16 – Heart of the Machine
Another Hooded Horse title? Indeed! This time, it’s a 4X grand-strategy game where you play as the first sentient AI, set loose on the unsuspecting humans of Earth. The game is an open-ended affair, and you’ll be free to do as you wish to accomplish your goals, either by turning into a malevolent machine of extinction or by improving the existence of those who gave you life.
Heart of the Machine is going to be an interesting one, for sure.
15 – Project Haven
Another turn-based strategy game set to come out still in 2024? It seems like it! Project Haven was announced a couple of years back, but I didn’t hear from it until a couple of weeks ago, and from the looks of it, you’ll be able to lead your mismatched mercenary crew in 2024!
This 45-mission campaign turn-based combat with and RPG progression strives closely to XCOM, while at the same time bringing some new stuff to the table, like free aim, simulated projectiles, and a modular damage system. The game also features advanced weapon mechanics like magazine management, chambered bullets, and different ammo types and calibers.
14 – Industrial Annihilation
The Planetary Annihilation universe is getting its next major game: Industrial Annihilation. The value proposition of Industrial Annihilation is simple: to match the large-scale warfare of its predecessors with deep-factory building and management. Fortunately, and unlike its predecessors, Industrial Annihilation is going to have a full single-player story-driven campaign.
13 – Age of History 3
I’m going, to be honest with you, I never really understood this series, but the fact that it has some sort of cult following and that Lukasz Jakowski is currently working on its third entry has to mean something. This self-described grand strategy wargame looks like it’s going to be a fun mix between your typical Civilizational romp through the ages paired up with the real-time, grande strategy aspect of something like Europa Universalis.
The game’s most defining feature is going to be its new battle system, allowing for more in-depth battlefield strategies, by delineating frontline units, reserves to move in and plug the gaps, ranged units to offer support, and all that fancy stuff. It’s better than the alternative, which is to march a doomstack across the map, conquering everything in your path.
12 – Fata Deum
Remember Black & White? Or Populus? Fata Deum is a God Game where you’ll compete with other deities for influence, with the ultimate goal being the God with more followers, as the more humans that believe in you, the more powerful you’ll become.
The game’s Steam page constantly alludes to the dual nature of Godhood: are you going to be a merciful God? Or an evil one? One that brings people to its side by helping them? Or by conquest? Will you champion for the wellness of your people? Or you would rather rule by fear?
I think we don’t have enough God games, so it’s always a pleasure seeing someone willing to take a risk in this sub-genre.
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