The hosts celebrate the year’s standout strategy games while acknowledging a rebuilding phase within the genre. They dive into their favorite recent titles, exploring innovative mechanics and player engagement. The conversation shifts to the evolution of games post-launch, highlighting surprising successes like 'Dune: Imperium.' Unique city-building games in early access are also discussed, featuring ecological challenges and perilous constructions. The hosts wrap up with personal highlights, anticipated releases, and a jovial nod to popular culture.
2023 was a rebuilding year for strategy games, featuring solid but unremarkable titles like 'Zephon' and 'Tactical Breach Wizards'.
The hosts express excitement for upcoming releases in 2024, particularly 'Civ 7' and 'Europa Universalis 5', predicting a resurgence in quality.
Innovative game mechanics in titles like 'Dune Imperium' and 'Solium Infernum' highlight a shift towards more engaging and immersive experiences.
Deep dives
A Year of Rebuilding
The discussion centers on the overall landscape of strategy games in 2023, characterized as a rebuilding year with few standout titles. While acknowledging the presence of solid games, the hosts note a lack of extraordinary releases that could define the year. Notable mentions include 'Zephon' and 'Tactical Breach Wizards,' although neither generated as much excitement as anticipated. The anticipation is building towards 2024, with upcoming titles such as 'Civ 7' and 'Europa Universalis 5' promising a more thrilling year ahead.
Highlights from 2023
The hosts reflect on their favorite games of the year, with 'Tactical Breach Wizards' emerging as a top recommendation due to its engaging writing and character dynamics. 'Workers and Resources' is also highlighted for its depth and complexity, appealing to a niche audience of strategy enthusiasts. Other commendable titles touched upon include 'Our History Untold,' although its impact was muted by the announcement of 'Civ 7'. The conversations reveal a mix of personal preferences, indicating a rich yet varied gaming experience in 2023.
The Future of Strategy Gaming
Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the promising titles on the horizon, particularly in 2024. The hosts express enthusiasm for 'Civ 7' and various sequels, suggesting a resurgence in high-quality strategy games. They discuss the importance of post-launch support and expansions, with examples from previous titles that successfully maintained player engagement. The anticipation for more unique experiences, from early access titles to major releases, hints at a transformative year for the genre.
Early Access and Niche Games
The podcast dives into the rise of early access games, noting a trend of solid concepts that still need refinement. Titles like 'Aura' and 'Stormgate' are mentioned as promising but requiring more development before reaching their full potential. There is a consensus that while these games may not yet fully meet expectations, they have captivating ideas that could evolve impressively over time. This ongoing evolution in the early access space fosters optimism for future releases that players can look forward to.
Unique Game Mechanics in 2023
The hosts highlight several unique mechanics from various titles that set this year's games apart. For instance, 'Dune Imperium' is praised for its engaging gameplay that teaches players through direct experience rather than traditional tutorials. Other notable mentions include 'Solium Infernum' for its innovative approach to social deduction within the 4X genre, and 'Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power,' which allows players to experience the game from the perspective of lesser-known characters. These discussions emphasize an evolution in game design that enhances player engagement and immersion.
Len, Mike, and Sin gather 'round to sing the praises of our favorite strategy and tactics games of the year, as well as trying to identify the ever-elusive narrative throughline.
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