A turn-based strategy (TBS) game is a strategy game (usually some type of wargame, especially a strategic-level wargame) that is turn-based. The phrase turn-based is used to distinguish such games from real-time strategy games.
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Turn-based tactics
- Main article Turn-based tactics
Turn-based tactical gameplay is characterized by the expectation of players to complete their tasks using only the combat forces provided to them, and usually by the provision of a realistic (or at least believable) representation of military tactics and operations. Turn-based tactics games, in their pure form, do not feature resource-gathering, production, base-building or economic management, instead focusing on tactical and operational aspects of warfare such as unit formations or the exploitation of terrain for tactical advantage. Tactical role-playing games are a part of this genre. Examples include Silent Storm and Steel Panthers: World at War!.
Turn-based vs real-time gameplay
A debate has emerged between fans of real-time strategy and turn-based strategy (and related genres) based on the merits of the real-time and turn-based systems.
Examples
Board games
Mainstream PC games
After a period of converting board and historic TBS games to computer games, companies began basing computer turn-based strategy games on completely original properties or concepts. The presence of a computer to calculate and arbitrate allows game complexity which is not feasible in a traditional board game. Probably the best known turn-based game is Sid Meier's Civilization, which evolved into a long series of successor games and derivatives. Other examples include:
Indie PC games
A further market trend is the rise of "Indie" TBS games (games produced by small groups, independent or only somewhat affiliated with the major elements in the computer games industry). These games often extend or refine already existing TBS strategy games. Some examples of indie-developed games include:
Open-source PC games
Since turn-based strategy games do not typically require vast amounts of art or modeling, developers willing to volunteer their time can focus on gameplay. Directories like Freshmeat provide large lists of open-source, turn-based strategy projects. Some examples of open-source games include:
Browser-based games
Because they do not require users to install files and are often free, online browser-based games are becoming very popular. All that they require is any device with a web browser and internet connection. Many will work just as well on a PDA phone as they do on a desktop computer. Some examples of browser-based games:
