BEST STRATEGY
Previous Winners
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4
There are lots of different types of strategy games out in the gaming world, from strategy RPGs all the way to tower defense games. Many find the aspect of really having to think through your moves and pay attention to all the units across the stage to be an immensely fun challenge. I myself really enjoy slowing down with a good SRPG whenever I’ve spent too much time beforehand on more fast-paced action filled games. In 2019 though, there wasn’t the largest pool of completely brand new strategy titles to jump into. So for this category we’ve only come up with a top two.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
NA Release Date: July 26th, 2019
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
I mean, did anyone think Fire Emblem: Three Houses wouldn’t be on our list? FE3H is the best Fire Emblem game to come out in quite a while. It’s amazing how Nintendo manages to successfully evolve the series in some grand way with each new system they start developing Fire Emblem titles on. Three Houses has everything that makes an SPRG great and more. You have a large cast of characters who as you get to know, you truly grow to care about. You’ve got an intense story with various mysteries lurking in the background. And on top of all this, you also have an equally intense soundtrack which keeps you pulled in as you progress throughout the game. Our best strategy category would be severely lacking if we didn’t include this one.
Wargroove
NA Release Date: February 1st, 2019
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC
Review
Wargroove, also an SRPG, is a game that I believe surprised many when it came out. As far as I know, you don’t often have such high quality strategy games come from indie devs. This title, like some of the best SRPGs, is a medieval fantasy themed game, where you’ll take charge of your chosen team and take your time coming up with ways to overpower your enemies and ultimately win battles. Despite being an indie title, this game is not short on content whatsoever, there’s tons to enjoy when it comes to Wargroove. The game has even received multiple free updates after its release. Because it’s been such a surprise indie treat for SRPG fans, Wargroove has one-hundred percent earned its spot in our top two for best strategy game.
And the winner is…
Fire Emblem: Three Houses!
As great as Wargroove is, Fire Emblem has still come out on top in 2019 as the epitome of strategy gaming. The way Nintendo went to work truly upgrading the series, once again has most definitely paid off. Not only does Fire Emblem: Three Houses have a fantastic story, intriguing characters and a beautiful soundtrack, but it also has multiple storylines which keep fans coming back to the game time and time again. FE3H has made the future of Fire Emblem exciting again and I know us fans at oprainfall can’t wait to see where the series goes from here.
