Total War: Warhammer II is a hybrid turn-based strategy and real-time tactics game that stands among the best of both. Its emphasis on campaign pacing, fantastical battles, and complex battlefield tactics easily positions itself as an all-time great.
Tooth and Tail is an exhilarating, minimal RTS set during an animal Civil War in the 1910s. With plenty of gallows humor and a 16-bit Don Bluth aesthetic, it breathes new life into a tired genre.
Building upon the sturdy foundation laid out by XCOM 2, War of the Chosen sets a high mark for an already exceptional sci-fi strategy series.
The Mage's Tale attempts to bring classic PC dungeon crawling into virtual reality, but disappoints at nearly every turn.
Steel Division is an aggressive, focused tactical game that deftly leverages historical realism to create unique twists on the RTS formula.
The Surge is an entertaining twist on the Dark Souls formula that strikes a tenuous balance between iteration and invention.
Expeditions: Viking is a rough-hewn game with an abundance of charm. Deep role playing and nuanced, tactical combat save this technical mess.
The Ringed City is a well-executed conclusion to the revered Dark Souls series.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is a fascinating old-school RPG that doubles down on the concept of role-playing.
Sanctus Reach pits the hardy Space Marines against the fighty Orks in a massive war that’s plagued with issues.
Urban Empire is a dense city-building simulation with a twist. It focuses not just on zoning and taxes, but also on building your own political dynasty.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a real-time tactical stealth game with gorgeous levels and clever mechanics.
Rive is a challenging side-scrolling shooter with tight platforming and a tenacious affection for over-the-top action.
Brigador is a destructive romp filled with explosions and death, brought to you by some of the coolest robots around.
The king of World War II-era grand strategy has returned with more engaging choices and a streamlined interface.
