Is there any other game like this?

[shaosc3]

I was deeply disappointed with Age of Wonders 4 which feels way too cookie cutter and was looking for alternatives. So glad I found this gem! What's important for me is the lore/theme with a good campaign.

Is there any other game like this? I did some research myself but having never played any of them, would really appreciate some suggestions!

*Age of Wonders 3: this looks interesting but too many people said they had to use "rush" tactics, which gets old after a while.

*Disciples Liberation: how good is it comparing to this game?

*Thea 1/2: I'm okay with card-based battle system, is the story any good though?

[Kaysoky]

Thea and Age of Wonders are the most similar games in my opinion. Good job on the research :)

I would consider Spellforce CoE most like Thea 2, but with AoW3's combat system. The story and plot are presented as vignettes, little story chunks that pop up as you fulfill conditions (which aren't entirely clear to the player). This might not appeal to everyone, since you are basically presented with a bunch of short stories instead of a single grand adventure. But this is also a strength, since the vignette-style can put many more disjointed bits of lore into the game.

Personally, I like Thea 1 more than Thea 2, because of the card battle system. Thea 1 has a pseudo-puzzle card-battle game, whereas Thea 2 is a more simplistic higher-numbers-better system.

[GorillaB]

There is Master of Magic, which was recently remade (haven’t tried the remake). The original, is the OG that inspired them all.

You need to meet Torin the Chosen. He was a meme before memes.

[Tiasmoon]

Thea 1 is a great game and very unique. Both gameplay wise and events/story. Its main story isnt very elaborate but it has an absolutely massive amount of random events with tons of different branching paths. In terms of narrative experience its one of the best game ive played.

The card combat in one is also quite good.

Thea 2 is a bad and bland sequel that lost virtually all of the charm the original had. As if its made by a different team. I dont know if you played Arkane games, but its like comparing Arkane when they made Prey and Arkane when they made Redfall.

Card combat in the second game is also quite bad (saying this as someone that loves card combat)

Age of Wonders 3 is good but not amazing. If you want the best Age of Wonders experience then 1, 2 and Shadow Magic (sequel to 2) are what you want. Those also have better story.
Shadow Magic is the best of the franchise and Age of Wonders really makes you feel your story choices matter. The themes and lore for this one are on par. But keep in mind the first game is pretty dated.

Also, the Lore is something that stays highly relevant in each of those games since many of the main characters are immortal or members of long-lived races. And even the individual units have tidbits of lore descriptions when you select them. (for some reason 4 removed this) Since lore and story is important, its best to play the games in sequel. 1 is kind of like the origin story, 2 the new age and Shadow Magic the ''alien invasion''.

In comparison Age of Wonders 4 is also kind of like its a clone made by a different company that did not understand what Age of Wonders was all about. It is the only Age of Wonders game that doesnt have a proper campaign.


Imo Thea 1, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic are two of the best fantasy games that exist. I >>>STRONGLY<<< recommend both games.

If you enjoy fantasy turn based strategy games with exploration and a good narrative experience, you owe it to yourself to play these.

[GetToDeChoppa]

Age of Wonders 1 is a bit dated, but its a great game. You can get it here on Steam, and it runs well on Windows 10. You can make a custom resolution in your Nvidia settings and the game will actually recognize it and scale to 16;9 on its own, there are threads about it in its disscussion page if your interested.

Age of Wonders Shadow Magic is the best AoW game, its here on Steam too, but it can be a little tricky to get working properly on modern systems. I have it working fine on mine, but it took a wrapper download and figuring out settings for about an hour.

A game I can completely recommend that is one of my favorites of all time is Heroes of Might and Magic 4. It has a wonderful story, questing systems, and probably the deepest RPG meets 4X meets TBS gameplay of all time. The graphics hold up really well, there is an easy to install HD patch, and the MUSIC.... oh man... the music in HoMM 4 is god tier.... You can get HoMM4 Complete on GOG dirt cheap. Don't listen to the people that say 3 is better. It'not.

I have Disciples Liberation, but I have not played much of it yet.... its a little odd. I won't comment more on it until I play it more, but my first impression is its a quality game, but maybe not necessarily a good one. The writing has been a turn off so far, because for a game that bills itself as a mature dark fantasy, its more teenage angst level.

[shaosc3]

Thanks a lot everyone, I will definitely keep these in mind when I'm done with this game! It's good that Thea has demo I can try out first. I'll look into the older Age of Wonders game too, though the graphic is old, I often play on my Steam Deck so it should be fine.

[LeftPaw]

You have Fantasy General 2 but it not really like this game.
Disciples Liberation I really enjoyed up until the point were it seemed to get a bit repetitive.
You also have songs of conquest if your into pixel art.

[Tiasmoon]

Heroes of Might and Magic 4 is also amazing. Fans didnt enjoy its gameplay as much as 3, but its campaign stories are some of the best written you'll find in a game. + as mentioned its music is great as well.