Shadow Empire ($19.99)
Imagine that Civilization had a baby with War In The East 2, and that offspring went to space. That’s Shadow Empire, a game that’s as charming as it is complex, and one that has the essence of a 4X title, but still the depth and complexity in combat and logistics as a hardcore wargame.
Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front ($20.99)
The best depiction of World War 2 at a tactical level, period. Yes, with all the complexity that also entails, from each shot fired being meticulously calculated to even the communication capabilities of your squads being simulated. Want to call artillery? Better make sure you laid your wires before, otherwise, how do you expect them to know where to fire? Graviteam Tactics is that complex, yes.
Headquarters: Cold War ($23.99)
For the player who wants Cold War but doesn’t want to bog himself down with a complex simulation, Headquarters: Cold War is a fun, arcade turn-based romp that’s accessible, good-looking, and has enough mechanics at play to keep you engaged for the duration of its campaigns.
The Troop ($23.99)
Another World War 2 turn-based wargame at the tactical level. Those are, in fact, a dime a dozen. The Troop sets itself apart from the competition by having the best AI I have ever seen in a game of this nature. It lays down tank and infantry ambushes, avoids your fields of fire, uses cover, and even uses artillery to keep you pinned in place as it moves forward to flank you. It also has a lot of missions to play, and a dynamic mini-campaign generator.
Combat Mission: Shock Force 2 ($29.99)
The Combat Mission series of games is one of my favorites of all time, and one of the reasons why I got into wargaming in the first place. While working with an obviously outdated engine that is in dire need of a replacement, all of the games are still absolutely amazing, despite all the jank. I often highlight Battle for Normandy, but having done that dozens of times, I think this time I’ll be going with Shock Force 2, a game that’s set in the Middle East, during any hypothetical conflict in Syria between the forces of NATO and the Syrian Army.
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