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By Andrew S. Park
Designed by Collin Oguro
People have been playing turn-based strategy games for centuries, long before computers were even invented. Classic tabletop games like chess and Go are famous for their elegant simplicity, as well as for their remarkable depth. The best ones are easy to pick up, but can take a lifetime to master. And the best players can plan several moves ahead and can come up with strategies that will seize control of the board in a few turns or will win entire games. Strategy games like these provide a very distinctive kind of enjoyment; there's nothing quite like taking stock of your current situation, making the right moves, and watching your strategy pay off over the next few turns.
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A turn-based strategy classic. |
That isn't to say that these sorts of strategies, depth, and enjoyment are limited to board games. Over the years, many computer games have taken the basic elements of great strategy games--such as being easy to learn, having strategic depth, and rewarding skillful players--but they've added graphics and animation, music, and even multiplayer play, as well as plenty of other features. Computerized turn-based classics such as Warlords, Civilization, and Master of Orion have let us explore and conquer kingdoms, nations, and even entire galaxies in a way that no board game has ever been able to do. In fact, to this day, no other kind of game-- tabletop, computer, or otherwise--is as uniquely satisfying. Turn-based strategy games don't require the quick, twitchy reflexes that real-time strategy games often do. You play them at your own pace and on your own terms.
If you've been following the progress of computer turn-based strategy games over the years, you might think that they've been losing their popularity or that they're becoming extinct. But you'd be wrong on both counts. Many turn-based strategy games have paved the way for sequels that have improved upon the original games and built up loyal fan followings. The latest and most obvious example of this is Civilization III, a great turn-based strategy sequel that shot straight to the top of the best-seller lists and also won a 2001 strategy game of the year award from GameSpot PC. And that's just the beginning, because there are even more turn-based strategy games in the works this year. Lots more. Join us now for a look at some of the most promising turn-based strategy games of 2002.
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