This distinct niche where strategy and RPG games meet is worth exploring in depth, as it is where players can have the good parts of both genres at the same time.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 5 best turn-based RPGs to try out in 2023.
1. Expeditions: Rome
Expeditions: Rome is a turn-based RPG set in ancient Rome, where you get to play as a Roman officer leading your army on various campaigns. The game is pretty straightforward - you move your units around, attack the enemy, and try to capture their stronghold. And if you've played the previous Expeditions games, you'll feel right at home here.
The combat is enjoyable, and there's a nice balance between strategy and action. The game has a good mix of ranged and melee combat, and you can customize your units with different weapons and armor. The game also has a good variety of enemies to fight, from barbarians to gladiators.
The game's graphics are good, with detailed character models and environments that capture the essence of ancient Rome. The game's visuals are also bright and colorful, which adds to the game's immersive atmosphere.
2. King Arthur: Knight's Tale
King Arthur: Knight's Tale is an engaging and entertaining RPG that immerses players in the legendary world of King Arthur and his knights. The game features a deep and complex narrative that explores the political and personal struggles of the characters, as well as a challenging turn-based combat system that requires strategic planning and decision-making. The graphics and sound design are top-notch, and the voice acting is superb.
The game also offers a high degree of replayability, as players can make different choices and decisions that will affect the outcome of the story. Overall, King Arthur: Knight's Tale is a must-play for fans of RPGs and the Arthurian legend.
3. Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered
Romancing SaGa -Minstrel Song- Remastered to me was a breath of fresh air in 2022.
Let me make it clear that this game is not appealing to the casual RPG fan. There is no clear progression, no direct narrative, no levels. You the player are thrown into this vast world with only the barest of information. Players will feel unfamiliar with the equipment, status, and mechanics the game offers to the player. Although the new map hud and speed toggle have been added eventually you will suffer from some points.
But there within lies the beauty of Romancing Saga. You pick one out of 8 characters, learn about them, and are thrown into this world. You can stumble into a random town and pick up a quest. Maybe you explore the sewers and discover the catacombs. The player is left to make any choice. where they go and what quest they chose to do or not to do is up them. This opens up so much to the player because of the freedom of choice. You and a friend could have experienced two different things. Maybe they picked up a quest you didn't, or perhaps you decided to do X quest first while they decided to explore.
4. Hard West 2
Hard West 2 is a tactical strategy game / RPG set in a supernatural version of the Wild West. You will assemble a crew of interesting characters, each with a unique supernatural ability, and set on a hunt of the Ghost Train.
The combat is very good. It’s quite a bit different from XCOM and the like, but not in a bad way. There is no overwatch here and you’re often heavily outnumbered, so your best bet is to try to take out as many enemies as you can on your turn, before they get the chance to do damage to you. To help you with that, there’s a “Bravado” mechanic that restores all of the character’s action points when they get a kill. You can also bounce the bullets off metal objects to hit targets behind cover. And when you miss or get hit, you get “Luck” that you can spend to improve your chance to hit in the future.
Some of the fights take place on and around a moving train, and I don’t believe I’ve seen anything like it in other games of this genre. Looks very cool.
5. Shattered Pixel Dungeon
Shattered Pixel Dungeon is a fan adaption of Pixel Dungeon, a rather simple but fun traditional rogue-like. Pixel Dungeon and Shattered Pixel Dungeon were designed for mobile phones which reflects in their simplistic nature. However, the PC adaption of this game is very well done with a bigger screen size and improved UI.
As far as the gameplay goes, it is your typical rogue-like. Go down several floors, find an artifact and then return to the surface. The layout of each floor is randomized, you will find enemies but also loot. Battles happen right on the map in a turn-based fashion, you make a move, enemies make their move. You can use the layout of rooms and corridors to your advantage to lure enemies into chokepoints and make it easier to take on groups.
The game also shuffles scrolls and potions each run, which means when you pick up any of those items you first won't know which type of scroll or potion it is. By either using a scroll of identification or by using the item itself you can find out what type of scroll or potion it is. However, if you use the later method, you might waste a good item or worse, drink a potion that harms you.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Best World War 2 Games On PC In 2022
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