There’s Literally Never Been a Better Time to Get Into Tactics Games
The tactics game genre is experiencing a notable renaissance, with an increasing number of players discovering the strategic turn-based gameplay style. A Polygon article examines this trend through a personal perspective, following an author who had historically avoided tactics games despite their growing reputation.
The author spent their early gaming years focused on fast-paced genres including first-person shooters, sports games, and action RPGs. Though they heard consistently positive reviews about franchises like XCOM, these recommendations did not convince them to explore the tactics genre seriously. Their hesitation stemmed from assumptions about the slow pace of turn-based strategy and the sequential process of unit management and move planning.
This perspective shifted when the author engaged with Marvel’s Midnight Suns in 2022, which served as their proper entry point into modern tactics gaming. The experience challenged their preconceptions about the genre’s appeal, revealing that their earlier dismissals had been unfounded. The author also notes having played earlier tactical games during childhood, including Worms and Hogs of War, though these experiences had not led them to explore the broader tactics genre.
The article suggests that the current period represents an optimal time for players interested in discovering tactics games, with the genre having matured significantly while becoming more accessible to mainstream audiences.