The Top 5 Online Turn-Based Strategy Games

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The Top 5 Online Turn-Based Strategy Games
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Best Online Turn-Based Strategy Games

Sid Meier’s Civilization is perhaps the most popular turn-based strategy game today. Apart from the Civilization series, there are many indie and open-source turn-based strategy games. The popularity of browser-based games made way for several free Flash strategy games on the Internet.

As the name suggests, a turn-based game is usually a strategy war game, where two or more players take turns in combat. Most online turn-based strategy games mentioned in this compilation have a combination of tactical game and RPG mechanics. Some of them are quite reminiscent of Advance Wars, while others borrow gameplay mechanics from Final Fantasy Tactics.

Battalion: Nemesis

I always wanted Flash games to be more like Advance Wars (AW). Battalion made my wish come true. Not only the animation and visual style is similar to AW, the tactical turn-based strategy combat is impressive too. You can place your anti-tank units over mountains to gain a tactical advantage over tanks, or get your tanks behind enemy soldiers and assualt vehicles to inflict more damage.

In Battalion, there are 16 levels to play. The initial levels may seem quite easy. However, later levels are difficult. Also, the AI may take some more time to strategize and place its units at the right strategic points.

Battalion - Nemesis Screenshot

There are many other features, including a tutorial to learn all about units and combat tactics. Players can also save their game in the middle of the mission. Overall, Nemesis is a great game for strategy fans.

Conqueror

Conqueror

If you are a fan of Risk-style turn-based strategy games on the Internet, then Conqueror may well be your game of choice. Set in medieval Europe, where barbarian clans and warlords struggle during Feudalism, Conqueror lets you play against 15 AI or human opponents simultaneously. Yes, players can opt for a single-player or multiplayer game in the option menu. The turns are simultaneous, which means you will not have to wait for your opponents to make their moves.

The game graphics won’t impress you due to the lack of animation and fancy visuals. All you see is a map of medieval Europe flanked by various menus on the left and right side. These menus will let you recruit soldiers, increase you treasury, build barracks etc. Even without good visuals, the game can be quite engaging, as you can wrestle against more than two characters. Overall, Conqueror is a good game that can guarantee hours and hours of turn-based strategic fun.

Apokalyx

Apokalyx - One of the Best Free Online Turn-Based Strategy Games

Most Flash strategy games online take you directly to a battlefield, but Apokalyx allows you to manage resources and recruit soldiers as well. This post-apocalyptic fantasy game uses turn-based tactics in gladiator-like battles fought between the player and one or three opponents in a closed battle arena. The combat can be engaging when you know the rules, and a strategy guide explains the ins and outs of combat and resource management with screenshots, which may be quite handy to beginners.

The combat animation in Apokalyx is quite impressive. During gladiator battles, the camera shakes and the screen becomes slightly hazy when a gladiator hits an opponent. When he throws a punch, the camera zooms in slightly to give you a close view of the action. Everything works well, except that the game takes time to load. Overall, the game is interesting, and a bit different from other free online turn-based strategy games.

Fantasy Kommander

Fantasy Kommander

An impressive turn-based strategy game with RPG elements, Fantasy Kommander is quite addictive. It keeps you engaged for hours. With an in-depth tutorial mode complete with screenshots, Fantasy Kommander lets you create your own armies and battle against orcs and other enemies a la Final Fantasy Tactics. You will have to choose a race (Humans, Orcs etc.) and place your armies on the map. You can then engage in battle with the rival faction by taking turns. You can use your archers, mages or foot soldiers to inflict damage on enemies strategically.

Fantasy Kommander Screenshot

The one aspect of the game that truly impressed me is the visuals. Though in fixed isometric perspective, the table-top look and feel is quite impressive. The sprites look exactly like the miniatures you see on a table-top role playing game. The animation is impressive especially when an archer uses his bow or a soldier uses his spear to attack an enemy. Overall, a good solid turn-based strategy game with a few elements of an RPG.

Ultimate Tactics

Ultimate Tactics

This free online turn-based strategy game/RPG is a Final Fantasy Tactics clone. It offers the same level of entertainment and tactical depth seen in FF Tactics. In fact, the worlds look quite similar, minus the sprites. Here you play the role of Kronus, an aspiring knight who travels to different worlds engaging in battles with strange creatures, unlocking weapons and using various combat tactics to defeat enemies. You can also recruit new warriors from guilds to use them on different maps.

Ultimate Tactics

The controls are entirely mouse-based. You will have click on your character to reveal the number of squares Kronus and his party of warriors can walk. You will also learn new tricks, combat tactics and spells once you visit shops and guilds. The game has some excellent cartoony visuals and animations a la FF tactics and superb sound. Overall, a must-play for all FF Tactics fans.

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