Turn-based Combat
Ongoing coverage on Turn-based Combat.
Latest coverage
The Dark Prince’ iOS Review – Much Better Than Switch, but Lacking in Two Ways – TouchArcade
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince offers a significantly improved experience on iOS, Android, and PC compared to its Nintendo Switch release, primarily due to its lower price point and inclusion of all paid DLC. While the mobile version omits real-time online multiplayer and controller support, the enhanced performance, better visuals, and robust gameplay mechanics make it a compelling monster-collecting RPG. The Steam Deck version also provides a solid experience for those prioritizing controller input.
Turn-Based Combat Proves It’s Not Dead in Modern JRPGs
Modern JRPGs are demonstrating that turn-based combat is far from dead, thriving in 2026 by leveraging its unique storytelling potential. While some critics argue it feels dated compared to action titles like Elden Ring, developers are evolving the mechanics to enhance narrative depth and character development. This trend suggests a growing appreciation for diverse gameplay approaches that serve different storytelling goals.
Monster Hunter Stories 3 Twisted Reflection Launches With Music Video, Echoing Wings
Capcom has released Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection worldwide for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features a turn-based combat system with a new Synchro Rush mechanic, a Habitat Restoration system for rebuilding ecosystems, and exploration using Monsties. Day-one DLC is available, with additional paid content planned for Fall 2026.
Prepare for Monster Hunter Stories 3 on March 13 with a recap of the RPG series so far
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is set to launch on March 13 for PlayStation 5, continuing the RPG series' focus on monster taming and turn-based combat. The article recaps the core mechanics of the series, including the 'Monstie' bonding system and rock-paper-scissors combat, and highlights new features in the upcoming title such as a more mature story and enhanced world exploration.
Even as a massive Monster Hunter fan, I've never gelled with the spin-offs - but Monster Hunter Stories 3 has me hooked
Despite initial reservations with the Monster Hunter Stories spin-off series, the author finds themselves hooked on Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. The game refines its turn-based combat and creature-collecting mechanics, offering a more mature narrative and engaging gameplay loop that surpasses previous entries and even the mainline Monster Hunter Wilds. The world of Azuria is beautifully realized, and the interconnected systems provide a compelling adventuring experience.
Shadow of the Road Reveals Ishida “The Boulder” in New Character Spotlight
Another Angle Games and Owlcat Games have revealed Ishida the Boulder, a frontline defender character for their upcoming tactical RPG, Shadow of the Road. The new trailer showcases Ishida's tanking abilities and personality, highlighting his role in combat against both human and supernatural foes. The game is set in a war-torn Feudal Japan blending historical inspiration with Japanese mythology and steampunk technology, featuring turn-based tactical combat and story-driven choices. A playable demo is available on PC via Steam.
Solasta II Early Access Preview—Deep Strategic Roleplaying
Solasta II's Early Access build offers a deep tactical role-playing experience with turn-based combat based on the latest D&D ruleset. The preview highlights the compelling narrative centered on four siblings and the challenging, grid-based combat that emphasizes positioning and resource management. Despite some UI and visual clutter, the game promises an expansive adventure with a strong focus on player freedom and strategic depth.
War on Wheels gets all Mad Max with its turn-based vehicular combat
Psychic Software announced War on Wheels, a turn-based vehicular combat game inspired by Mad Max, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players command a privateer company, issuing simultaneous orders to multiple vehicles while accounting for physics and terrain. The game, built on the foundations of the 20-year-old MMO Darkwind, will be released on PC via Steam, with a demo coming later this year.
Morning Multiplex
This article highlights recent official trailers and developer diaries for several games. It features a dev diary for Aether & Iron detailing how high-speed car chases were implemented in turn-based combat, a developer diary for Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival titled 'Origins', and an official trailer for Gridbeat.
Seismic Squirrel Breaks Down Turn-Based Car Combat in Aether & Iron Dev Diary #3
Seismic Squirrel released a developer diary detailing the turn-based car combat system in their upcoming RPG, Aether & Iron. Narrative Lead Tyler Whitney explained the design philosophy behind integrating high-speed chases into a methodical, turn-based framework. The game launches on PC via Steam on March 31, 2026.
Echo Generation 2 Reveals New Trailer and Playable Demo at MIX Spring Showcase
Cococucumber revealed a new trailer and a playable demo for Echo Generation 2 during The MIX Spring Game Showcase. The deckbuilding turn-based adventure game is set to release in 2026 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass. The demo introduces the game's opening section and its card-based combat system.
Iconic RPG Granblue Fantasy Launches on Steam®
Cygames, Inc. and CyDesignation, Inc. have announced that the JRPG Granblue Fantasy will launch on Steam for PC on March 10, 2026, coinciding with the game's twelfth anniversary. This marks the first time the game, originally released in 2014 for mobile devices and web browsers, will be available to new players outside of Japan with a redesigned 16:9 interface. A social media giveaway campaign is also being held to celebrate the launch.
Death Comes For All Platforms
Silver Lining Interactive and Psychic Software announced that the gothic RPG The Necromancer's Tale will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2026. Originally released on PC, the game features a narrative-driven experience with branching choices, tactical turn-based combat, and over 400,000 words of dialogue.
Echo Generation 2 Drops New Trailer At The MIX Spring Showcase | Console Creatures
Cococucumber has released a new trailer for Echo Generation 2, a turn-based deckbuilder developed with support from Xbox's ID@Xbox program. The game, which focuses on uncovering Jack's past and collecting over 100 unique cards, had a demo that performed well during Steam Next Fest. Echo Generation 2 is set to launch this year, with a demo available on Steam and Xbox Series X|S.
Persona-Inspired Dungeon Crawler Descent of Lunaris Gets Playable Steam Demo
Indie developer Unison Games has released a playable demo for its upcoming sci-fi dungeon crawler, Descent of Lunaris, on Steam. The demo offers a preview of the game's lunar setting, tactical turn-based combat, and grid-based exploration, drawing inspiration from titles like Persona 5. Descent of Lunaris is planned for a PC release later this year.
Forge of the Fae shows off its enchanting, magical Celtic world in a new trailer!
Publisher Deck13 Spotlight and developer Datadyne have released a new trailer for their JRPG Forge of the Fae, showcasing its Celtic-inspired world, combat, and music. The game has reached its Alpha Build milestone, with some Kickstarter backers now able to play the first third of the game. Forge of the Fae is set to release in 2027 for PC and consoles, with a demo available on Steam.
Those Who Rule 2, a Tactical RPG Inspired by Balkan History
Solo developer Eldin Turulja announced Those Who Rule 2, a turn-based tactical RPG inspired by the history of the collapse of Yugoslavia. The game features deep combat mechanics, extensive character customization with branching classes, and narrative choices that impact the campaign. The developer aims to explore the stories of ordinary people navigating national collapse.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review 🐶
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a colorful and fun-filled RPG that returns with engaging adventuring mechanics and challenging turn-based combat. The game features a compelling story set in the region of Azuria, where players take on the role of a royal rider protecting monsties. While the combat system is deep and rewarding, some elements could be more intuitive, but the breathtaking world and enjoyable traversal mechanics make it a standout experience.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review — New Ways To Hunt Monsters | Console Creatures
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection offers a stylish and engaging turn-based RPG experience with a charming cast and a deep combat system that, while initially challenging, proves rewarding. The game expands on the Monster Hunter universe with new mechanics like Habitat Restoration and gene-combining, providing a fresh take on monster collecting and battling.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection review – Best creature collector I’ve played in years
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is praised as the best creature collector in years, blending the Monster Hunter franchise with monster-collecting mechanics. The game features an engaging story, improved turn-based combat with a new Stamina system, and random monster encounters that enhance exploration. While the visuals are modernized and performance is excellent, the removal of co-op and PvP modes, along with simplistic side quests, are noted as minor drawbacks.