Strategy Games for Beginners

[Smiley Face]

I've never been much for strategy games - I've tried some over the years, but the only one that I ever had a lot of fun with was Age of Mythology, back in the day. Recently, however, I've discovered Civilization V and XCom: Enemy Unknown, and I can't get enough of them.

As such, it would seem that while Real Time Strategy games aren't quite my speed, Turn-Based Strategy Games might well be. But... I don't really know all that many of them. And so I've come to you wonderful people - what strategy games might you suggest for me? Obviously, I'd appreciate Turn-Based Strategy suggestions, but if there are other kinds of strategy games out there, or even some RTSs that you think might be worth a shot despite my track record with them, feel free to suggest them as well.

 

[veloper]

You could try hybrids.

The Total War games have turn-based strategy and real-time tactics. I like Rome Total War for the setting and the gameplay.
Armada 2526 is a neat little 4X game, that also does something like this, but with spaceships and aliens, fighting over planets. Armada is a neat introduction to the space 4X genre, before you get to the real meat that is Master of Orion 2 and Space Empires 4.

Then there's games like Sins of a Solar Empire and Kohan that are slower real-time games than your regular RTS game. These games give you more time to consider your strategy and to react. Slower RTS games typically have a greater strategic scale than fast ones.

 

[Smertnik]

Heroes of Might and Magic, maybe?

 

[shrekfan246]

I have to second Sins of a Solar Empire.

The AI can be brutal, but scales relatively well on different difficulty levels, and its extremely slow pace for a real-time strategy game combined with the fact that galaxies can be absolutely massive makes it a lot more fun than Starcraft-esque games to me. As a person who was also a big fan of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, SoaSE is basically the only RTS I've been able to get into.

If you like JRPGs, the Disgaea franchise is also worth looking into. The arenas are much smaller than, say, XCOM, but it still provides a lot of really fun, flashy turn-based tactics.

 

[DoPo]

Heroes of Might and Magic, maybe?

Yes, I agree. If you are new, then I suggest Heroes 5 as a good starting point. It's mostly the same as Heroes 3 (which is awesome) but it's clearer how it works. I must say, looking back, Heroes 3 is just horrible for new players - it took me more than a year to find out exactly what the most common of abilities did, for example. Heroes 6 is also a possibility, but it focuses on different aspects than 3/5 and it could actually be easier to pick up, since its emphasis is on the strategic battles, not as much on the overworld part.

 

[Sargonas42]

I personally gave up on eve being GOOD at strategy games long ago. There are some I will always enjoy, like XCOM and SC 2 (Single player) but by and large a lot of them I just can't grok and I've come to accept that. SC2 Multiplayer I won't touch with a 10 foot pole as well. Still I'm going to take some advice in this thread and see where it leads me.

 

[Smertnik]

Yes, I agree. If you are new, then I suggest Heroes 5 as a good starting point. It's mostly the same as Heroes 3 (which is awesome) but it's clearer how it works. I must say, looking back, Heroes 3 is just horrible for new players - it took me more than a year to find out exactly what the most common of abilities did, for example. Heroes 6 is also a possibility, but it focuses on different aspects than 3/5 and it could actually be easier to pick up, since its emphasis is on the strategic battles, not as much on the overworld part.

I've never played anything but HoMM3 because I like its art style too much but I didn't find the game that difficult to get into, although it might have something to do with the fact that a friend (who hooked me on HoMM3 in the first place) explained everything to me.

 

[Orange12345]

Heroes of Might and Magic, maybe?

heroes of might and magic is a good place to start

I would also recommend Advance Wars if you can find it

 

[DoPo]

Yes, I agree. If you are new, then I suggest Heroes 5 as a good starting point. It's mostly the same as Heroes 3 (which is awesome) but it's clearer how it works. I must say, looking back, Heroes 3 is just horrible for new players - it took me more than a year to find out exactly what the most common of abilities did, for example. Heroes 6 is also a possibility, but it focuses on different aspects than 3/5 and it could actually be easier to pick up, since its emphasis is on the strategic battles, not as much on the overworld part.

I've never played anything but HoMM3 because I like its art style too much but I didn't find the game that difficult to get into, although it might have something to do with the fact that a friend (who hooked me on HoMM3 in the first place) explained everything to me.

Well, yeah - if it wasn't for...well, everybody playing Heroes 3 at the time, I wouldn't have done it, too. And it's not hard to just make a big army and bulldoze everything in your path (especially if you play on lower difficulties) but it's much harder to make an effective army, if you don't know exactly how the thing operates. Knowing archangels go before gnolls is well and good, but knowing it's because of the respective speeds, is much more valuable, knowing how Death Stare operates would allow you to plan how to divide your Gorgons, knowing what "aura of magic resistance" means would make you place unicorns much more strategically and so on. But since hardly anyone plays Heroes 3 (as in anyone OP would have an immediate access to), then something that better explains itself is the better option, I think. With that said, I never got exactly how the initiative system in Heroes 5 works, although it doesn't matter as much, since the ATB bar shows who is going when...at least most of the time.

 

[Bostur]

"Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic" might be worth a try:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/age_of_wonders_shadow_magic
The AoW series uses mechanics that are almost identical to the ancient 4x game Master of Magic, but in campaigns with linked scenarios. It's getting a little old but it still loks decent.

There is a more recent somewhat similar game called Fallen Enchantress. FE is pretty decent, and I think it is easy to get into, but it suffers somewhat from balance issues.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/216390/?snr=1_7_15__13

And of course if you don't mind playing games from 1992 that looks like an old witch on a bad hair day, then the original Master of Magic can still be acquired on GoG. By some considered one of the best 4x games of all times. Be warned though, the 200+ page manual is not optional, it is required for playing.
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/master_of_magic

If you like Civ5, you almost owe yourself to try Civilization 4 or Alpha Centauri. Mainly because they have the same concept but are executed in a very different way. A lot of the design concepts of AC spilled over into the new Civilization games, and it has a really unique setting and story. I also believe AC has one of the best diplomatic systems of any 4x games.

The Panzer General series are more traditional wargames, but they were well known for being beginner friendly while still having a lot of depth and being brutally hard. Unfortunately they are rather old and ugly. The least ugly of the PG games is probably the third:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/panzer_general_3d_assault
My first impression of this game was that it looked silly and whimsical (who needs 3D graphics?), but it retained the full depth of the previous games.

Even though RTS games are not your primary taste, the single player campaign of Company of Heroes might be worth a shot. Dawn of War 2 is another potential candidate. I personally don't like DoW2 much, I feel that it is too action-oriented, it feels more like an action RPG at times.

 

[Savagezion]

"Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic" might be worth a try:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/age_of_wonders_shadow_magic
The AoW series uses mechanics that are almost identical to the ancient 4x game Master of Magic, but in campaigns with linked scenarios. It's getting a little old but it still loks decent.

There is a more recent somewhat similar game called Fallen Enchantress. FE is pretty decent, and I think it is easy to get into, but it suffers somewhat from balance issues.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/216390/?snr=1_7_15__13

If you like Civ5, you almost owe yourself to try Civilization 4 or Alpha Centauri. Mainly because they have the same concept but are executed in a very different way. A lot of the design concepts of AC spilled over into the new Civilization games, and it has a really unique setting and story. I also believe AC has one of the best diplomatic systems of any 4x games.

I'll second these as well as mention Galactic Civilizations 2 which is like Sins of a Solar Empire in setting (space) but Turn Based.

As well, I would recommend getting Civ 4 Complete and trying the Fall from Heaven 2 Mod. That way you also can check out Colonization.

 

[Bostur]

I'll second these as well as mention Galactic Civilizations 2 which is like Sins of a Solar Empire in setting (space) but Turn Based.

As well, I would recommend getting Civ 4 Complete and trying the Fall from Heaven 2 Mod. That way you also can check out Colonization.

Certainly good suggestions. Civ 4 becomes much better with the "Beyond the Sword" expansion and this also opens up the possibility of a lot of interesting mods. Colonization is an interesting and very different 4x game, not without serious flaws, but good fun overall. The Civ4 complete edition has loads of good content.

 

[sextus the crazy]

As such, it would seem that while Real Time Strategy games aren't quite my speed, Turn-Based Strategy Games might well be. But... I don't really know all that many of them. And so I've come to you wonderful people - what strategy games might you suggest for me? Obviously, I'd appreciate Turn-Based Strategy suggestions, but if there are other kinds of strategy games out there, or even some RTSs that you think might be worth a shot despite my track record with them, feel free to suggest them as well.

Well, this is the perfect time to recommend a game that has my unyielding praise, Fire Emblem: Awakening. Seriously, It's one of the best turn-based SRPGs I've played in a long time. Even better, while it is hard, FE:A features a "casual mode" (which eliminates permanent death) which can be used on any difficulty.

Seriously, if you liked the tactical combat in X-COM, but wish it had better story, characters, and voice acting, check this shit out.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

I've never been much for strategy games - I've tried some over the years, but the only one that I ever had a lot of fun with was Age of Mythology, back in the day. Recently, however, I've discovered Civilization V and XCom: Enemy Unknown, and I can't get enough of them.

As such, it would seem that while Real Time Strategy games aren't quite my speed, Turn-Based Strategy Games might well be. But... I don't really know all that many of them. And so I've come to you wonderful people - what strategy games might you suggest for me? Obviously, I'd appreciate Turn-Based Strategy suggestions, but if there are other kinds of strategy games out there, or even some RTSs that you think might be worth a shot despite my track record with them, feel free to suggest them as well.

It can be tricky to find great turn-based strategy that are new...TBS has only recently begun to have a bit of a renaissance. For a while there it was basically a lost genre. So some of these games will be old. Keep that in mind. Old does not mean "not good", but if you have extreme allergies to retro gaming you should be aware of what you're in for.

So, recommendations:

1. JAGGED ALLIANCE 2 - OLD, BUT STILL *VERY* GOOD

Arguably the high watermark of the tactical shooter genre. Some might choose to give that award to the original XCOM, but JA2 is the newer, more accessible game, adds a lot of depth and nuance to the experience, and oozes personality. As slick and fun as the new XCOM is, JA2 trumps it soundly with robust mechanics. The 1.13 mod pumps the resolution up to "acceptable" levels by modern standards, and adds a ton of game play features as well. This is an all time classic, and should not be missed. Get the GOG version for $9.99, the Steam version has some issues.

2. TOTAL WAR: MEDIEVAL 2 - GETTING OLD, STILL QUITE ACCEPTABLE

This is a hybrid TBS/RTS game, so it should not be confused with a straight out TBS. However, the RTS elements can be quite slow paced and thoughtful, unlike the cracked out speed of the more modern Shogun 2. There is a lot of time to react and plan on the battlefield, and having elements break down because you can't be everywhere at once is actually quite fun and historically appropriate. The TBS overlay provides some rich RPG potential and gives the game a lot of character. Recommend the Stainless Steel mod as it keeps the core game intact while enriching it in almost every possible way. Be warned...a single campaign of Medieval 2 can last for weeks on end. This is an incredibly deep, all consuming game.

3. KINGS BOUNTY - LEGEND OR CROSSWORLDS - GETTING OLD, STILL QUITE ACCEPTABLE

This is a hybrid TBS/RPG, heavy on the TBS elements. It's basically HOMM with the board game/skirmish overlay removed and replaced with a lightweight RPG instead. Roam from place to place with your hero, building an army, recovering artifacts, and beating up enemies. Bright, charming, cartoonish graphics. Easy to learn and easy to play. Pretty inexpensive too, especially when it's to be found on sale.

4. ALPHA CENTAURI - OLD, BUT STILL *VERY* GOOD

The sci-fi Civ. Probably the most complex and deep of all the Civ-like titles. I generally think revisiting older Civs is somewhat pointless, as whatever you gain in terms of popular old features you give up in terms of advancements lost, but Alpha Centauri is different enough to be its own experience. The first time you screw up someone's food supply by terraforming a mountain and sticking them in the rain shadow you will marvel at the depth of the simulation.

5. CRUSADER KINGS 2 - QUITE NEW, CAN BE TOUGH TO LEARN

This is actually a RTS, but it looks and plays more or less exactly like a TBS, so do not be put off. If you like the dynasty building elements of Medieval 2, this is that...just turned up to 11. If there was a "Game of Thrones: The Game" where you scheme and murder and have offspring who grow up to scheme and murder and one of them is a dwarf, well...this is that game. There's even a Game of Thrones mod.

Other games to consider:

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic
Heroes of Might and Magic 2 & 3
Master of Magic
Master of Orion 2
Galactic Civilizations 2
Endless Space
XCOM: UFO Defense and Terror from the Deep
Fantasy General
Elven Legacy
Fallout Tactics

 

[generals3]

Even though RTS games are not your primary taste, the single player campaign of Company of Heroes might be worth a shot. Dawn of War 2 is another potential candidate. I personally don't like DoW2 much, I feel that it is too action-oriented, it feels more like an action RPG at times.

I agree on DoW 2. It's basically an RTT (even more so than CoH). But i'm not sure if the campaign of CoH actually let's you enjoy CoH as it should. The beauty of CoH is that the RTT-RTS mix is so well done that it allows players to come up with lots of strategies and overcome situations which look desperate. And unfortunately the CPU's stupidity will limit the amount you can learn. CoH is one of those games which truly shine in Multiplayer.

More on topic. While in the RTS section you may try C&C, it's a classic and not hard to learn at all and on top of that the storyline of the tiberium universe is quite enjoyable. Just avoid C&C4 because it's worthless. An other classic that may be of interest is Rise Of Nations, the amount of rules you can customize in games allows you to be able to play skirmishes which fit your gameplay.

Damn i live too much in the past...

 

[Carlo One]

Since you qualify this by saying "for beginners", I'm assuming that you don't want a Crusader Kings II level simulation/game/historical treatise, but it looks like you're playing some fairly complex games already.

Everybody has their favorite list, but if you're looking for a strong turn-based fantasy and/or sci-fi genre game that starts out relatively simple but scales in complexity and scope during playthrough, I'd recommend the Age of Wonders series in the fantasy genre (starting with the first AoW) and Master of Orion 2 for a space 4X game. Both offer interesting gaming and strategic choices from the beginning, but don't overwhelm you at the starting screen. I think the graphics have also held up reasonably well for both.

 

[BloatedGuppy]

Since you qualify this by saying "for beginners", I'm assuming that you don't want a Crusader Kings II level simulation/game/historical treatise, but it looks like you're playing some fairly complex games already.

The nice thing about CK2 is that the major learning curve is just learning the interface. After that, it matters not whether you stink at the game. Playing badly and having your dynasty blow up is arguably MORE rewarding than playing "optimally". Like Dwarf Fortress, it is a game that rewards failure.

 

[Tanis]

Galactic Civilizations 2 - Endless Universe:
It's probably the best 4X game out there, and there's a pretty good tutorial with it.

Hegemonia - Legions of Iron/The Solon Heritage:
It's a 'light' 4X/RTS hybrid

 

[Smiley Face]

Since you qualify this by saying "for beginners", I'm assuming that you don't want a Crusader Kings II level simulation/game/historical treatise, but it looks like you're playing some fairly complex games already.

Well, to qualify that, just because I'm trying to get into the genre, doesn't mean that I want simple. I actually picked up Crusader Kings II recently and gave it a shot, but I can't quite seem to get my head around it yet - I hope I will eventually, because it certainly looks like something I could thoroughly enjoy. I am somewhat leery about the apparent lack of concrete victory conditions - some people are fine playing for score, but I prefer objectives.

The nice thing about CK2 is that the major learning curve is just learning the interface. After that, it matters not whether you stink at the game. Playing badly and having your dynasty blow up is arguably MORE rewarding than playing "optimally". Like Dwarf Fortress, it is a game that rewards failure.

Hope you're right about that.

 

[TrevHead]

I would say that Japanese strategy games (SRPGs / TRPGs) are good for beginners, I've just got back into the genre with Sting's TRPGs like Knights in the Knightmare on PSP, which is far from beginner friendly but great none the less as it's a unique hybrid with bullet hell gameplay.

Advance Wars and older Langrisser series / (Warsong) are a good start but you will have to use emulators and translation patches for the latter except for Warsong.

While I haven't played any of the main Might and Magic games, I have played M&M Clash of Heroes with is a great TRPG / connect 3 puzzle hybrid. It's a shame you didn't post yesterday as all these games were on steam sale.

As for RTS Relic games should be a first port of call, Homeworld, Company of Heroes and Warhammer 40k are all quality series, small(ish) battles with great stories that beginners and casuals can enjoy. Total War are more large scale and have 2 levels of stategy, the risk like campaign map and the battles themselves, Shogun 2 is the most streamlined one from what I understand.

The Kings Bounty games might be worth a look too, I've only briefly played Armored Princess but the gameplay seems rather simple.

BTW you might beable to find Relic's games cheap if you look around as they were been sold for peanuts just before THQ went under, there still should be tons of steam users willing to trade spare copies for other games