by creating and managing a fully operational base, researching alien technologies, planning combat missions, and controlling soldier movement in battle.
Metascore:
91
User Score:
7.6
SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition 24.

SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition

Platform: Switch
December 28, 2017
Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!
Metascore:
91
User Score:
8.2
Balatro 25.

Balatro

Platform: PC
February 20, 2024
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You're going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
tbd
Lords of Waterdeep 26.

Lords of Waterdeep

Platform: iOS
November 21, 2013
Welcome to Waterdeep, the City of Splendors! A city run by a secret society of masked Lords who rule with shady back-door dealings and unmatched political power. In Lords of Waterdeep players will play as one of these masked Lords and will need to recruit adventurers to go out and complete quests for them. The more quests they complete, the more control and influence they have over the city. Players can expand the city by purchasing buildings that will open up new opportunities within the city walls. Intrigue cards can be used to help the player and may also either help or hinder their fellow Lords in their quest to become the supreme ruler of Waterdeep!
Metascore:
90
User Score:
7.2
SteamWorld Heist 27.

SteamWorld Heist

Platform: PlayStation Vita
June 7, 2016
Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.1
Advance Wars: Dual Strike 28.

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Platform: DS
August 22, 2005
Players lead their new Commanding Officers to fend off the Black Hole Army’s latest invasion. With massive battles that sweep across both of the DS screens, Advance Wars: Dual Strike will change the face of war forever. Use the top screen for quick-reference battle intel, or take control in battles that rage across both screens. Command a fleet of fighters high in the skies while troops clash with the enemy on the ground far below. New COs, new Tag-Team battles: Choose from new Commanding Officers, and combine their powers for incredible attacks that can turn the tide of battles. Real-time Combat mode: For a battle with a twist, players lead soldiers into a fast-paced, action-oriented battle against a storm of enemies. Easy-to-use map editor: Just grab a stylus and draw maps right on the touch screen, then send the maps to friends wirelessly. [Nintendo]
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.8
Drive on Moscow 29.

Drive on Moscow

Platform: iOS
November 21, 2013
Drive on Moscow, a new strategy game from the award-winning makers of Battle of the Bulge, invites you to take command of the largest battle of World War II. Defend the homeland as the Soviets, or lead a bold push to seize the Russian capital as the Axis.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
6.5
Balatro 30.

Balatro

Platform: PlayStation 5
February 20, 2024
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
tbd
SteamWorld Heist 31.

SteamWorld Heist

Platform: iOS
November 9, 2016
Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.1
Sid Meier's Civilization III 32.

Sid Meier's Civilization III

Platform: PC
October 30, 2001
In Civilization III, you'll find new pathways to explore and strategies to employ, greatly expanded diplomacy, more powerful combat, a new trade system, new technologies, more powerful tools to build and manage your empire, and the most detailed and beautiful art, animations and sound ever found in the genre. [Infogrames]
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.3
Sid Meier's Civilization V 33.

Sid Meier's Civilization V

Platform: PC
September 21, 2010
With over nine million units sold worldwide, and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest strategy franchises of all-time. Now, Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive strategy game to unprecedented heights by adding new ways to play and win; new tools to manage and expand your civilization; extensive modding capabilities; and intensely competitive multiplayer options. Civilization V will come to life in a beautifully detailed, living world that will elevate the gameplay experience to a whole new level making it a must-have for gamers around the globe!
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.1
XCOM: Enemy Unknown 34.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Platform: Xbox 360
October 9, 2012
From the makers of the Civilization series comes a game about humanity’s final stand. Threatened by an unknown foe, the Earth’s governments come together to form a stealth paramilitary organization known as XCOM to combat this extraterrestrial assault. At the helm of XCOM, you command the global defense team in battle against a frightening alien invasion. Determine the destiny of the human race by building and co-coordinating a fully operational base, researching alien tech, formulating combat missions, and choreographing soldier movement in battle.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.3
Balatro 35.

Balatro

Platform: Switch
February 20, 2024
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
tbd
Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 36.

Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013

Platform: iOS
June 20, 2012
Face a greater challenge with Magic: The Gathering — Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013! In the latest installment of this hit franchise, travel across the fantastic plane of Shandalar as you face encounters, and battle powerful Planeswalkers. Magic 2013 offers new features including statistics-tracking for your game play and, for those already skilled in slinging spells, the option to choose what lands to tap when you cast your spells. Game includes: • 3 decks with 5 unlockable cards each • Single-player campaign across the plane of Shandalar • 4 deadly opponents, including the Planeswalker Garruk Wildspeaker • Encounters, a new feature in which you test your skills against different preset AI strategies • Planechase mode, which changes the rules with a randomized deck of cards based on the planes of the Magic Multiverse
Metascore:
90
User Score:
6.0
Into the Breach 37.

Into the Breach

Platform: PC
February 27, 2018
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
7.8
Total War: Shogun 2 38.

Total War: Shogun 2

Platform: PC
March 15, 2011
Shogun 2 is the ultimate refinement of the original formula with a new, cutting-edge AI, more polish and online functionality than ever before. The result is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming that invites both veterans of Total War and new players to experience the enjoyment and depth of the series.
Metascore:
90
User Score:
8.3
XCOM: Enemy Unknown 39.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Platform: PlayStation 3
October 9, 2012
Lead your troops in fierce battles to defeat the alien front, and rescue civilians in crowded cities and remote outlands around the world. Construct and expand your XCOM headquarters, recruit and coach up unique soldiers to thrust into battle, and research alien tech to enhance and multiply your weapons and capabilities. Mix and match aliens and soldiers and synthesize abilities to outwit and overpower your alien opponents.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.1
Into the Breach 40.

Into the Breach

Platform: Switch
August 28, 2018
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
7.9
Five Card Quest - Tactical RPG Battles 41.

Five Card Quest - Tactical RPG Battles

Platform: iOS
October 29, 2015
Metascore:
89
User Score:
4.5
Roguebook 42.

Roguebook

Platform: Xbox One
February 24, 2022
The ancients speak of a Book written since time immemorial containing all the world's legends. After many fabulous adventures, recounted in Faeria Chronicles of Gagana, this relic was lost in a well of Faeria. Through contact with this source of magic, the Book developed a wicked free will of its own and became the Roguebook! You are trapped in the Book of Lore of Faeria, and each page represents a new challenge. Lead your two heroes to victory in this roguelike deckbuilder developed in partnership with Richard Garfield, creator of Magic: The Gathering. Put together the best synergies between cards, relics and abilities, and take on the Roguebook.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
tbd
Slay the Spire 43.

Slay the Spire

Platform: PC
January 23, 2019
We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!
Metascore:
89
User Score:
7.7
Unicorn Overlord 44.

Unicorn Overlord

Platform: Switch
March 8, 2024
From the masterminds that brought 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere, ATLUS x Vanillaware presents the rebirth of tactical fantasy RPG. Fight against fate and embark on a royal adventure to regain your reign alongside trustworthy allies. Unicorn Overlord combines the timeless tactical RPG genre with overworld exploration and innovative battle system for a unique epic fantasy experience in the iconic Vanillaware style.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
tbd
Fire Emblem: Three Houses 45.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Platform: Switch
July 26, 2019
War is coming to the continent of Fódlan. Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer's Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.8
Decisive Battles of WWII Vol 2: Korsun Pocket 46.

Decisive Battles of WWII Vol 2: Korsun Pocket

Platform: PC
July 31, 2003
Korsun Pocket is the long awaited sequel to "The Ardennes Offensive" in the Decisive Battles system. The game uses a greatly improved version of the Ardennes Offensive engine to recreate the desperate German attempt to escape encirclement on the Russian Front early in 1944. The battle is a tense and exciting struggle, with neither side having a decisive advantage, as the Russians struggle to form the pocket, then try to resist successive German rescue efforts and last ditch attempts at breakout. [SSG]
Metascore:
89
User Score:
6.8
XCOM: Enemy Unknown 47.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Platform: PC
October 8, 2012
Enemy Unknown couples tactical turn-based gameplay with action sequences and on-ground combat. Recruit, specialize and train unique soldiers and manage your personnel. Detect and interrupt the alien threat as you construct and expand your XCOM headquarters. Direct soldier squads in turn-based ground battles and deploy air units such as the Interceptor and Skyranger. The fight spreads around the world as the XCOM team engages in over 70 missions, communicating and negotiating with governments around the world.
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.2
Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising 48.

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

Platform: Game Boy Advance
June 24, 2003
Just when you thought you'd seen the last of them, the Black Hole Army is storming back in this sequel to the award-winning Game Boy Advance strategy game. With new COs under his command, Sturm is leading a new invasion force, and it'll take advance strategy to stop him!
Metascore:
89
User Score:
8.8
Battle Suit Aces 49.

Battle Suit Aces

Platform: PC
October 7, 2025
As the Captain of the USS Zephyr, hunt for clues to turn the tide against the Frenzied swarm in this narratively-driven card-battling RPG. Get to know more than 50 fully voiced charming characters as you uncover their rich lives and learn what makes them tick. Directly impact the game’s narrative and cultivate a personalized adventure by strengthening your relationships with various Factions and their pilots. Between the plot-driven missions you’ll form lasting friendships with your crew. Will you help a crew member resolve a familial issue, continue the hunt for alien Relic suits, or decide to work with your favorite Faction to gain their favor and aid?
Metascore:
89
User Score:
tbd
Lost Frontier 50.

Lost Frontier

Platform: iOS
June 2, 2016
Lost Frontier is a turn-based strategy game, brought to you from the creators of the Battleheart and Zombieville series'. In a fantasy-western setting consumed by steam-punk technology and the supernatural, can you survive with just your wit and a six-gun at your side?
Metascore:
89
User Score:
7.6
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen 51.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

Platform: PC
August 29, 2017
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen adds extensive new content in the fight against ADVENT when additional resistance factions form in order to eliminate the alien threat on Earth. In response, a new enemy, known as the “Chosen,” emerges with one goal: recapture the Commander. This expansion includes new Hero classes to counter the “Chosen”, new enemies, missions, environments and increased depth in strategic gameplay.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.1
Mewgenics 52.

Mewgenics

Platform: PC
February 10, 2026
From the creator of The Binding of Isaac, Super Meat Boy and The End is Nigh comes... Mewgenics! A game where you hoard, breed, train and set cats out on epic adventures through a sprawling world of complete chaos. Level up your team as you venture further and further from your home, collect unique items, defeat epic bosses, gain mutations and return home so you you can breed and further your bloodline, in this turn based legacy roguelike draft sim about cats!
Metascore:
88
User Score:
tbd
The Banner Saga 3 53.

The Banner Saga 3

Platform: Xbox One
July 26, 2018
The Banner Saga 3 is the epic conclusion to a sweeping viking saga six years in the making. This strategic RPG, acclaimed for its strong story and compelling characters has has won over 20 awards and been nominated for 4 BAFTA awards.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.5
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis 54.

Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis

Platform: Game Boy Advance
May 11, 2002
Under the watchful eye of the Holy Lodis Empire, strange things are happening on the island of Ovis. Powerful forces have been set in motion, but their motives are masked by political intrigue. It is your mission to investigate these occurrences and discover the true intentions of those involved. The ending of the game will depend on the actions that the main character, Alphonse, takes. You will make many revelations as you proceed, but you must survive the unrelenting battles and cultivate your characters' abilities to unveil the ultimate truth.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
8.7
XCOM: Enemy Within 55.

XCOM: Enemy Within

Platform: PlayStation 3
November 12, 2013
XCOM: Enemy Within is the expansion to the 2012 strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Enemy Within adds an array of new abilities, upgrades and weapons to combat new enemy and alien threats. This expansion pack also introduces new maps, new tactical and strategic gameplay, and new multiplayer content providing a fresh new gameplay experience.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.4
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles 56.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles

Platform: PlayStation 5
September 30, 2025
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles includes two different versions of the game: enhanced and classic. The enhanced version adds fully voiced dialogue, an optimized and updated UI, graphical improvements, and a number of other quality of life features. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original game with the renowned War of the Lions translation and includes convenient features such as auto save.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
tbd
XCOM 2 57.

XCOM 2

Platform: PC
February 4, 2016
20 years have passed since world leaders unconditionally surrendered to alien forces and XCOM, the world's last line of defense, was left destroyed and scattered. Now the aliens hold dominion over the Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while hiding a sinister intent below and eliminating all who don't fall in like with their new order. Online those who live a the edges of the world have a modicum of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Consistently on the run, the remnant XCOM forces need to find a way to regroup, expose the nefarious truth behind the occupation, and eliminate the alien threat for good.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.3
Legends of Runeterra 58.

Legends of Runeterra

Platform: iOS
April 28, 2020
Face off in dynamic, alternating combat full of opportunities to adapt and outplay. Make your move, but be ready to react, because your opponent has a plan of their own. It all comes down to thiscan you outwit them and win?
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.1
XCOM: Enemy Within 59.

XCOM: Enemy Within

Platform: Xbox 360
November 12, 2013
XCOM: Enemy Within is the expansion to the 2012 Game of the Year award-winning strategy game XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Enemy Within adds an array of new abilities, upgrades and weapons to combat new enemy and alien threats. This expansion pack also introduces new maps, new tactical and strategic gameplay, and new multiplayer content providing a fresh new gameplay experience.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.8
XCOM 2 Collection 60.

XCOM 2 Collection

Platform: iOS
November 5, 2020
Aliens rule Earth with a new order promising a brilliant future for those who conform, while silencing all those who do not. At the edges of the world, the scattered forces of XCOM gather to defend humanity, ignite a global resistance, and reclaim the planet. Bring down the alien regime from your iPad or iPhone with the XCOM 2 Collection; the complete experience of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen and four DLC packs in a single package with no in-app purchases.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
tbd
Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition 61.

Fire Emblem Fates: Special Edition

Platform: 3DS
February 19, 2016
Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition Includes: All 3 Versions of Fire Emblem: Fates (Birthright, Conquest, Revelation*) on a Single Cartrige. *Allows purchasers to play Revelations three weeks prior to launch on eshop. It's the only way to get all Three Versions on a Single Cartridge. Also includes a Hardcover Art Book and Nintendo 3DS XL Carrying Pouch featuring Game Art. Two kingdoms are on the brink of war. Whose side will you choose? Torn between two families, you’re an heir of Hoshido, raised by Nohrian royals. If you walk the path of Conquest, you must fight to change your misguided kingdom from within. Command warriors with expert precision and forge deep relationships to master this turn-based strategy game.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.8
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions 62.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Platform: PSP
October 9, 2007
[Metacritic's 2007 PSP Game of the Year] Originally released in 1997, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a portable update on the classic turn-based strategy game that gave birth to the world of Ivalice. In development exclusively for the PSP system, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: The Lion War features PSP system exclusive content not found on the original classic including all-new CG sequences, all-new jobs, new 16:9 widescreen presentation, new head-to-head multiplayer and new storyline elements that refine the genesis of the IVALICE ALLIANCE. [Square Enix]
Metascore:
88
User Score:
9.0
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft 63.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Platform: PC
March 11, 2014
Hearthstone is a free-to-play digital strategy card game that anyone can enjoy. Players choose one of nine epic Warcraft heroes to play as, and then take turns playing cards from their customizable decks to cast potent spells, use heroic weapons or abilities, or summon powerful characters to crush their opponent.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
5.7
Unity of Command II 64.

Unity of Command II

Platform: PC
November 12, 2019
Unity of Command II is the sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time; a game critics called 'the perfect gateway' into computer war games.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.6
Shogun Showdown 65.

Shogun Showdown

Platform: PC
September 5, 2024
Shogun Showdown is a turn-based combat game with rogue-like and deck-building elements. Position yourself and attack at the right time, upgrade your tiles and combo them to get ready to face the Shogun!
Metascore:
88
User Score:
tbd
Slay the Spire 66.

Slay the Spire

Platform: PlayStation 4
May 21, 2019
Slay the Spire is an energetic fusion of card games and roguelikes. Choose your cards wisely. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and make your way up the ever-changing Spire.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.3
Fire Emblem 67.

Fire Emblem

Platform: Game Boy Advance
November 3, 2003
Marshall your forces and draw your steel--Fire Emblem has arrived. Fire Emblem combines strategy and role-playing in a story heavy on royal intrigue and backstabbing. As a military strategist, you must choose the best method of attack whether it is swooping from the sky with your Pegasus Knights or striking with a phalanx of armored juggernauts to crush the opposition. With dozens of soldiers, weapons, and magic spells at your service, Fire Emblem equips you with everything you need to dominate the battlefield.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
9.1
Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation 68.

Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation

Platform: 3DS
March 10, 2016
Requires full version of Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest or Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.2
Sid Meier's Civilization VI 69.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Platform: PC
October 20, 2016
Civilization VI offers new ways to interact with your world, expand your empire across the map, advance your culture, and compete against history’s greatest leaders to build a civilization that will stand the test of time.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
7.1
Let's! Revolution! 70.

Let's! Revolution!

Platform: PC
July 19, 2023
Let’s! Revolution! is a colorful roguelite puzzle mashup about stopping a narcissistic King from ruining your world. Flip tiles to uncover the hidden path to the King. Use deductive reasoning to avoid his cronies or take them all down in strategic turn-based combat.
Metascore:
88
User Score:
tbd
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles 71.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles

Platform: PC
September 30, 2025
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles includes two different versions of the game: enhanced and classic. The enhanced version adds fully voiced dialogue, an optimized and updated UI, graphical improvements, and a number of other quality of life features. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original game with the renowned War of the Lions translation and includes convenient features such as auto save.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
XCOM 2 72.

XCOM 2

Platform: PlayStation 4
September 27, 2016
Earth has changed. Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces. XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered. Now, in XCOM 2, the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda and eliminating all who dissent from their new order. Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, and facing impossible odds, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to ignite a global resistance, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.2
Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut 73.

Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director's Cut

Platform: PC
September 18, 2014
The Director’s Cut is a stand alone release of Harebrained Schemes' Dragonfall campaign, which premiered as a major expansion for Shadowrun Returns. The Director's Cut adds a variety of new content and enhancements to the original game: Five new missions, alternate endings, new music, a redesigned interface, team customization options, a revamped combat system, and more.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.3
Inscryption 74.

Inscryption

Platform: Switch
December 1, 2022
From the creator of Pony Island and The Hex comes the latest mind melting, self-destructing love letter to video games. Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards... In Inscryption you will... Acquire a deck of woodland creature cards by draft, surgery, and self mutilation. Unlock the secrets lurking behind the walls of Leshy's cabin. Embark on an unexpected and deeply disturbing odyssey.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.3
Sid Meier's Civilization VI 75.

Sid Meier's Civilization VI

Platform: PlayStation 4
November 22, 2019
Civilization VI offers new ways to interact with your world, expand your empire across the map, advance your culture, and compete against historys greatest leaders to build a civilization that will stand the test of time.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
6.7
Jeanne d'Arc 76.

Jeanne d'Arc

Platform: PSP
August 21, 2007
The Jeanne d'Arc story begins far in the past, when a great war was waged by mankind against demonic armies attempting to invade the human world. During that time, five brave heroes created armlets to restrain the demon gods. In a quest to turn back the rueful army, a young crusader named Jeanne is commanded by mysterious voices to use the power of the magical armlet to seal away the demon king and recover her homeland once and for all. Set among sprawling fields, battle-torn villages, and intricate dungeons, Jeanne d'Arc unfolds through more than 40 expansive and highly detailed environments, where players will engage in the pursuit of France's resurgence. Players control up to 14 characters throughout the journey, including humans and beasts, as they battle a variety of enemies in the quest to turn back the English domination. Jeanne d'Arc delivers a strategic, turn-based battle system where players engage in unique team attacks and defensive schemes, using multiple characters' skills in combination to create devastating strikes. Further adding to the depth of play, each character has access to one of eight weapon types that are also upgradeable as players' progress through the game. Additionally, players can customize their characters with more than 150 different skills and abilities throughout the game. [SCEA]
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.7
Monster Train 2 77.

Monster Train 2

Platform: PC
May 21, 2025
Powerful beings known as Titans have seized control of Heaven. A makeshift alliance is formed between former angels and demons, who must learn to work together against their common foe. Now, you must command these clans aboard newly forged trains, and embark on your journey through Hell, Heaven, and the Abyss, to defeat the Titans before they destroy this world. Chaos awaits beyond the gates! Monster Train returns with all new clans, new enemy factions, new challenges, new modes and more! Defend your Pyre in the classic three-tiered, vertical gameplay that made the original roguelike deckbuilder a hit.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Tactical Breach Wizards 78.

Tactical Breach Wizards

Platform: PC
August 22, 2024
In Tactical Breach Wizards, you lead a team of renegade wizards in kevlar through turn-based battles to unravel a modern conspiracy plot. Combine their unique spells in clever ways, or rewind time to try every crazy plan you can think of to punch a Traffic Warlock through a 4th story window.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Legends of Runeterra 79.

Legends of Runeterra

Platform: PC
April 29, 2020
Face off in dynamic, alternating combat full of opportunities to adapt and outplay. Make your move, but be ready to react, because your opponent has a plan of their own. It all comes down to this—can you outwit them and win?
Metascore:
87
User Score:
6.8
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together 80.

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Platform: PSP
February 15, 2011
Warring clans struggle for supremacy over the Valerian Isles in this tactical role-playing game.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.4
Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors 81.

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors

Platform: Xbox Series X
April 21, 2026
From the somehow triple-BAFTA‑winning creators of Vampire Survivors, Vampire Crawlers: the turbo wildcard from Vampire Survivors turns the snowballing thrill of Vampire Survivors into a turbo turn‑based, card‑driven BLOBBER with rogue-lite elements. Build busted decks, explore familiar dungeons from a new perspective, and unleash world‑ending combos. Either take your time and be tactical, or play turns as fast as you humanly can: the outcome is always accurate!
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Banner Saga 2 82.

Banner Saga 2

Platform: iOS
September 28, 2016
The award winning and BAFTA nominated saga continues in The Banner Saga 2. Continue your journey soon after the climactic events of The Banner Saga. The choices you made in the first game will affect who is alive and who is dead in this exciting sequel.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance 83.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Platform: Game Boy Advance
September 8, 2003
The world of Final Fantasy returns to Game Boy Advance. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is a deeply diverse strategy and tactics game with battles, missions, swords, and magic. Players assume the role of young Marche Radiuju in the humble burg of St. Ivalice. Alone in a foreign world, Marche befriends a motley crew of low-level monks, mages, archers, and soldiers. The only hope you have of finding your way home is to turn your ragtag group of misfits into a finely tuned fighting force. As you gain experience and reputation, your job options grow as well as the rewards.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
9.0
Unicorn Overlord 84.

Unicorn Overlord

Platform: Xbox Series X
March 8, 2024
From the masterminds that brought 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere, ATLUS x Vanillaware presents the rebirth of tactical fantasy RPG. Fight against fate and embark on a royal adventure to regain your reign alongside trustworthy allies. Unicorn Overlord combines the timeless tactical RPG genre with overworld exploration and innovative battle system for a unique epic fantasy experience in the iconic Vanillaware style.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest 85.

Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest

Platform: 3DS
February 19, 2016
Two kingdoms at war – the peace-loving Hoshido and the glory-seeking Nohr. It is up to the player to decide which side to fight for. As the prince/princess of Hoshido, who was raised by Nohr royal family, you will be torn between two families you love. Whichever path you take, you will face different types of challenges.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.0
SteamWorld Heist 86.

SteamWorld Heist

Platform: Wii U
October 20, 2016
Join Captain Piper Faraday, smuggler and occasional pirate, as she recruits a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots and sets out on a daring adventure. With your hearty crew you’ll board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your robots with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.0
Inscryption 87.

Inscryption

Platform: PlayStation 5
August 30, 2022
From the creator of Pony Island and The Hex comes the latest mind melting, self-destructing love letter to video games. Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards... In Inscryption you will... Acquire a deck of woodland creature cards by draft, surgery, and self mutilation. Unlock the secrets lurking behind the walls of Leshy's cabin. Embark on an unexpected and deeply disturbing odyssey.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.8
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness 88.

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness

Platform: PSP
October 30, 2007
Knife-wielding penguin henchmen that double as grenades. A rotten adolescent prince of darkness determined to rule the netherworld by hook or by crook. An open-ended structure that encourages players to keep playing the game and developing their characters long after the main storyline is finished.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.1
Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch - Tyranid Invasion 89.

Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch - Tyranid Invasion

Platform: iOS
July 16, 2015
Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch: Tyranid Invasion is a turn-based strategy game, set on the edge of Imperial space, where your Space Marines will take on the Tyranids in a series of tactical engagements. From war ravaged cities, to the insides of Tyranid bio-ships, the missions will see your Kill Team rise in strength and skill as you face ever greater threats and peril.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
4.8
Shogun: Total War Warlord Edition 90.

Shogun: Total War Warlord Edition

Platform: PC
August 13, 2001
This stand-alone package includes the original complete "Shogun: Total War" game and the "Mongol Invasion" expansion which includes Kublai Khan?s invasion of Mongol hordes that try to conquer Japan and three new Japanese campaigns.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
8.4
Wildfrost 91.

Wildfrost

Platform: iOS
April 11, 2024
Take on the elements in Wildfrost, a tactical roguelike deckbuilder! The sun has frozen over, succumbing to the Wildfrost. The town of Snowdwell and its survivors stand as the last bastion against an eternal winter... Build up a deck of powerful card companions and elemental items, as you battle to reach the Sun Temple and banish the frost once and for all!
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Dungelot: Shattered Lands 92.

Dungelot: Shattered Lands

Platform: iOS
January 21, 2016
Dungelot: Shattered Lands takes you on an epic roguelike dungeon-crawler adventure to defeat zombie cows, splat giant evil mushrooms, and generally get back home in one piece. Deceptively simple, ever so addictive.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.0
Insane Robots 93.

Insane Robots

Platform: Xbox One
July 13, 2018
Compete in intense one-on-one duels, lead a riotous robot rebellion through randomly generated survival arenas, and overthrow a malevolent robot despot in an epic single-player campaign. Battle with a collection of 46+ diverse robots in five hostile environments, augment the droids as you progress, and embark on an epic journey filled with peril and twists across a decaying robot dystopia.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
6.9
XCOM 2 94.

XCOM 2

Platform: Xbox One
September 27, 2016
Earth has changed. Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces. XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered. Now, in XCOM 2, the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda and eliminating all who dissent from their new order. Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, and facing impossible odds, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to ignite a global resistance, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
7.4
Cross Blitz 95.

Cross Blitz

Platform: PC
November 24, 2025
Cross Blitz is a unique deckbuilder where heartfelt adventure meets fierce, strategic battles. Whether you explore its rich story or its challenging roguelite mode, Cross Blitz will test your tactical mind as you venture forth and build the perfect decks - utilizing clever card combos and synergies as you fight against the many colorful foes scattered throughout Crossdawn Isle. Join the fearless pirate Redcroft as he strikes a deal to win back his stolen freedom from the merciless Princess Eingana; or help the pop-star Violet in her search for a mystical artifact to stop the evil escapades of a mysterious doppelgänger hijacking her stardom! Throughout each hero's adventure, you'll explore a variety of unique locations while unlocking a wealth of new cards, abilities and relics. Use your treasure trove of strategic options to perfect the ultimate deck that best suits your preferred playstyle.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition 96.

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
September 30, 2025
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles includes two different versions of the game: enhanced and classic. The enhanced version adds fully voiced dialogue, an optimized and updated UI, graphical improvements, and a number of other quality of life features. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original game with the renowned War of the Lions translation and includes convenient features such as auto save.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
tbd
Hex: Shards of Fate 97.

Hex: Shards of Fate

Platform: PC
April 19, 2016
A trading card MMO game.
Metascore:
87
User Score:
6.3
Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark 98.

Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark

Platform: Xbox One
April 30, 2019
Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is a turn-based tactical RPG with a focus on storytelling and strategic battles. Unfold a mature story as you progress through hand-crafted scenarios, controlling your own group of Arbiters, with each character customizable from a wide selection of classes and abilities.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
6.1
Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai 99.

Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai

Platform: PC
March 22, 2012
This massive-scale, stand-alone expansion to Total War: SHOGUN 2 offers a completely new experience to players. Six new playable clans, including those supporting a modern imperial Japan such as the Satsuma and those allied with the old Shogun like the Nagaoka, are now available. Three great foreign powers must also be dealt with: America, Britain and France all have a vested interest in Japan’s future. How will you treat them? All this plays out across an expanded and improved campaign map, covering new island provinces in the far north and featuring all-new building and technology trees as well as brand new features such as railways and naval bombardments, seen for the first time in a Total War title.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
8.4
Unicorn Overlord 100.

Unicorn Overlord

Platform: PlayStation 5
March 8, 2024
From the masterminds that brought 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere, ATLUS x Vanillaware presents the rebirth of tactical fantasy RPG. Fight against fate and embark on a royal adventure to regain your reign alongside trustworthy allies. Unicorn Overlord combines the timeless tactical RPG genre with overworld exploration and innovative battle system for a unique epic fantasy experience in the iconic Vanillaware style.
Metascore:
86
User Score:
tbd
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