Cacofonix

Wasteland 2 is like being chucked into the apocalypse with a cram-packed knapsack, a sense of humour, and no idea what you signed up for. You’re the Desert Rangers, and your job is to sort out the post-nuclear chaos that everyone else just shrugged at — which mostly involves shooting mutants, making terrible decisions, and explaining to civilians why their pet isn’t a good source of meat. Combat is turn-based and tactical, meaning you’ll be hunkering behind cover, lining up shot after glorious shot, and yelling at the screen when someone runs out of action points at the worst possible moment. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and dead clever if you like planning more than **** world is brimming with choices that actually matter — not just “pick this colour text” matters, but “maybe don’t punch that guy in the face, you muppet” matters. The writing has that dry, gritty humour that feels like cracking jokes with your best mates while the world burns around you.Look, it ain’t perfect. The UI can feel like it was designed by someone who hates joy, and quests sometimes wander on longer than a family road trip with no snacks. But you’ll forgive it, because the story is great craic and the characters you pick up along the way? They’re worth the ride. Wasteland 2 is tactical, hilarious, and beautifully rough around the edges. If you want a post-apocalyptic romp that makes you think, laugh, and occasionally curse at your own choices, this one’s a belter.

Wasteland 3 is basically what happens when you mix turn-based tactics with post-apocalyptic sass and then throw it all into a snowy wasteland that absolutely does not care if you freeze your socks off. You lead a squad of Rangers through Colorado’s frozen hellscape, making choices that feel important and occasionally terrifying — like deciding whether a bunch of cultists deserve mercy or a well-aimed boot up the hole. Combat is clever and tactical, with terrain, positioning, and abilities all mattering more than how many times you mash the attack button. You’ll swap weapons, sneak about like a **** trying to avoid trouble, and celebrate when a plan actually works instead of exploding in your face. Story and characters are sharp-witted, full of dry humour and oddballs you’ll either adore or want to slap. The writing’s strong enough that even the side quests feel like proper tales, not just random **** isn’t perfect. It can be a bit grindy, and some missions go on longer than a rainy Sunday in the pub. But when it’s good, ohhh it’s satisfying — like finding a working heater in the middle of a blizzard. Wasteland 3 is gritty, funny, and tactical as all hell. If you like post-apocalyptic chaos with smart turns and smartasses, you’ll have a grand time.

Fallout: New Vegas is what happens when the apocalypse has better writing than most TV shows. You get shot in the head, walk it off like it’s nothing, and immediately start deciding the fate of the Mojave. Standard **** real magic is choice. Every faction wants a piece of you, every decision has consequences, and half the time there’s no “right” answer — just different flavours of disaster. The writing is top-notch, the characters are deadly interesting, and the dialogue lets you talk your way out of (or into) absolute chaos. Combat’s a bit clunky, sure, but you’ll forgive it because the story is doing all the heavy ****, it’s buggy. Always has been. But somehow that’s part of the charm — like an old pub where the door doesn’t close right but the pints are unreal. New Vegas is smart, messy, and pure good craic. Come for the post-apocalypse, stay for the moral dilemmas and the fella in the cowboy hat telling you the world’s about to end.

Ah here, Suikoden I & II Remastered — two classic JRPGs from back in the day, all spruced up and brought into the modern era. It’s like finding a pair of your da’s old rugby boots, polishing them up, and realising they still banger pretty hard. These games are pure nostalgia with a lick of fresh paint, and you’ll be grinning like a loon if you’ve even heard of dodgy 90s hairstyles. First off, these games aren’t your average “walk up and smash buttons” JRPGs. They’re big. Like “assemble an army, manage towns, collect 108 heroes” big. The stories are epic in that proper sword-and-politics way — kings, rebels, traitors, ancient magic, and all that grand stuff. There’s enough plot twists to make your head spin, and a tonne of characters you’ll either absolutely love or want to throttle. Suikoden I & II Remastered are grand old games that have aged like a fine pint. They keep all the heart, humour, and big-hearted storytelling of the originals while smoothing out enough bits to make them a joy for newcomers and veterans alike. If you’ve a soft spot for classic JRPGs with big casts and bigger stories, this is pure class — and sure isn’t that a treat?

Dispatch is good craic, well written, and refreshingly different. It’s not about being the hero, it’s about keeping the heroes from acting the maggot. If you like story-driven games, sharp humour, and organised chaos, you’ll have a grand time with this one.

You lead a ragtag group of heroes through grid-based combat where every step feels like a high-stakes game of “please don’t accidentally walk into that archer’s murder zone.” The story is earnest, the characters have more personality than an angry alpaca wearing a visor, and the battles are delightfully strategic—like chess, only the pieces shout quips at you before getting decapitated.Leveling up feels satisfying (mostly), item management is robust without being overwhelming, and the class system lets you customize your squad into whatever weird fantasy trope you’ve been secretly craving—yes, I sincerely needed a spear-toting bard and no one can stop me. The pixel art style is charming, combat animations are crisp, and every map feels like a puzzle begging to be solved… usually by sacrificing that one hero you forgot to **** course, Dark Deity II isn’t flawless. The difficulty can spike like it’s auditioning for a roller coaster, and the story sometimes forgets it’s supposed to make sense (plot twists happen with the subtlety of a squirrel on espresso). But when it works, it really works—strategic battles that keep you thinking, a cast you’ll (eventually) care about, and that sweet, sweet feeling of finally crushing a mission that’s been stomping your face in for the last three hours. 8/10

The Iron Oath is what happens when Darkest Dungeon, classic turn-based RPGs, and your poor life choices sit down at a tavern and agree to ruin your afternoon—in a good way. You run a mercenary company in a grim fantasy world where hope is optional, injuries are permanent, and every contract feels like a legally binding agreement with misery. It’s tactical, slow-burning, and deeply committed to the idea that actions should have consequences… sometimes several hours later when you’ve already forgotten what you did wrong. 8/10

Baldur’s Gate 3 is an absolute beast of an RPG. It nails that classic D&D feel with gorgeous graphics, crazy deep storytelling, and tactical combat that’s both challenging and rewarding. The game gives you tons of freedom—from creating your character to deciding how to approach quests and interact with NPCs. Every choice you make feels meaningful and can totally change how the story **** party system is fantastic, with memorable companions who have their own stories and personalities, making traveling together way more fun. The turn-based combat blends classic strategy with modern flair, and the environments are full of secrets and opportunities to **** you love RPGs with epic narratives, tons of player freedom, and smart tactical battles, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a must-play. It’s an incredible journey that feels fresh and exciting, even for longtime fans.

Tyranny is a refreshingly different RPG that flips the usual good-vs-evil story on its head. Instead of fighting against the bad guys, you’re working for them, and that twist makes every choice feel way more interesting and weighty. The world is dark and gritty, filled with tough moral decisions that actually impact the story and how people treat you.Combat is solid, with classic party-based, isometric RPG mechanics that let you mix and match abilities and tactics. The writing is sharp and clever, with memorable characters that keep things engaging. Plus, the voice acting is surprisingly good for an indie-style **** you’re tired of the usual heroic fantasy and want an RPG where your choices really matter—sometimes in uncomfortable ways—Tyranny is definitely worth diving into. It’s smart, unique, and a ton of fun.

Darkest Dungeon is one of those games that hooks you fast and doesn’t let go. It’s brutal, dark, and full of gothic horror vibes, but the real star is its crazy challenging turn-based combat. Managing your crew’s stress and quirks adds a whole new layer of strategy—sometimes the hardest battles aren’t against monsters, but your own team’s fears and **** art style is creepy and amazing, and the soundtrack sets the perfect mood for every grim crawl through the dungeons. It’s punishing, for sure, but that’s part of the fun—when you finally overcome a brutal run, it feels **** you like tough tactical RPGs with a dark twist and don’t mind some serious challenge, Darkest Dungeon is a must-play. Just be ready to lose… a lot. But hey, that’s what makes victory so sweet.

Gears Tactics is a seriously underrated gem. It takes the brutal, cover-based action of the Gears of War series and turns it into a fast-paced, tactical strategy game—and it works way better than you'd expect. The combat is tight, satisfying, and full of options. You get three actions per character per turn, which keeps the flow quick and aggressive compared to other turn-based **** enemy designs are intense, boss fights are epic, and there's a surprising amount of customization for your squad. It still feels like Gears—bloody, gritty, and full of attitude—but with a smart, strategic twist. The story’s solid too, giving you enough hooks to keep pushing **** you like XCOM-style games but want something faster and flashier, Gears Tactics absolutely delivers. It’s got depth, style, and that trademark Gears punch. Definitely worth picking up.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire takes everything great about the first game and cranks it up. The world is bigger, the story is bolder, and you’re now the captain of your own ship—literally sailing between islands and chasing down a rogue god. It’s awesome.Combat feels smoother and more customizable, with tons of class combos and party options. The voice acting and dialogue are top-notch, and the choices you make actually shape the story in real ways. Whether you're solving political conflicts or just exploring weird corners of the Deadfire Archipelago, it always feels like your **** setting is super refreshing too—pirates, ancient ruins, sea monsters—it’s a welcome change from the usual medieval vibe. If you’re into RPGs with deep mechanics, meaningful choices, and a ton of freedom, Deadfire is an easy recommend. Just be warned: you might not want to play anything else for a while.

Pillars of Eternity is everything you’d want from a classic-style RPG, and then some. It nails that old-school Baldur’s Gate vibe with deep lore, smart writing, and a world that feels alive from the moment you step into it. The real-time-with-pause combat gives you tons of control, and building your party to fit your playstyle is super **** choices you make actually matter, too—dialogue, quests, even how you treat your companions can change how things play out. The story digs into heavy themes but doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard, and the writing is consistently sharp. It’s the kind of game where you lose hours without realizing **** you’re into rich fantasy worlds, tactical combat, and a ton of player freedom, Pillars of Eternity is absolutely worth it. It's a love letter to the genre, and it delivers on every front.

Three of the best games ever made....I'm sure everyone knows these games by now but if for some reason you are reading reviews and trying to decide just stop reading and go start playing right now!

Triangle Strategy is a brilliant return to classic tactical RPG roots, offering a deeply satisfying blend of strategic combat and rich storytelling. Its stunning HD-2D visuals bring the world of Norzelia to life, while the turn-based, grid-based battles are full of depth and nuance. Positioning, terrain, and elemental interactions make each encounter feel deliberate and rewarding.What truly sets it apart is its branching narrative, shaped by player choices that influence alliances, character fates, and even the ending. The weight of political and moral decisions adds real consequence to every dialogue. While the story can be text-heavy early on, it builds toward a compelling and dramatic **** fans of games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre, Triangle Strategy is a must-play. It’s a thoughtful, challenging, and beautifully crafted experience that proves the tactical RPG genre is alive and well.

Unicorn Overlord is a masterful blend of deep strategy, gorgeous art, and addictive gameplay—an instant classic for tactical RPG fans. Vanillaware delivers stunning hand-drawn visuals, bringing a vibrant fantasy world to life with elegance and charm. The combat system is rich and rewarding, offering real-time movement paired with thoughtful, turn-based engagements. Customizing unit AI, building squads, and managing resources all feel intuitive yet layered with **** sheer variety of units, classes, and map challenges ensures every battle feels fresh and strategic. While the main story follows familiar fantasy beats, it's well-paced and backed by an enormous world brimming with optional content. The freedom to explore, conquer, and build your army makes every choice meaningful.From start to finish, Unicorn Overlord delivers a polished, satisfying experience. If you love tactical RPGs, this is one of the finest entries in the genre in years.

The Outer Worlds is a near‑perfect sci‑fi RPG from Obsidian—a brilliant blend of humor, choice, and depth that earns it top marks. You awaken in the corporate-run Halcyon system, and from the start, your decisions matter—branching dialogue, nuanced consequences, and morally grey quests make every playthrough feel unique. Character creation and perk customization are outstanding, letting you build anything from a chatty diplomat to a stealth operative or heavy‑guns powerhouse. Combat is solid, with tactical slow-down mechanics and diverse weaponry, even if it’s not a best‑in‑class shooter. Visually, Halcyon bursts with vibrant retro‑futuristic style—each planet feels handcrafted, lore‑rich, and inviting. The writing is top-tier, full of sharp satire and memorable companions, making emotional investment easy. A nearly flawless RPG, bursting with choice, character, and charm. One of Obsidian’s finest

Symphony of War deserves the praise. It’s a fantastic indie strategy RPG clearly inspired by classics like Ogre Battle and Final Fantasy Tactics. The real hook for me was the deep squad-building—experimenting with different class combos, formations, and artifacts was incredibly satisfying. I often spent more time planning than fighting, but watching my carefully crafted squads in action made it all worth it. One of the best features is how generic units can grow, split off, and form their own squads, adding a sense of continuity and emergent storytelling. The game’s indie roots show—dialogue and cutscenes can feel rough—but the core gameplay more than makes up for it.Combat feels tactical and dynamic, with terrain, elevation, and stances (like Cautious or Aggressive) adding extra depth. Outside battle, managing resources and squad capacity keeps things engaging. Even compared to bigger titles like Fire Emblem, this game stands **** you’re into SRPGs and love tinkering with unit composition and battlefield strategy, this is absolutely worth your time.

Such a brilliant game and I think this is where everyone realised that Owlcat games where going to be the next big rpg maker. I sank so many hours into this game and not one minute did I not enjoy it...well apart from when I finished the game I was so sad lol

Brilliant game Owlcat have shown themselves to be the next big thing in rpgs. It has everything I like in games including fun combat, great story, base management,fun characters...I never put it down once I started!

I love the expeditions games and the vikings setting is right up my street. I enjoyed everything about it and the combat was super **** you like turn based games and like the vikings setting then what are you waiting for?

Very solid game I loved the story and the characters and really enjoyed the turn based combat...I check out the other expeditions games simply because I enjoyed this one so much

This game really took me back and I enjoyed it so much...loved the oldschool feel and looking forward to giving number 2 a go!

The game is probably an 8 but making it a 10 just to combat people giving it a 0 for the stupidest of **** has a non binary character big deal get a life if that annoys you so much. Would preferit to be grittier and not so cartoony but when I started I didn't put the game down. I am not an action rpg superfan but I enjoyed the combat more than I thought I would and found the different classes different enoy to warrant trying out the game again. I really enjoyed the characters and the story kept me hooked. I hope this doesn't put them off making another dragon age. All in all if you are on the fence just take the plung and ignore the hate.