Summary
RPGsare one of the most complex and varied genres in video games, using a variety of tactics to innovate on their mechanics and storytelling. Many games in this category featurestrategic combat, requiring careful thought about every move, evaluating options, and making tactical decisions to overcome difficult battles.
Some of thesegames challenge players to develop detailed strategies before each encounter, as well as planning skills, formations, and equipment, before progressing on their journey. The ability to anticipate enemy moves and adapt tactics during battle is essential for success, making these games a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a good challenge.
For those seeking an unforgiving challenge,Battle Brothersis the definitive choice. This turn-based tactical RPG puts players in command of a mercenary company in a low-fantasy medieval setting. Strategy is essential, with complex battles and the need to equip soldiers with historical weapons that offer unique abilities. Death is permanent – dead characters do not return, except as undead.
The open-world campaign is procedurally generated, providing contracts, loot, and recruitment of mercenaries with distinct backgrounds and traits. Every decision outside of combat, such as which missions to accept or who the new recruits will be, can drastically impact the success of a company.
LikeDungeons & Dragons,Pathfinderalso has video games that use its tabletop RPG rules. A notable example isWrath of the Righteous, which offers players immense freedom to build their characters. The game features a wide range of possible builds, allowing for deep and varied customization.
However, this freedom comes with a challenge:Wrath of the Righteousrequires players to optimize their builds and strategies to face the obstacles ahead. The enemies along the journey are diverse and formidable, and before each character reaches their peak power, calculated and precise moves are necessary to overcome the challenges they’ll face.
Darkest Dungeonis considered one of the hardest RPGs ever made,largely due to its strategic gameplay. As players venture through ruins, coves, and forests, they are constantly challenged to think through every step to succeed.
This applies not only toDarkest Dungeon’s combat, which requires planning and strategy, such as choosing the best composition and abilities for each character, but also to resource management during missions. Players must decide both which items to bring, due to limited inventory space, and when to use them, lest they risk running out of torches and be left exploring in total darkness.
Tactics Ogre: Rebornis a precious gem for those passionate about strategy games. This version of the game features enhanced graphics and sound effects, along with some gameplay changes. While veterans will rediscover an improved classic, new players will find an unparalleled challenge.
The tactical combat is intense and strategic, set in three-dimensional environments. The revamped AI adapts tactics according to the situation, ensuring challenging and engaging battles. The unit levelingsystem allows for infinite combinations of classes, equipment, abilities, and spells, providing a complex and rewarding gameplay experience.
BioWare is known for making some incredible RPGs, butDragon Age: Originsstands out for its strategic and engaging combat. In the game, players command a group of characters in real-time battles, but can pause the action to give detailed instructions to each party member.
Additionally, the game offers a mechanic where players can program the AI of allies to act in specific ways in various situations, such as using certain abilities when detecting enemies or healing allies when their health is low. This allows players seeking a greater tactical challenge to customize team actions, creating complex and effective strategies to face the diverse enemies throughout the journey.
InFinal Fantasy Tactics, players control Ramza and his soldiers during the War of the Lions, guiding them through combat on the battlefield. The game uses a grid-based battle system where character positioning is crucial. The terrain’s height and distance from enemies alters the effectiveness of attacks and spells, requiring careful analysis of each move.
Character customization is one of the game’s highlights,asFinal Fantasy Tacticshas a complex job system. Various classes become available, allowing players to develop unique abilities and create detailed strategies to face challenges, making each battle a strategic and engaging experience.
InPillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire,combat stands out for its strategic depth, with mechanics reminiscent of classicDungeons & Dragonsgames. Players can pause the game to give detailed commands to party members, or go into turn-based mode, allowing precise control over abilities and tactics in each battle.
Character and companion customization also contributes to making each combat encounter a unique experience. Naval battles, although not as thrilling as land confrontations, offer an additional dimension for players who wish to explore the vast seas of Deadfire. Commanding and upgrading the ship and crew is crucial for surviving dangerous encounters, enriching the maritime adventuring experience.
The classic mode ofFire Emblem: Three Housesis often unforgiving to new players, as one wrong decision can cause them to lose that character for the rest of the story. Strategic combat is fundamental, requiring careful movement of characters across the battlefield.
The weapon advantage mechanic also plays a crucial role, where swords, lances, and axes have strengths and weaknesses against each other in a rock-paper-scissors-like combat system. Additionally, weapons can wear out and break, adding an extra layer of management and planning. Each move must be well-calculated to ensure survival and success in battle.
Larian Studios is known forits complex combat and open world, but inDivinity: Original Sin 2, it has taken these ideals to a new level. At higher difficulties, players must pay attention to everything happening around them to exploit openings and prevent enemies from doing the same. The game brilliantly explores the interaction of powers with the environment, drastically altering battle dynamics.
For example, water spells create puddles on the ground that can be electrified with magic, causing damage to all wet enemies. This synergy between elements and the environment requires players to plan their actions carefully, maximizing strategic combinations and making the most of combat conditions.
In 2023, Larian releasedBaldur’s Gate 3, a game inspired by the fifth edition rules ofDungeons & Dragons.The title stands out for its turn-based strategic combat, where every move must be carefully planned. Players need to consider character positioning to maximize damage and minimize exposure to enemy attacks.
Intelligent use of terrain and skill combinations are crucial for success in battle. The game also offers a wide range of class and race options, allowing for deep character customization. This diversity amplifies strategic possibilities, encouraging players to experiment with different tactical approaches to overcome challenges.
