Hum, I have played it in 7 with no problem. I will try it on 10.

I love HOMAM2!

And also another 1+ to strategy games that focus on exploration and story/mystery, like the HOMAM series and some other stuff that's been mentioned.

If an emulator is available or a handheld, I recommend trying out FFTactics Advance 1+2. The second game is unrelated story-wise to FFTA1, and the second one features some cameos from FFXII. I prefer the first game, but some people like the second one more, so I recommend checking both. Preferably 1->2. The second one is easier, but the tutorial is harder, since you can die in it more easily (which is a game over).

Still is

Good point. When I had a look through some of the mentioned games, there are really overlaps with these 2 genres.

When I think of e.g. Pillars of Eternity the single fights really feel similar to traditional turn-based strategy.

For now I am still _very_ happy with Into the Breach. It is so addictive and was my main time-waster on this weekend *lol*. However, I feel it is more a puzzle game than traditional strategy. The twist is that you know your opponent's moves in advance and have to advise a counter-strategy.

I'm quoting this to emphasize that last point. I sort of like the Disciples games - there's a dark fantasy theme, the resource system is somewhat unconventional and you get to transfer one of your heroes from one mission to the next, which increases commitment - but it hails from an era when Normal difficulty was what we would now call Hard. There's no shame in picking the easy option the first time around. There are four factions to choose from, and they are or feel rather unbalanced; that's a recurring theme throughout the series, so I think it's a deliberate design decision. Either way, that means that Normal difficulty with one faction can feel more brutal than it does with another.

And in case Blackguards piques your interest, please note that it's one of those games that's on ~85% discount several times a year so can be picked up for peanuts if you have the patience :)

I've forgotten about one interesting title which has few original mechanics.
I mean Renowned Explorers: International Society
I've played it a little and found it enough enjoyable to recommend.

I agree.

Blackguards and Blackguards 2 were my gateway to turn-based games (which I tend to prefer ATM because of this series) and I would highly recommend them for someone wanting to start out in the game type...

... but...

... I certainly found them extremely challenging at the time. IMHO you have to be willing to learn the ropes through trial-and-error and not let initial frustration turn you away. (It may help if you learn a few basics of the Dark Eye roleplaying system, but not 100% necessary).

The games go on sale quite frequently and are extremely cheap.

I loved the experience so much I bought Blackguards 2 on console as well!

That is a good point you raise, you can have the mindset of a beginner wanting to cross the border but... if the beginner games don't tick with you why waist your time on those, and certainly if you have the brains to consider expert titles

This is what i was thinking coming in here. I was ready to suggest Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions (with the caveat that, while it does a good job of teaching, it does a terrible job of explaining what you're supposed to be learning). And also Battle for Wesnoth (hard as hell, but 100% gratis and FOSS).

However, that's not what he wants ti seems.

Nice to see love for Blackguards. I wonder if you chose the Hunter character or any ot the others that are presented when starting? or made a new one? The game really wants you to play the Hunter. It is enough of a challenge to level up the characters in the party. If there is not a solid base as provided by the starting party as it comes, the difficulty increases notably. Even so, it is a game that loves to make you think a little, leveraging items in the environment and weaknesses on the part of your enemies.

The ability to create a character from scratch was added due to a lot of whining on the part of some vocal people. Then a few reviewers went and tried to play the game making new characters, whithout having the slightest idea about the system of The Dark Eye, which is implacable with mistakes. To sum it up, they did not know what they were doing, they paid not attention to the strong suggestions from the game, and they could not progress, and then they whined like there is no future.

Fortunately everyone here will learn from harsh experience of others and will do their first playthrough with the offered Hunter, who has a great story to tell, along with his fellows. HINT: he can handle a lance very well. If only he could use it over someone who could stay in the way of trouble, but for that a fierce yet not too tall mate would be required ;-)

For people who likes adventure games, Chains of Satinav will make you love the Hunter class...