Turn-based Combat
Ongoing coverage on Turn-based Combat.
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Demos and Freebies
Atre: Dominance Wars, a fantasy kingdom builder with god powers and turn-based tactical combat, is available on Steam for Windows. Players can build settlements, forge artifacts, and command armies with heroes.
Wandering Sword announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch [update: release date]
Wandering Sword, a 3D pixel wuxia RPG, is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch in 2026, with an updated release date of January 21, 2027. The console versions will include two major DLC packs and newly recorded Japanese and Chinese voiceovers. The game features a branching story with 20 endings and dual battle modes allowing players to switch between turn-based and real-time combat.
Skinator – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Skinator is a turn-based combat roguelite where players transform into evolving monsters by collecting body parts from defeated enemies. The game features procedurally generated environments, strategic combat focused on targeting specific enemy limbs, and NPC trading for upgrades. Players can sign up for the beta on the Alpha Beta Gamer website.
Gotta Net 'Em All In Bite-Sized Bug Collector 'Kabuto Park' For Switch
Kabuto Park, a bug-collecting and battling game developed by Doot and published by Seaven Studio, is set to release on Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2024, for $5.99. The game, which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam for its simple combat and colorful art style, offers a short 2-4 hour gameplay experience focused on collecting bugs to form battle teams.
Nitro Gen Omega launch trailer – cinematic anime-style RPG debuts on Nintendo Switch
Destinybit has released a launch trailer for Nitro Gen Omega, a cinematic anime-style RPG now available on Nintendo Switch and PC. The game features a turn-based combat system where players assemble and customize Mechs to fight machines in a post-apocalyptic world. The 1.0 version introduces a new Main Quest, characters, and expanded lore.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi believes real-time combat is becoming more dominant, with younger players favoring action-oriented gameplay over turn-based mechanics. While acknowledging the universal appeal of strategic thinking in games, he notes the trend towards real-time action in mainstream titles, a shift that has also influenced the Final Fantasy series.
Review: Nitro Gen Omega Lets You Create Your Own Mecha Anime Story
Destinybit's Nitro Gen Omega offers a stylish post-apocalyptic mecha anime adventure with deep turn-based combat and extensive pilot management. While the UI and some quests can be challenging, the game excels at letting players create their own mecha story. It is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Review: Nitro Gen Omega Lets You Create Your Own Mecha Anime Story
Destinybit's Nitro Gen Omega offers a stylish post-apocalyptic mecha anime adventure with deep turn-based combat and extensive pilot management. While the UI and some quests can be challenging, the game excels at letting players create their own mecha story. It is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Review: Starbites (Nintendo Switch)
Starbites is an engaging role-playing game with a unique sci-fi setting and fun, turn-based combat. However, its potential is hampered by poor graphics on the Nintendo Switch, inefficient character leveling, and repetitive traversal. Despite these flaws, the game offers an entertaining story and characters for those who can overlook its visual shortcomings.
Persona 5 Royal lead says the JRPG series' growth might have "contributed to the recent spread of turn-based combat," but for Atlus, it's just "an expression of our game-design philosophy"
Kazuhisa Wada, head of Atlus's P-Studio, believes the growth of the Persona series may have contributed to the recent popularity of turn-based combat. However, he states that for Atlus, turn-based systems are an expression of their game-design philosophy, aligning with the series' focus on strategic thinking and internal psychological struggles.
Dragon Quest lead doesn't think the JRPG series "must always feature turn-based combat," which makes me wonder if Dragon Quest 12 could follow in Final Fantasy's footsteps
Masato Yagi, a lead on the Dragon Quest series, stated that he doesn't believe the JRPG franchise must always adhere to turn-based combat. He referenced Final Fantasy's shift away from turn-based mechanics as an example, noting that while some fans desire a return to traditional combat, the series has still achieved critical acclaim. Yagi also mused on the potential implications for Dragon Quest 12, especially given its rumored darker tone.
The Necromancer’s Tale secures Nintendo Switch 2 release date, new trailer
Silver Lining Interactive and Psychic Software have announced that The Necromancer's Tale will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 24, 2026. This story-rich gothic RPG, previously released on PC, features branching narratives, tactical turn-based combat with undead minions, and a deep narrative with over 400,000 words.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Director Says Clair Obscur’s Success Shows Appetite for More Action Gameplay
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, believes modern gamers desire more action elements, citing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as an example of a turn-based RPG successfully integrating real-time mechanics. He suggests this trend reflects a player preference for both strategic depth and immediate feedback. Hamaguchi also discussed the challenges of adapting the original Final Fantasy 7's combat for the Remake trilogy.
NITRO GEN OMEGA: THE INNOVATIVE CINEMATIC ANIME-STYLE RPG IS NOW AVAILABLE
NITRO GEN OMEGA, a cinematic anime-style turn-based RPG developed by DESTINYbit, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game features a unique planning and resolution combat system, crew management, and Mech customization in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines. The 1.0 release includes a new Main Quest to save the world.
10 Games like Persona 5 with brilliant party members, epic stories, and plenty of style
This article lists and describes ten games that share similarities with Persona 5, focusing on elements like party members, epic stories, and stylish presentation. The list includes titles such as The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, and Persona 3 Reload, highlighting their unique takes on JRPG mechanics and narrative.
Debate: Is turn-based or real-time-with-pause better for CRPGs?
This article debates whether turn-based combat or real-time-with-pause is superior for Computer Role-Playing Games (CRPGs), using Baldur's Gate 3 as a primary example. It explores arguments for both systems, highlighting how turn-based combat allows for more intricate and puzzle-like encounters, a view supported by developers like Josh Sawyer of Obsidian Entertainment and the progression of Owlcat Games' titles.
Demons, Princesses And Turn-Based Battles Await In Akuma Rise
KEMCO has released Akuma Rise, a new turn-based JRPG developed by Exe Create Inc., on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation. The game features classic JRPG elements like memory loss, demon realms, and invading heroes, with a combat system focused on magical orbs and character progression. A Special Edition is available, bundling the base game with DLC packs.
Echo Generation 2 Teases Combat Synergies In New Video
Cococucumber has released a new gameplay teaser for Echo Generation 2, showcasing combat synergies between its interconnected characters. The sci-fi deckbuilding RPG is set to launch on May 27th for PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass. The studio is participating in the Steam Deckbuilders Fest, and the game's demo has received highly positive reviews.
This month's Humble Choice is offering one of the best turnbased sicko RPGs of the century for an all time low $15—plus you get 8 other games including Diablo 4
This month's Humble Choice bundle features Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance as its headliner, alongside Diablo 4 and seven other games for $15. The article highlights SMT 5: Vengeance as a standout turn-based JRPG with strong vibes and engaging combat, recommending it for PC and Steam Deck players. Other notable games in the bundle include Crysis 3 Remastered and Heroes of Hammerwatch 2.
New dark fantasy tactical RPG Prelude Dark Pain is scratching my Mewgenics itch in all the right ways
Prelude: Dark Pain is a new dark fantasy tactical RPG that blends turn-based combat with overworld exploration. The game features deep character customization, strategic grid-based battles, and a narrative centered around a former warrior seeking to rescue his wife. It is set to launch in Steam Early Access in Q3 2026 with an initial 15 hours of content.
