Summary
Electronic Arts and turn-based strategy aren’t exactly synonymous, as the franchise isn’t known for producing such games. But stranger things have happened, and in this case, they actually did. While EA is best known for itssports franchises and blockbuster titles, it has, on occasion, dipped its toes into the world of strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making.
Surprisingly, EA has both developed and — more often — published several turn-based games, with varying degrees of success. Some of these titles might catch readers off guard, while others assuredly won’t. It’s an eclectic mix of iconic IPs, forgotten experiments, and everything in between.
EA released a slew of hits for theNintendo DS, includingBionicle Heroes,Bejeweled 3, and a port ofThe Sims 2. But one of its more charming, lesser-known titles wasZubo,an RPG fused with rhythm-based gameplay. Surprisingly, rather than clashing, the two genres work pretty well together.
Using the DS’s stylus and touch screen, players could befriend and battle alongside Zubos, the quirky inhabitants of Zubalon. During turn-based battles, players must tap the screen in time with the music to maximize their attacks. Simple? Sure—but the game was designed with younger players in mind.
6Dragon Age Legends
A Turn-Based Legend Gone in a Flash
Some Facebook users may have fond memories of the platform’sFlash game era. It was a simpler time when titles likeFarmvilleandYoVille(along with countless other -ville games) dominated social media.
One of the later arrivals to this party wasDragon Age Legends, a freemium tie-in toDragon Age II. Unfortunately, it shut down just over a year after launch. A shame, really, since it was one of the few genuinely decent Flash games available on Facebook (granted, not the highest bar to clear). The game played like aFinal Fantasy-style turn-based RPG, making solid use of theDragon AgeIP. However, its emphasis on quick, enjoyable gameplay over the usual addictive monetization tactics would ultimately lead to its downfall.
5EA SPORTS FC Tactical
Coming Soon to a Device Near You
After losing theFIFAlicense in 2022, EA took a more experimental approach to its soccer games. One of its first ventures was a baffling — yet surprisingly solid — turn-based version of theEA Sports FCseries. For those with eyebrows raised to the ceiling, yes, this game does exist. However, it remains exclusive to select Asian territories, with no global release announced yet.
Fans ofCaptain Tsubasa: Dream Teammay find this particularly exciting, as the same developers behind that mobile classic collaborated with EA to bring this unique take on the world’s game to life. Early impressions from those who have played it have been largely positive, with some even considering it one of EA’s best mobile sports titles.
EA Mobile (EA’s daughter company) is a surprisingly dominating force in the mobile gaming arena. The company has released titles based on major franchises such asThe Simpsons,Harry Potter, andThe Sims,not to mention several other notable entries on this list.
One of its most celebrated titles isOrcs & Elves, a must-play for fans seeking a fresh, modern twist on old-school first-person games likeDoomandQuake. (Well, as fresh as a 2006 mobile game can be.) This fast-paced dungeon crawler’s biggest hook is its turn-based gameplay. Each move counts as a “turn,” and if enemies are nearby, they’ll take theirs right after. It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly compelling, making every encounter in its retro-style mazes a strategic battle.
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroesis still going strong nearly a decade after its launch. This collectible RPG for mobile platforms allows players to assemble characters from both the pre-and post-Disney eras — including fan favorites fromKnights of the Old Republic.
The reason it’s stuck around for so long? It’s just plain fun. Nowhere else can players watch theirmost cherishedStar Warscharactersbattle it out in strategic turn-based combat. Plus, with a Microsoft Windows port released in 2024, even more players can now find out what all the fuss is about.
Another game to don theFinal Fantasystyle isThe Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, though it doesn’t quite reach the same depth as the games it emulates. However, forLord of the Ringsfanswho also love classic JRPGs, this game will be right up their alley.
The game features an original story that runs parallel to the films, and while it may not be worthy of Tolkien himself, it does a great job of recreating Middle-earth. It’s worth playing just to relive iconic moments like the Balrog showdown or Éowyn 1v1ing the Witch-king.
Yes, EA publishedFinal Fantasy 10-2. No, they had nothing to do with the first game. And yes, including this entry is a bit cheeky, considering they only handled publishing in Europe — but for a game this well-received, it had to be done.
What more can be said aboutFinal Fantasy 10-2that hasn’t already been discussed? It was a massive success, despite initial skepticism about a direct sequel in a franchise known for standalone stories. This wasn’t EA’s only brush with theFinal Fantasyseries, either — they even hosted aFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthevent inApex Legends. Of course, that came with a catch: unlocking all rewards required players tospend up to $290.
