Summary
Strategy games have many strengths, typically offering players a deep well of complex and diverse gameplay mechanics to explore. However, they’re often inaccessible as a result, and this is only worsened by the frequently dry presentation and cluttered UI that many strategy games adopt.
However, there remain a number of strategy games that offer a more approachable design, especially in the modern era. These titles all feature satisfying gameplay loops through a combination of slick presentation, generous rewards systems, a clear user-interface, and solid sound design.
Battle Brothersisan open-world sandboxRPG that tasks players with managing a rag-tag mercenary company and leading them in brutal, unforgiving battles. The game’s detailed turn-based combat system is also supported by extensiveRPG character progression, with an abundance of unique and interesting perks that can have a dramatic impact on the outcome of battles.
This RPG character progression and the obvious results of acquiring new perks lead to a satisfying loop. Furthermore, the often harrowing and callous nature of the game’s combat makes overcoming each challenge all the more rewarding.
Dune: Spice Warsis a deeply thematic combination of 4X and real-time strategy game mechanics, elevated by its dedication to the source material and the unique gameplay that stems from it. The slow-burning gameplay won’t be for everyone, but the methodical design results in tight, dramatic skirmishes that ebb and flow toward satisfying conclusions.
The slow and steady increase in resources and territory that comes naturally toDune: Spice Warsis inherently satisfying, as more buildings are constructed and perks taken advantage of. Furthermore, the game’svariety of factionspose their own strengths to manipulate and weaknesses to overcome, keeping this title satisfying for hours.
Tactical Breach Wizardsis aturn-based tacticsgame that’s elevated not only by its clever design, but by its witty writing and stylish presentation. The title’s slick art-style and snappy animations result in a game feel that’s smooth and uninterrupted, with a clear user-interface that stays out of the way whenever possible.
This all results in moment-to-moment gameplay that’s natural to play, making the overall experience all the more satisfying. What’s particularly satisfying, though, is one ofTactical Breach Wizards’core gimmicks: defenestration, which is to say throwing enemies out of windows on the regular.
4Dune: Imperium
A Crisp User-Interface & Interlocking Mechanics
This digital adaptation of the popular tabletop game is a slick and polished title that’s not only mechanically deep, but both easy and satisfying to interact with. Despitea minimalist presentationthat’s relatively static, the game’s user-interface and sound design offer a tactile experience that never gets in the way, allowing the strategic gameplay to consistently shine.
The game itself is a clever combination of worker placement and deck-building, two staples of tabletop gaming that, together, make for a profoundly strategic puzzle. The deck-building nature of the game is particularly satisfying, and the often small size of the decks results in a quick turnaround and fast, rewarding results.
Wildfrostisa charming roguelike deck-builderwith a colorful cartoon art-style, presenting players with an enchanting, snowy world. Elevating this further is the game’s tactile user-interface and, more importantly, its uniquely tactical gameplay. In the game, players field a variety of companions in battle, supporting them with an abundance of charms, spells, and numerous buffs.
The intuitive and tactile controls allow players to move companions around and play cards with ease, and this is supported further by euphonious sound design and an accelerated rate of play. Specifically, the progression between combat encounters inWildfrostis exceptionally fast-paced, tying battles together with generous heaps of rewards. As a result, build crafting inWildfrostis a tremendously gratifying experience that supports the sheer interactivity of its moment-to-moment gameplay.
Balatrois a roguelike deck-builder that swaps out enemies for a score-attack structure that’s both unique and satisfying in equal measure. The numbers-based gameplay taps into a certain satisfaction that many players will be sensitive to, but it’s the game’s stylish visual effects and tactile user-interface that make it so satisfying to interact with.
The building flames around multiplying numbers, cards that are sensitive to the player’s touch, the satisfying squash and stretch that’s present in almost everything;Balatrois a gem that’s been polished to the first degree, built not only as a game but as a toy.Balatrois far from a shallow experience, however, offering plenty of substance within its Poker-based framework. The combination ofstrategic gameplay with random elements, in particular, results in an exciting ebb and flow that can be particularly satisfying when things go the player’s way.
StarCraft 2is a classic RTS that’s still played today, thanks in large part to a dedicated community and evergreen gameplay that holds up under minimal patches. The level of polish present inStarCraft 2is nearly unparalleled in the RTS genre, with a slick user-interface and an abundance of customization options that allow players to play their own way. The gameplay itself is also tremendously satisfying thanks to great sound design and clear visual effects.
What’s most satisfying aboutStarCraft 2, however, is overcoming its learning curve; while the speed of play and knowledge required to compete at even a low level can be daunting, learning a simple build order and gaining a greater understanding of the game offers satisfying results. Furthermore, the game’s highly refined singleplayer campaigns offer polished introductory experiences that help to ease players into the game.
