Recommendations for turn-based strategy/simulation games

[KommisMar]

Hi all,

I am looking for a few suggestions for turn-based strategy or simulation games to play while working. I'm looking for something without a whole lot of brain commitment; just something to flip over to when I need to clear my head. For example, lately I've been playing an older game called Jones in the Fast Lane, but I'm starting to get tired of it. Any ideas?

[Spank_Me_Hard]

Originally Posted by KommisMar

Hi all,

I am looking for a few suggestions for turn-based strategy or simulation games to play while working. I'm looking for something without a whole lot of brain commitment; just something to flip over to when I need to clear my head. For example, lately I've been playing an older game called Jones in the Fast Lane, but I'm starting to get tired of it. Any ideas?

I really liked some older games.

Panzer General, Steel Panthers (a few diff ones in the series), Tactical Operational Art of War (a few, VERY in depth!), and Civilization (again, a few).

[Spaceman Spiff]

As a general rule, most turn-based strategy is much deeper, more complex, and IMO, more satisfying than the simple RTS games out there.
The downside is, a learning curve of some sort is usually involved. At least for most of the games worth playing.

I'd say some good places worth starting are:

The Civilization series (this is a given)
The Total War series (Grand campaign, where you'll spend most of your time, is turn-based. And you can sim battles if you feel so inclined)
Galactic Civilizations II (Much like Civ, in space. The best and closest thing we have to the classic Master of Orion from the DOS days)

For even simpler, you could try something like Axis and Allies or Gary Grigsby's World at War. These are just too unsatisfying for strategy buffs, but as a quick pick-up for someone they might be amusing for awhile.
The Heroes of Might and Magic series also springs to mind, although I've never been able to get into it.

I'd say if you're willing to risk a bit of a learning curve, any of the WWII-era Combat Mission games should NOT be missed. They are simply the best tactical turn-based strategy games ever, and once you get into them, you can't go back to RTS like Company of Heroes or others.

[senorgotti]

Whatever you do, don't play Civ 4 while trying to work. Work will become the distraction from the game.

[Spank_Me_Hard]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

As a general rule, most turn-based strategy is much deeper, more complex, and IMO, more satisfying than the simple RTS games out there.
The downside is, a learning curve of some sort is usually involved. At least for most of the games worth playing.

In my opinion as well.

I have never been able to get into RTS games. I find them fairly shallow. Tailored to the instant gratification "point and click" crowd. And IMO, much of the game deciding upon who can "point and click" the fastest and the most efficiently. Less cerebral.

As you say, turn based games I find much deeper. You can actually plan, and coordinate your plan much better. Spend more time devising strategy rather than being focused in instantaneous decisions. To me, that's what simulations and FPS are for in wargames.

[Kamakazie]

If you're looking for one that is light on brain commitment to pass the time, check out Oasis.

[Timman_24]

King's Bounty is a very light turn based game. The world view has quests and such. When you entire combat you go to a new screen with a grid. You have units, spells, etc that you use to engage the enemy using action points. It is a game that does not require much thought but can be pretty fun due to its colorful fantasy approach.