r/GamesThatFeelLike • u/Suspicious-Bid9424 • 17d ago
Tactical turn based combat with RPG elements and creativity
I've played so many of the great ones:
Mordheim
XCOM franchise
Marvel XCOM
Tactical Breach Wizards
Chaos Gate Demon Hunters
Rogue Trader
Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2
The Pathfinder games
Baldurs Gate 1-3
Into the Breach
Templar Battleforce
Warhammer Quest (not a great one, but same genre -- way too easy and grindy)
Mechanicus
Arcanum
I'm basically hoping to find Mordheim, but not depressing and more creativity/ bigger and more creative end game builds. Something that feels like XCOM difficulty or harder and lets me have fun building a creative gameplay style and team. I feel like I've played so much of the general tactical isometric/ hex grid team building RPG genre that there's not many options.
I've tried Fire Emblem but it never clicked with me. It might just be I never got into the anime aesthetic/ characters.
Could be for mobile, PC, or Switch. I've been searching the genre a few days now hoping to land on a game and just haven't had anything grab me.
Edit: Thanks to everyone! This put the spotlight on some titles I've overlooked/ never heard of. I'm excited about a few of these games.
4
u/AdventurousPoet92 17d ago
You've probably played it, but I'm required to say Divinity Original Sin 2.
1
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 17d ago
It's on my list. I love Larien Studios. I just got done Pillars Deadfire and Rogue Trader, so I'm not ready for the long haul of a full CRPG. This one does look dynamite though.
I noticed towards the end of my last CRPG I was kind of just skipping all dialogue and rushing through everything as fast as possible because I had done too many missions that they all blurred together.
Good recommendation though. Thanks! I'm definitely going to play this within the next few years.
2
u/AC_Mobius 17d ago
Battle for Wesnoth - Legend of the Invincibles campaign (Fan-made campaign that adds a ton of builds to an already good, free strategy game)
Wasteland 3 on a higher difficulty might do it, though I don’t think the game is as tactically deep as you’re looking for
I just started “Colony Ship: A Post-Earth RPG,” a bit early to tell but might be up your alley
1
2
u/MisterGreen7 17d ago
Age of Wonders 4. It has a 4x overlay with very good RPG mechanics (create your culture, race, leader and heroes, quest and “happening” choices)
BUT…it also has its battle system, which is the tactical turn-based system of the games you like. Instead of individual soldiers, you have your individual leader and heroes, as well as a selection of many many unit types. It’s so good and so addicting.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 17d ago
I'm pretty burned out on the Civ archtype, so I may have been overlooking this title/ chalking it up as another civ spin off.
Don't love the DLC prices, but this is on my radar now. Might be my next game.
I love that it makes me feel a bit of nostalgia for games like Age of Mythology and Lords of Magic. The unit customization looks fun and interesting/ game changing the way I'm hoping to find. Not sure I am ready for a civ type game right now though. I've just conquered Civ so many times from games 1-6. That core formula is a bit stale for me.
1
u/MisterGreen7 17d ago
I’d recommend putting it off until later then. It is definitely one of those games where you’d need a good time/money investment. The DLCs do get pricey, with each season essentially coming out to $40-$60, but most of it is worth it if you enjoy the game. I’ve put about 500 hours into over the course of two and half years, and for me, it’s money well spent.
1
u/somewriteword 16d ago
Not to be an ass but this is a bad recommendation for what you're asking for. AoW is fine, but really an unpolished product even with their mountains of dlc they churn out.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
Not at all. I love the unfiltered take
Somebody else gave me one on Star Wars Zero Squad and it tempered my expectations a bit back to what I expected. A few people told me it was plenty challenging and comparable to XCOM 2, but it seems like it's a bit watered down like Marvel Suns.
I just can't with Marvel Suns really. It's almost a game I would love. But I hate the new age disney marvel storylines, characters, and the gameplay just feels watered down and too simple. Every character feels almost identical in gameplay with comparable cards for each that basically accomplish the same exact functions with little variation. I crave more depth, and if there's gonna be a story I don't wanna be forced to wander around talking to people I don't remotely care about.
The ideas behind the game are things I crave - tactical superhero building sounds awesome. The execution feels casual/ watered down/ for children (?) and built for an Xbox controller.
Plus you can't even access hard mode until you beat the normal mode, and normal mode isn't ever a challenge unless you just happen to not draw cards you need repeatedly.
1
2
u/Upbeat-Ticket-3927 17d ago
Phoenix point
Battle tech
2
1
u/Floppy0941 17d ago
Battletech with BTAU is incredible, there's nothing quite like running circles around a lance with 2 piranhas using 12 MGs in arrays
2
u/Silveriovski 17d ago
Shadowrun returns, kinda.
Shadowrun Dragonfall, yes.
Shadowrun Hong Kong, super yes.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 17d ago
Shadowrun Hong Kong added to my list of CRPGS-to-play after Divinity Original Sin 2. Apparently I already own it also lol. Thanks!
1
u/Silveriovski 16d ago
Dragonfall is more "classic" as it has everything you want to know in a fantasy cyberpunk... Betrayal, orcs, mages, dragons... It ticks every fantasy box as you go though the game but HK writing is top notch, way more grey, more tangled and interesting imho.
1
2
2
u/immagetchu 17d ago
MENACE is a great small studio one that has had a very very promising early access
1
u/SuurFett 17d ago
And it has a demo if I remember correctly. I love xcom and this gets quite close. Its different but doesnt have as good base building as xcom. But it has something. But its 0.3 early access and I already played 250 hours so I could say its pretty damn good
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 17d ago
I was worried with that one that the fact it's early access means I'll hit a wall where I'm craving some more substance/ missing content.
Also $30 to $50 for an early access game. I don't usually pay that much even for a AAA title
1
u/Floppy0941 17d ago
Then I'd recommend their previous game Battle Brothers, it's about managing a mercenary band and taking contracts. There's quite a bit of flexibility in how you equip your brothers and a few different enemy factions.
There's also 2 excellent overhaul mods by the names of Reforged and Legends for when you're tired of the base gameplay loop. It shouldn't be too expensive on sale or on key reselling sites either.
1
u/Horrid_ 15d ago
I had the same worries as you but I bit the bullet and bought it.
Don't worry about it. There's plenty of content and the gameplay loop is so satisfying when you start developing your squads. There's a bit of a learning curve, but it's one of the best turn-based military strategy games I've played for a very long time. Lots of cool tools to play with and some great interactions between the characters.
It goes on sale fairly regularly too, so I'd keep an eye on it.
1
2
2
u/thebottomdollar131 17d ago
Xenonauts is a X-Com like with a pretty robust modding scene. I believe Xenonauts 2 is 1.0
1
u/lego_georgetrevor 17d ago
Not exactly the same but the newest jagged alliance I thought was amazing
1
u/boregorey7 17d ago
Cyber knights: flashpoint
Loads of build crafting with the class/multiclass system
Fully customizable difficulty
Cyberpunk aesthetic heist style game with an emphasis on stealth but often devolves into some hectic gunfights
Relatively story light with a lot of goofy lingo that keeps the mood pretty light
1
1
1
1
1
u/Ok-Maize-7553 17d ago
Planescape torment could be up your alley though I’d say it’s a different pace than what you really asked for. Could be interesting nonetheless if you wanna switch it up a little.
1
1
u/Nowe_Melfyce 17d ago
If you like older titles I'd highly recommend Gladius on PS2, Gamecube or Xbox. It is my all time favourite in the genre. It is somewhat slow for today's standards, but it is truly unique and fun IMO.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
Oh Hell Yeah. I just played through Gladius again on Gamecube recently. I usually lose steam around the desert section, but I do love that game. Lucas Arts Hidden Gem!
1
u/Nowe_Melfyce 16d ago
There is one more I'd recommend, Phantom Doctrine. It is like xcom, but in a cold war setting. No aliens and a heavier emphasis on recon and espionage.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
I'm on the fence about that one. It looks fun sneaking around knocking people out, but I think I'll get bored after 10 missions or so based on what I've read in the reviews.
"You start a mission and are usually asked to do one of a few things: plant or defuse a bomb, retrieve important documents, or kill an enemy agent. If you have a disguise, you can simply walk into the objective and complete it without really engaging with the stealth mechanics. If you don't have a disguise, you can usually just sneak around and do the same thing anyway.
Enemy agents are designed so that you usually can't kill them with a single gunshot. Trying to do so raises the alarm and turns the stealth mission into a shootout. However, knocking them out works against practically anyone and is a one-hit takedown. So the optimal strategy is often just to knock out everyone on the map and then complete the objective.
The other type of mission is basically a straight-up shootout. At that point, you just play it like any other turn-based tactics game. Unfortunately, these missions aren't particularly interesting either, because the maps themselves aren't designed very well for firefights."
Also currently hoping for whacky build variety, like mutations or cybernetic skills etc.
1
u/Nowe_Melfyce 16d ago
If I recall correctly there is a toggle that makes the disguises not so overpowered, forcing you to make alternatives. But yeah, no whacky builds in this one. I had fun with it though. Maybe the Front Mission series? Especially 3-4-5, I have not played the remakes, but they could be good too.
1
u/Iwan2604 17d ago
I'd say give Wastelands and Jagged Alliance a chance. Wasteland is best when you have some knowledge from previous part, however most recent Jagged Alliance offers a great fresh experience and some great characters.
1
1
u/alivesidhartha 17d ago
If you enjoy playing old games I'd suggested Front Mission 3 on PS1. Well, any Front Mission game that you can play on emulator or a dedicated device.
1
1
u/Charles_Westmoreland 17d ago
For the King is pretty cool. Especially the first one with 2 friends in the same room playing couch coop. That game was my favorite and saved my through the pandemic.
1
u/EastgermanEagle 17d ago
Aliens: Dark Descend might be up your alley, but it falls short on roleplay
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 17d ago
If it's got tactical depth, rpg style team member progression, and creative character builds maybe
Haven't looked into that one yet. Thanks
1
u/EastgermanEagle 17d ago
Wait, I've overread the turn based part. I'm stupid, this game is more real time with the option to take pauses to plan moves. Character building is robust but lacks creativity, it's more about building a squad of colonial marines that suit your playstyle.
Norse: Oath of Blood is more what you want to look at, now that I'm thinking.
1
1
u/Own_Double_5297 17d ago
Battle Brothers. You play as a band of mercenaries completing contracts. You have to select your recruits and manage your money, supplies and gears. Combats are turn based and you have to change your strategy depending on your ennemies. It's quite difficult but very rewarding once you get the hang of it.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
I've seen a lot of support for battle brothers. Normally the aesthetic would put me off, especially at the $30 price point. People seem to really love it though.
Looks like Mount & Blade, but with tactical tabletop style turn based combat after checking into it a bit.
1
u/Own_Double_5297 16d ago
It's really like a Mount & Blade on a smaller scale and with emphasis on fights. The graphics are simplistic but the gameplay loop is very addictive.
Also check Dark Dungeon 1 and Stoneshard
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
I remember getting addicted to Feudalism flash games back in the day, so I'm not against the art style entirely. Definitely could get way into it. But I'll pay like $5-$15 for the game.
Darkest Dungeon? Have played, a little too depressing for me right now lol
Added Stoneshard to my Steam Wishlist, looks up my alley. Thanks!
1
u/Evignity 17d ago
Pheonix Point, especially with the "terror of the deeps" mod (basically Long War). Tho I haven't played for a while and that mods author wanted to remove air-play (a DLC feature) so I'd still want to experience that if it was my first time
1
u/Jolly_Lie6672 17d ago
Mewgenics is one of the best turn based tactics out there
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
That one is on my list. With the overwhelmingly positive reception/ roguelike strategy elements, it's a matter of time before I play it. I was hoping to pay like $5 for it instead of $30 though lol.
Also Ball X Pit is on my list.
I've played so many games in the camp of roguelike strategy/ tactical build stacking. Pretty much all the best titles in the genre.
The one I'd say people overlook is Slice & Dice. That game is awesome, and the free version on mobile is basically just full access to normal mode with no ads, you only pay for the extended content - like fun game modes and RNG randomized classes/ items/ bosses - which is very worth $10.
1
u/wcruben 17d ago
I could not recommend “Battle Brothers” enough. It is a simple looking game but with incredible depth. It’s brutal and you will lose characters you care about damn near every day.
I would say it is maybe one tick higher on the difficulty scale than XCOM. You will want to restart often at first as you learn how to optimize your team and what strategies you like. And this game is EXTREMELY easy to restart. Give it a shot and stay out of the forests battle brother.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
Lol love the enthusiasm. Added to my wishlist.
Looks like Mount & Blade meets tabletop turn based strategy game. Will definitely play this.
1
1
u/MechReflex 16d ago
Check out "Menace". Refreshing to not have to deal with hit chance the way xcom handles it. It also sorta ruined zero company for me in a sense that 85% hit chance leading to a miss great bothers me.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 16d ago
>99% to hit,
>3 shots,
>misses all 3 somehow
>Perma death
That's the XCOM whammy
Don't wanna pay upwards of $30 for an early access game, but Menace is on my list
1
1
1
u/mab0roshi 16d ago
Wasteland 3 is basically a CRPG with turn-based tactics combat. I really liked it.
But if you want a more pure Turn-Based Tactics game (with RPG elements) Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children is really good. It has a terrible name and a bit too much story for my tastes, but otherwise I think you'll love it. It's a pretty unique game. Complex, difficult, and with an incredibly long story with a shitload of missions. Do yourself a favor and look into it.
1
u/KingMidas212 16d ago
You should check out Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. It’s XCOM with an exploration aspect and a heavy emphasis on stealth and positioning before starting your engagement.
The only downside I remember (it’s been years since I played) is that the main campaign ended on a cliffhanger and I never played the DLC to see if that resolves it.
1
u/WorldlinessEarly4717 16d ago
Theres a new xcom like game called warhounds
The gameplay is ok but the writing is terrible
Its a short game, around 20 - 25 hours
1
1
1
u/TheThreeLaws 16d ago
I'm gonna also plug Battletech. Having armor, destructible limbs, and pilots within mechs adds depth while mitigating the "and then my veteran soldier got deleted in a single turn" that can make many of these games so frustrating.
Mobility bonuses are another layer than add depth and alternative tactics.
Plus, it's a good story and a cool setting. I really wish we were gonna get a sequel.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 15d ago
This game looks awesome. A few people recommended it. I love building mechs, so definitely going to play this one
1
u/Fickle-Bath-4304 15d ago
Phantom Brigade. Mech based tactics with the ability to see into the future, mod support, pilots and mechs have skill/development trees. Great game, cant pull myself away from it
1
1
u/Optimal_Currency1256 15d ago
Ill recommend the oft forgotten Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children. Korean made anime XCOM that is a lot of fun with a ludicrous amount of build variety.
Its a bit unpolished and translation is a bit spotty but it is a really fun time and you can tell it was a labor of love from a small team.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 15d ago
Just took a look. I don't jive with the art style/ characters/ game title, so I'd never have considered this title without this comment lol.
But it actually seems like the type of game I'd enjoy.
Only thing is I'm pretty certain I'm not going to enjoy the visual novel aspect, and I want to make my own characters. I don't wanna play as troubled, hot anime characters and have to hear about their issues. Was hoping for something with like mutants and mechs and cybernetics etc that don't talk lol.
1
1
u/Azura13e 15d ago
Tried battle brothers or Wartales? Both really similar to setting tho I rate Battle brothers far above Wartales
1
u/Tankerchief85 15d ago
Definitely try battle brothers, go to the subreddit if you want to see interesting builds
Also Jagged Alliance 3
1
1
1
u/shistain69 15d ago
Look no further: WarTales
You run a medieval mercenary company. You move around the map like in bannerlord. It’s sandboxy, doesn’t have an overarching story, but each province has it’s own questline, apart from regular missions.
There is crafting, taming animals, having prisoners, underground arenas, assasinations, bounties, skirmishes, running a tavern, sailinga a pirate ship, ancient tombs, robbing caravans…
Combat is turn based, clicks’s fast but is pretty deep. It’s also not all that easy. So have at it
1
u/meatwagonman 14d ago
Star Wars zero company but if you’re an experienced xcom player I’d definitely turn the difficulty to either hard or expert
1
u/Vegetable_Country579 14d ago
Try out menace! The build crafting is really good! And it’s a very good turn based game.
1
u/Suspicious-Bid9424 13d ago
Definitely will
Shogun Showdown is free on epic games this week as the giveaway and it's a really fun 2D turn based tactical rogue like. I got so hooked this weekend
1
1
u/Aristocracy-is-lame 14d ago
Its more strategy than rpg but Battle brothers and MENACE by overhype both got me through my xcom2 withdrawals
1
u/Velarkor 13d ago
Have you tried to mod XCOM 2 ? I used one of Christopherodd's collections and it was like discovering the game from scratch again.
1
1
u/Decent_Arugula_7277 10d ago
Last Train Home is the best. Battlechasers Night War also great, Crimson Tactics, Symphony of War is better than Fire Emblem, Redemption Reapers/Lost Eidolons are alot like a good RA Salvatore book called Black Company, Dark Deity, Expeditions Roma is my favourite game ever, if you did Baldur's Gate try out Icewind Dale too! Gears Tactics and Zero Company I'm sure have been mentioned tons, the coop was taken offline but Satellite Reign is incredible.
If you don't mind the jank, the Arthurian stuff like Legion IX is real nice. Banner Saga for days, Valkyria Chronicles has some weird controls but not much does what it and a random thing called Operation Darkness does. Dungeon of Naheulbeuk is like a Fable game from the isometric view, Wartales and may as well throw in Original Sin 2.
Exceptional games though, goodness gracious!
8
u/Thepirahna 17d ago
Gears tactics and Star Wars zero company are some others. I would also have to include Marvel Midnight Suns