I also agree that, while it can be played deterministically, the best of this game comes out when you embrace chance and have to play weighing the probabilities, while thinking about the possibilities.

From my understanding (I haven't played either version), the PSP version drastically changed the mechanics compared to the original, so it might be worth trying the other version.

By the way, regarding Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark:
* Many of the more complicated FFT stuff, like zodiacs and brave/faith are absent in Fell Seal.
* One mechanic that's present that I really don't like is how the class you're in at the time of level up affects stat gain; I wish there were an option to have human stats work like Bzaro's stats, changing completely when you switch class, as I think I'd like the character build strategies better with this change. (Your final class choice would be governed by stats as well as skills.) It is probably (at least in part) because of this that I tend to use monsters (thanks to the DLC) and Bzaro a lot, but I'd like to have those mechanics while having access to human skills like Rapturous Chant (which I think may be my favorite ability in the game, particularly when combined with someone else having Revive II).

This. The name of the game speaks volumes about the void after Fantasy General. Fantasy Wars came to fill it, very successfully. You do not have to build anything, you just face battles and try to keep your troops alive, so that they can become more experienced. And of course, if you enjoy old games, the original Fantasy General is a treat. Also Panzer General etc, if battles are your thing. Then, now there is Fantasy General II as well, in GOG.

There is a game that lives in the sweet land between turn based strategy and RPG: Blackguards. No need to build anything. Just upgrade your characters and manage your inventory. If you play it, BY ALL MEANS pick the already made Hunter that the game offers you.

Anyone can recommend more games, turn based, that are not primarily about war?


Now that you mention Massive Chalice, I played it to the end. Loved some aspects of it that were rather unique, but would not play it again because of a few design choices that really did not click.

Might want to take a look at Thea: The Awakening. It plays more along the lines of survival/exploration than the conquest/combat focus most TBS games lean heavily into.

Very true. I enjoyed the main scenario.

Thanks!

Since there seem to be love for Civilization in this thread, a suggestion: Imperialism and Imperialism II. These games do something unique. The first one covers the time between the Napoleonic age and the Great War. It explores the dynamics that drove the evolution of capitalism into colonialism, and then to two World Wars. The economic model in the original game is a delight.

The sequel covers from the age of discoveries (late XV century) to the XIX century. You are expected to colonize the New World while keeping your neighbours at bay in the Old World. The economic model was simplified, also it lost the subtle humour of the original game. In exchange, there are wars early with natives if you want to follow that path.

Both games do their own thing. Strongly recommended to lovers of Civilization for a change.

The coming soon (March 25th, according to the trailer) Dorfromantik looks like a neat little casual turn-based game.

My bad, i did made a check, on x-com and not xcom :)
huh???

not about war ????

you are kidding ???

every turn based strategy game i know is about agression

be it on the so called peace front, industrialist or science, you are expected to explore, expand, exploit and exterminate
( dr. who - those droids ) I MOVE ON PSYKOKINETIC POWERS .. great hardstyle track too btw )

Thx for pointing that out, it looks interesting.

Just remembered that Expeditions: Conquistador and Expeditions: Vikings, are focused on exploration and, well, managing your expedition. With some RPG traits, dialogue, etc. There is tactical combat as well.

Also, Vagrus is centered on managing a caravan in a fantastic land that remembers the Near East reach of the Roman Empire a lot (think Syria). You manage the caravan, meet people, make discoveries. Your character has RPC attributes. If you like reading a lot in games, this one might be for you. Thre is some RPG-style combat here and there, but most of the time you will be exploring and talking to people. There was a demo in GOG.

These titles cross genres between strategy, role play, and adventure.

As an alternative to a full strategy game, maybe a RPG with turn-based combats?

At this time, I can't think of any. All of the not-war strategy games I have coming to mind are realtime or roguelikes. Perhaps this should spin off into a new thread?

I'm not very experienced with turn-based Depth of Extinction is quite fun. It takes place in b-movie postappocalyptic world that has sunk into the sea. It kind of feel like early PC games like Duke Nukem (the platformer) which doesn't really take itself all that serious.

The game is simplified a great deal compared to other tactical stuff. Each character has only four item slots, but the limitation makes each one count as much more. There's 10 character classes and a total of 115 items, so plenty to explore!

Alas, there's one really nasty bug in the game: You cannot save in the middle of a mission.

The keyboard shortcuts, once you get them, are really nice. Also, I just like the setting and the entire feel of the thing. Something that speaks to me is that you don't feel like your controlling a profesional SWAT team but more like you're in charge of some random idiots with guns (and, sometimes, stylish hats)

I also love Into the Breach, which is extremely simplified and fun. But (edit) I see you already tried it!

Chaos Overlords

Futuristic underworld lords co-existing in a future city represented by an 8x8 grid. Love this game...

That is a damned good idea.