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This installment of Game Collector is all about turn-based strategy games, one of the most addictive, most venerable genres of PC gaming there is. Over the years, turn-based strategy games have developed in many different directions, and remain prominent and popular even at a time when real-time strategy seems to reign supreme. The following list includes games that have a lot in common besides their turn-based mechanics: They're all great, fun, accessible, inventive, and worth owning.
Also, be sure to check out our recent feature on a number of promising turn-based games now in production.
Disciples II: Dark Prophecy (2002)
Street Price: $39
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One of the first truly great games of 2002, Disciples II is a highly refined, graphically stunning version of its 1999 predecessor. This fantasy-themed game features four powerful factions: The Empire, the Mountain Clains, the Undead Horde, and the Legions of the Damned. Each of these consists of many different imaginative units, which you'll lead into countless epic battles. Disciples II plays great, and its visuals are superb.
Civilization III (2001)
Street Price: $39
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Widely considered to be one of the best strategy games of last year, Civilization III is the next step in Sid Meier's beloved turn-based strategy series. This most recent installment overhauls the presentation of its predecessors, and introduces significant new gameplay elements such as the concept of culture. It retains the unparalleled depth and accessibility that the series is known for, making Civilization III a worthy heir to the series.
Rising Sun Gold Edition (2000)
Street Price: $12
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One of TalonSoft's best designed wargames, Rising Sun is the third chapter in the highly acclaimed Campaign Series. Rising Sun centers on the Pacific Theater of World War II, in the conflict between American and Japanese forces. One of the best aspects of the game is that Rising Sun is highly accessible even for those who've never played another wargame. These players will find that Rising Sun is as good of a way to get their feet wet as can be expected.
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)
Street Price: $19
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Based on Interplay's remarkable 1997 role-playing game, Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel shares much of the original game's quirky sensibility and gory action. The game takes place in a post-nuclear world populated by raiders, mutants, cults, and more. In the thick of all this, you join forces with a band of vigilantes called the Brotherhood of Steel. Fallout Tactics features plenty of intense missions, playable in either turn-based or real-time modes.
Heroes of Might and Magic III Complete (2000)
Street Price: $28
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The high-water mark for fantasy-themed turn-based strategy gaming has always been the Heroes of Might and Magic series. Heroes of Might and Magic III Complete includes the hit 1999 game, plus its expansion pack Armageddon's Blade, and also the stand-alone re-release Shadow of Death. Heroes III is an essential addition to just about anyone's game collection--this fun-filled, strategic game has a lot of charm and a lot of depth.
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri (1999)
Street Price: $19
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Alpha Centauri was seen as a spin-off of Sid Meier's classic Civilization series--it's like a sci-fi themed Civ. But there's actually much more to it than that. Alpha Centauri succeeds in creating a truly impressive science fiction setting, and in having the same sort of outstanding design that made the Civ so popular. As the leader of one of various competing factions, you'll be charged with terraforming the planet and ensuring your prosperity.
Jagged Alliance 2 (1999)
Street Price: $19
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A perennial favorite among the GameSpot editors, Jagged Alliance 2 is an unusually interesting game that perfectly models close-quarters small arms battles in a turn-based system, and provides some great role-playing elements for good measure. To top it off, Jagged Alliance 2 also has a great sense of humor. The game centers on a conflict over a small island nation, where you'll command a small mercenary army against the forces of the island's evil queen.
Age of Wonders (1999)
Street Price: $9
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This fantasy-themed turn-based strategy game features a variety of unusual races of beings that you can lead into battle against their rivals. Between Age of Wonders' huge strategic maps and its deep tactical combat system, the game managed to compare favorably with the more popular Heroes of Might and Magic series. With a promising sequel now nearing completion, the original Age of Wonders is definitely worth revisiting.
Risk II (2000)
Street Price: $24
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Risk II is based on the classic board game, and offers much of the same addictive fun--only with a surprisingly impressive presentation. Risk II also features several successful variations on the original gameplay mechanics, but ultimately still revolves around a global struggle between competing nations. Risk II is turn-based strategy distilled down to its essentials, making it highly accessible but still a lot of fun.
Worms World Party (2001)
Street Price: $29
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Don't judge this game by its cover--despite the whimsical premise, Worms World Party is actually a very involving strategy game. You'll control a small band of weapon-toting worms against other such creatures. The only object is to knock the other worms out first. Worms World Party is playable online, making for one of the most enjoyable turn-based multiplayer gaming experiences you're likely to find.
Be sure to visit GameBuyer to find more great deals on both classic and recently released computer games.
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