Turn-based Combat
Ongoing coverage on Turn-based Combat.
Latest coverage
We played Final Fantasy Resonance, here are our thoughts
The author, typically not a Final Fantasy fan, found themselves pleasantly surprised by a demo of Square Enix's new HD-2D JRPG, Final Fantasy Resonance. Despite being an outsider to the series, they appreciated the gorgeous pixel art, engaging turn-based combat, and the unique 'Visions' mechanic that summons legendary characters. The preview suggests this entry might finally convert them to the franchise.
Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look
Final Fantasy Resonance, a reimagining of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius's first arc as a single-player RPG, offers a spectacular and lush experience despite adverse demo conditions. The game features deep, rewarding turn-based combat with a unique 'stagger' system, gorgeous HD-2D visuals, and exciting cameos from iconic Final Fantasy characters.
Final Fantasy Resonance is pushing the HD-2D style to exciting limits
Final Fantasy Resonance, developed by Lancarse and published by Square Enix, is pushing the HD-2D art style to new heights. The game adapts the story of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, featuring classic turn-based combat with revamped mechanics like a stagger gauge and "Resonance attacks" that summon iconic Final Fantasy heroes. It will be released on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on October 22, with a demo available now.
Final Fantasy Resonance appeals to my inner child like no RPG since Chrono Trigger
Final Fantasy Resonance, developed by Lancarse and published by Square Enix, is a highly anticipated turn-based RPG featuring an HD-2D aesthetic. The game blends classic pixel art with 3D environments and introduces a unique 'Vision' system where spirit characters support party members in combat. It is set to release on October 22, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
New trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio on Nintendo Switch 2
Atlus has released a new trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio, showcasing gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game, developed by the creators of Persona 3, 4, and 5, features a fantasy JRPG setting with turn-based combat, time management, and a focus on overcoming anxiety. It is set to release on November 12, 2026, with pre-orders now available.
Zero Company Is The Rare Star Wars Game To Meaningfully Push A Genre Forward
Star Wars Zero Company is a tactical RPG that innovates on the XCOM formula by leveraging the Star Wars universe's rich character and power set diversity. Developed by Bit Reactor, the game features well-rounded characters and engaging turn-based combat, though some mission objectives can become repetitive over its 30-hour playtime.
Gamescom 2026: NetEase announces January launch for Ananta and December beta for Sea of Remnants
NetEase announced at Gamescom 2026 that its multiplayer RPG Ananta will launch on January 15th for PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and mobile. Additionally, Sea of Remnants will have a closed beta in December, showcasing its roguelike gameplay, turn-based combat, and naval battles.
Star Wars Zero Company Review – The Tactics Federation
Star Wars: Zero Company is a highly praised tactics game developed by Bit Reactor, featuring a compelling narrative and deep tactical gameplay reminiscent of XCOM. The game excels with its diverse cast of characters, sharp writing, and smart mechanical adjustments, though it suffers from limited enemy variety and performance issues on PC. Despite its flaws, it offers an exceptional tactical sandbox and a worthy Star Wars experience.
Pokémon Winds & Waves leak teases a hybrid battle system with turn-based roots
A leak from Centro LEAKS suggests the upcoming Pokémon title, Pokémon Winds & Waves, will feature a hybrid battle system combining classic turn-based combat with elements from the Legends series, including area-of-effect attacks and overworld catching. The leak indicates the game will be the largest and most ambitious in the series to date, potentially featuring over 300 new Pokémon and set for a 2027 release as part of the franchise's 30th anniversary.
Pokemon Winds and Waves might not have turn-based battles as Game Freak veteran hints the combat system "could…
Game Freak director Kazumasa Iwao has hinted that future mainline Pokemon games, such as Pokemon Winds and Waves, might gradually move away from traditional turn-based battles. While Pokemon Champions will preserve the current combat system for competitive play, Game Freak is exploring new battle formats for the main series. This experimentation is driven by a desire to innovate while respecting the series' long-standing battle mechanics.
Turn-based MMO Fallen Sword 2 shares a new teaser trailer and hints at upcoming testing next month
Hunted Cow Games has released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming turn-based MMORPG, Fallen Sword II, showcasing gameplay and combat. The developer also announced that players can expect to participate in closed testing sometime next month, with details to be sent via email.
Dead Age 2 gets surprise Nintendo Switch 2 release
Headup has unexpectedly released Dead Age 2 on the Nintendo Switch, available now on the Nintendo eShop for $17.99. This survival RPG blends elements of role-playing, roguelike events, and fast-paced turn-based combat, set in a post-apocalyptic world with a branching narrative and multiple endings.
Entropy, a deliciously miserable Final Fantasy-esque RPG where your party members can permanently die, is now out in early access
Entropy, a post-apocalyptic turn-based RPG from developer Lovely Hellplace, has launched in early access on PC. The game features Soulslike mechanics, permadeath for party members, and a narrative set in a miserable world, drawing comparisons to Final Fantasy and XCOM.
Fallout co-creator says turn-based and real-time RPGs both have "loud vocal advocates" who won't play anything else, so devs can't please everyone
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain discussed the ongoing debate between turn-based and real-time combat in RPGs, noting that both have dedicated fanbases who often refuse to play games with the other system. He suggested that while real-time combat offers faster pacing and player reaction, turn-based combat allows for more tactical depth. Cain also advised developers to choose the combat system that best suits their game's perspective, recommending real-time for first-person RPGs and turn-based for isometric party-based titles.
Arco breaks even after topping 100,000 sales in two years
The Mesoamerican fantasy RPG Arco has recouped its development costs, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide since its launch on August 15, 2024. Composer and sound designer José Ramón confirmed the game has broken even, with the majority of sales coming from Steam, and many players utilizing the Steam Deck. The article also touches on the game's unique simultaneous turn-based combat system.
Fortuna Magus Review | TheXboxHub
Fortuna Magus is a retro-styled JRPG from KEMCO that offers a familiar experience with some minor gameplay tweaks. The game features anime-style characters and retro backdrops, with voiced dialogue limited to battle exclamations. While the story follows a young man searching for his father, the core gameplay loop involves dungeon crawling and random battles, making it a solid but unexceptional entry in the genre.
Even though turn-based and real time RPGs 'have their loud, vocal advocates,' Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre
Legendary developer Tim Cain believes both turn-based and real-time combat systems have their place in role-playing games, rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive. He argues that real-time combat is naturally superior for first-person games and allows for faster pacing, while turn-based combat offers strategic depth. Cain cautions against designing games that allow players to switch between modes due to the significant development effort involved.
Remembering The Lord Of The Rings Game That Ripped Off Final Fantasy 10
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, developed by EA Redwood Shores, is remembered as a fun, albeit derivative, JRPG that heavily borrowed from Final Fantasy 10's turn-based combat and user interface. Despite its lack of originality, the game offered a compelling story set parallel to the film trilogy, customizable party members, and numerous unlockable movie clips. The article laments the current inaccessibility of the game, suggesting it deserves a remaster.
How I’m dealing with my video game backlog of 48 titles - Reader's Feature
A reader details their strategy for tackling a personal backlog of 48 video games, categorizing titles and discussing their purchasing habits. They highlight challenges with game length, difficulty, and digital ownership, while also reflecting on completed games and those they've abandoned.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave difficulty modes detailed
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave will feature familiar difficulty and game modes, including Normal, Hard, Casual, and Classic, with details on their impact on gameplay. The game is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on September 17, 2026, and will include turn-based tactical combat with unique hero abilities.
