The genre of step -by -step tactics again becomes relevant. The success of remakes of once popular games and successful companies on Kickstarter confirm this. New projects come out regularly, gaining the recognition of critics and ordinary users. On the eve of the release of the unusual I’m not a monster We selected a dozen iconic and simply wonderful representatives of the genre. We warn you right away: there will be no top in the top "Civilizations" And Master of Orion. We will talk about games that concentrate at the combat clashes of small detachments – games that have to win with the help of the mind, ingenuity and tactics. Intrigued? Then let's start!
Tenth place – "Silent Storm Operation"
Who would have thought that the game from the Russian developer Nival will turn out to be a real hit and legislator of the genre. Yes, probably many, because at that time the studio was already quite widely known. "Silent Storm Operation" tells about the special detachment of the time of the Second World War. The spirit of a large -scale military conflict is felt every second, and the player, like a real commander, plans to get out into enemy territory.
Technically and gameplayo game in 2003 could surprise. True, at times the impression spoiled the appearance of Ubersolendate in exoskeletons. Fiction elements did not like everyone. Some opponents possessed almost cheathered abilities, and the very appearance of unimaginable technology from the future confused the prevailing idea of the game, which already in great detail outlined the main confrontation of the 20th century. Otherwise, Silent Storm remained in the memory of many as a project that made a fair contribution to the industry.
Ninth place – Xenonauts
Xenonauts – An excellent clone X-Com: Ufo Defense. So excellent that we decided to put him in the top precisely him, and not the original game. The project was not tracing paper, but rather the development of UFO Defense ideas. True, they were similar, like one -eating twins. Again spinal graphics, albeit in high resolution, almost the same interface. The quick response system detects UFOs, and rushed … the first contact, and you are immediately immersed in the confrontation of special forces with aliens. In the first skirmish with aliens, most likely, you will lose your detachment. The game turned out to be incredibly complicated. Hardcore tactics will have to taste fans of the same X-Com, but definitely not a massive player. Here everything is decided by the preparation and study of the plan that you will have to follow step by step. And if something suddenly goes wrong-write disappears. Extraterrestrial creatures easily take out the fighters caught by surprise.
Eighth place – Laser Squad Nemesis
Series Laser Squad not so famous in the CIS, but it does not get worse. The top of the first game of Damslots sister sites the franchise could be placed in the top, but we decided to dwell on Nemesis. In general, this is a standard tactical step -by -step action, but with one correction … Laser Squad Nemesis – a multiplayer game. Outstanding Gam-designer Julian Gollop, by the way, creating a X-Com series, built a system that was later operated for years.
This time, the player can take on the role of both the defender of mankind and the alien invader. Here you have a choice of powerful fur, and fast infantry, and a swarm of aliens. Roy in the literal sense. The tactics of everyone is different, and the gameplay depends on the one who is in your detachment. Someone will have to get closer to the enemy and arrange ambushes, and someone will be able to dug at a respectful distance and use powerful space guns along with telekinesis.
Unfortunately, since 2006, Nemesis has not received updates, but some enthusiasts still play it. No wonder, because the gameplay even after years remains just as exciting … Again, how many you know multiplayer step -by -step tactical games?
Seventh place – Into the Breach
From the creators Faster than Light Expected something amazing. And not in vain. At first glance, Into the Breach It may seem simple, almost primitive, but let the appearance not scare you. This is a real pearl of the genre with gameplay thought out to the smallest detail.
The game is largely reminiscent of chess, including visually. Your technique is located on separate cells, the ubiquitous beetles are waiting for others. But they have a whole pile of chips that they can definitely surprise. For example, you make a move, and it turns out that another enemy crawls out from under the ground. Right under you. Here you need to study the tactics of all kinds and think through every move.
The gameplay changes radically, it is worth replacing a set of furs in the detachment. It is only a pity that in terms of duration the project is almost as modest as in terms of appearance. But here reiglable comes to the rescue. In Into the Breach you can return again and again, trying different, sometimes unobvious tactics. For example, nowhere is it said that with a hook with a cable you can attract not only enemies, but also your own technique. And this is only one hidden chip from the set!
Sixth place – Vandal Hearts
Through step -by -step contractions Vandal Hearts tells a story covered in the spirit of medieval wars. While your detachment fights on the battlefield, intrigues are weaving in the political arena and conspiracies are planned.
The game is very similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, but you need to consider that in many ways it was Vandal Hearts that served as a source of inspiration for spin-offs of the famous series. The fighters in the team are unique, even though they fit into the framework of standard classes. But there is not a single unnecessary hero. Balance is calculated to the smallest detail. And for almost every new battle you will have to come up with a new tactic.
At one time, Vandal Hearts has become a step on the path of development of the genre, sensually realizing and decomposing accumulated ideas on the shelves. If you decide to play it now, it is unlikely that she will disappoint you … Provided that you are not picky to the schedule. Otherwise, this is a reference step -by -step tactical role from the nineties.
Fifth place – Jagged Alliance 2
At one time, the second part of the series Jagged Alliance made a lot of noise, especially in the post -Soviet space. The sequel repeated the original formula in many ways, but made it deeper in each individual aspect. Mercenaries have become more colorful, interface and control – more convenient. There was no need to get used to the game, everything was done on an intuitive level. But I had to learn to fight. Hire fighters, the choice of perks and weapons – all this required the player of attention and calculation. But also fascinated no less than the battles with the soldiers of the Uzurpavrosha Queen Deadrana.
And the very banana state Arulko then, in 1999, many were struck by the depth of study. I had to communicate with the locals, train the people's militia, and the player’s actions were reflected in the world. For example, having returned to the battlefield, you could catch the ruins there, the bodies of defeated enemies and the raven circling over them. Jagged Alliance 2 She became truly cult. And dozens of mods, which were carefully transmitted from hand from hand to hand, serve as proof of folk love.
It is a pity that since then there have been only failed attempts to resurrect a great series. All hope on ThQ Nordic. Although … there is not a lot of hopes.
Fourth place – Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Shadowrun not like most games in the top. This is not only step -by -step tactics, but also an advanced role -playing game, moreover, in a unique setting, where cyberpunk is intertwined with fantasy. Here, elves walk in strict costumes, gnomes hack security systems, and the orcs are armed not with secrees, but shotgun. The main difference between this Shadowrun and the previous parts of the series is that Hong Kong is an order of magnitude larger. And this is not about square kilometers, but about the possibilities that the game provides. Here you have a whole field for tactical tricks and a lot of extensive dialogs. Yes, and the game was written excellently … almost the same as it is tailored. Unless the script sags in places.
Gameplain game resembles the same Jagged Alliance: you are preparing a detachment, choosing fighters and so on. But you have to act differently on the battlefield. After all, you do not have a detachment of mercenaries, but a thugs from Hong Kong. Each second fight begins slowly. You are looking for ways to solve puzzles, see how to get out of another difficult situation … And then suddenly everything seems to be accelerating, and the ball instantly unravels. This game has a special dynamics.
Third place – Invisible, Inc.
The game that many critics called the design miracle. Yes, in many ways it is tracing paper from other tactical games. You will have to hide, steal and deceive enemies, using the standard techniques for the genre, but … the way, how masterful Canadian developers from Klei Entertainment are stacked by step mechanics, amazes.
Each level is a task for attentiveness and ingenuity. You are not led by the handle, but provide a whole pile of opportunities for a choice. The whole game is preparation for one last mission. This is justified by the plot and perfectly implemented. According to the scenario, your reconnaissance organization was attacked, and some of the agents were captured. There are only two operatives at your disposal. Yes, in the course of the game you can free a couple more, but if they kill the available fighters, then everything. Start the game again.
Gameplay in Invisible, Inc. came out fresh and dynamic, but it is not the main advantage of the game. As we have already said, here at the forefront of design. Developers masterfully used colors and shapes, creating their unique style. It is he who will make you replay invisible, Inc. Over and over again. The benefit of the details of the missions and the levels are procedurally generated for each passage.
Second place – Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin became a pleasant surprise for all fans of the rookie of the old school. But the sequel not only did not yield to his predecessor, but also surpassed her in all respects. Brainchild Larian Already occupies honorary places in the lists of the best projects of the last decade, and we even called it the best game last year. Great mechanics, worked out and deep mythology and magnificent graphics. All this is about Divinity: Original Sin 2.
But not least, this is also an excellent tactical game with step -by -step battles. Like the first part, the sequel focuses on interaction with the outside world, which obeys the laws of physics and chemistry. The door interferes? Burn it! The enemy stands at the pyramid from the boxes? Put them on his head. Hit with lightning in puddles, ignite combustible gas, poison the air – dozens of skills and spells to help you!
First place – XCOM: ENEMY Unknown
Yes, it is X-Com that is in the first place. But you should not be surprised at this. It was this series of games that influenced the genre of step -by -step tactics. And in the top you have repeatedly heard its name.
The original game from the nineties could easily be in the first place, but ENEMY Unknown deserves a high title no less. In the end, it is this part of the franchise that is responsible for the return of the genre of former glory.
Firaxis Games not just revived what was created twenty years ago. No, they became a real example for all creators of remakes, giving a new life to the original idea. The game retained the atmosphere and the spirit of the same X-Com, but was modernized and adapted to modern players.
The gameplay has transformed and became more intuitive. Fights with alien invaders are tightened and not released. In addition, looking for a way out of patho situations from now on is much more fascinating. Hardcore is pointed and neatly mixed with accessibility.
There are a lot of varieties of aliens, and they are all unique. Each battle with them turns into a separate small story that would go beyond the episode of the science fiction series. And if you also study the dossier of his fighters, he can turn into a real drama. From the first contact to the completion of the campaign, you can lose many operatives. And each loss is perceived as personal. So that as many associates can survive, you have to learn the habits of the enemy and the abilities of all their fighters.
The global part is no less exciting. Management will take a lot of time, but give a lot of emotions. It is worth mentioning the Enemy Unknown design, which is now copying everyone who is not lazy.
Firaxis managed to create an almost perfect remake, preserving and increasing the dignity of the original. Honored first place!
We selected the most noticeable representatives of the tactical strategies genre. All these games have long earned their reputation and changed the industry in their own way. And today it comes out I’m not a monster, which promises to grind the already familiar formula. In it you have to take under your control either a person or an alien and play in a kind of analogue of the "mafia". After all, no one in the team knows what kind of larva were tried on the insidious aliens. The enemy must be calculated just by tactical tricks. Well, it sounds non -trivial. If the implementation does not pump up, then perhaps this project will replenish our top.