Strategy games with character creation

[sagakarikikkaru]

I'm wondering what games on steam have in depth character creation, particularly a turn based strategy game like X-com. It can be off Steam's platform as well I just prefer it on steam thanks in advance people.

[krixi]

It should belong to steam discussions, I bet. Jagged Alliance series, Silent Storm, Fallout Tactics and smaller (less commonly known) titles.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by krixi:

It should belong to steam discussions, I bet. Jagged Alliance series, Silent Storm, Fallout Tactics and smaller titles.

None of them have an "in depth character creation".

OP,

I am aware of no turn based strategy games with a character creation part, let alone an "in depth character creation". Only inventory and skills managment like x-com.

Only RPGs like Neverwinter Nights, Oblivion and such have them like that.

[krixi]

Depends on what you call "depth character creation". Fallout Tactisc is a turn-based tactic & RPG hybrid. With JA it depends on title - Unfinished bussiness probably have it. I'm not sure which I played.

[krixi]

Character creation is not like in BG or NWN, but it involves stats and perks.

[Spawn of Totoro]

When most think "in depth character creation" they think stats, perks, looks, sex, class and all that stuff. Like in Neverwinter nights. "In depth" is more involved and compleat control of most aspects during character creation.

Just "character creation" usualy involves minor choices, susaly visials. Like in Skyrim.

Just inventory, perks, skills stats is "character management". Like in X-com.

"In depth" is more involved and compleat controll of most aspects during character creation.

[krixi]

Look also at Metalheart: Replicants Rampage - RPG with strong turn-based tactic element. I'm not sure how deep is initial character creation, but it's kinda story development game with a lot of turn-based battles. Pretty deep and non-linear. Cyberpunk world.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by krixi:

Look also at Metalheart: Replicants Rampage - RPG with strong turn-based tactic element. I'm not sure how deep is initial character creation, but it's kinda story development game with a lot of turn-based battles. Pretty deep and non-linear. Cyberpunk world.

Can't say 100%, but it looks like there is no real character creation, just character management. They seem to be pre-designed for the most part.

It also got horrible reviews.

[krixi]

There are two ways of deep character creation:

1. Based upon game mechanics. Choosing perks, stats, abilities, race, class, inventory and so on fixes a way character will be played.

2. Based upon story. Choosing character background, personality, making choices during playthrough let's us craft persona we like and makes us feel involved.

While 1 & 2 are essencial for RPG game and 2 for adventure, 1 is enought for good tactic game. Deep story and decision making is usually welcome, but not by everyone - sometimes people wants just pure shooter, platformer, tactic or whatever gengre.

[Spawn of Totoro]

2 isn't character creation, that is character development. The character was already created and goes throught the story making decisions that cold or coud not have any effect on the outcome and/or other choices.

Creation will always be at the start of the game, when you create your character.

The last part doesn't realy have anything to do with what we were discussing, though 1 isn't what you find in a tactics game. A tactics game uses character management, not creation.

What we realy need to know though, is the OP's idea of character creation, so we can better suggest a game.

[krixi]

Originally posted by Spawn of Totoro:

Originally posted by krixi:

Look also at Metalheart: Replicants Rampage - RPG with strong turn-based tactic element. I'm not sure how deep is initial character creation, but it's kinda story development game with a lot of turn-based battles. Pretty deep and non-linear. Cyberpunk world.

Can't say 100%, but it looks like there is no real character creation, just character management. They seem to be pre-designed for the most part.

It also got horrible reviews.

There is a list of reasons. Game was visually few years aged at the day of release. Used to crash quite often. There was Jagged Alliance as a competitor. It was compared to RPGs and don't have features like quest list or journal.

Still, I can't think of other mainly turn-based tactic game with so much of RPG in it. Maybe some console ports, but it's not x-com like battle system then. There is The Temple of Elementar Evil, but it's mainly RPG with turn based combat system. Also not AAA title, but reviews were affected by "next BG" expectations.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Originally posted by krixi:

There is a list of reasons. Game was visually few years aged at the day of release. Used to crash quite often. There was Jagged Alliance as a competitor. It was compared to RPGs and don't have features like quest list or journal.

Still, I can't think of other mainly turn-based tactic game with so much of RPG in it. Maybe some console ports, but it's not x-com like battle system then. There is The Temple of Elementar Evil, but it's mainly RPG with turn based combat system. Also not AAA title, but reviews were affected by "next BG" expectations.

Ya, that could have done it.

I know Dragon Age can be turned into a turn based game in the gameplay settings, but it isn't realy a tactics based game. DA2 is more fo an action game too, I found that disapointing.

[krixi]

Originally posted by Spawn of Totoro:

What we realy need to know though, is the OP's idea of character creation, so we can better suggest a game.

Right. I believe it's pretty much: x-com battle system + at least main hero crafted.

So Fallout Tactics will be it. In Jagged Alliance there was series of questions to determine stats and perks, choice of picture and voice. I'm not sure of Silent Storm character creation, but game is cool and it might be worth to use save editor to craft character.

Originally posted by Spawn of Totoro:

I know Dragon Age can be turned into a turn based game in the gameplay settings, but it isn't realy a tactics based game. DA2 is more fo an action game too, I found that disapointing.

I don't think there were any really good turn-based PC RPG after Fallouts. Found Avadon interesting. I like DA style of combat, but game somewhat doesn't make me involved, not like BGs or kotors.

[Spawn of Totoro]

Hahaha!!!! Just thought of this.

The Ultima series.

This one is free if you want to try it:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/ultima_4

The rest of them:
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/ultima_1_2_3
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/ultima_456
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/ultima_7_complete
http://www.gog.com/gamecard/ultima_8_gold_edition

All turn based RPG and require some tactics/strategy. The character creation is basic, but fun. A bit old, but a realy fun game, imho.

Just avoid Ultima 9. It is a 3rd person action, not turn based.

[FadedDeathKnight]

Try looking at TOE (Temple of elemental evil) It's an DnD game that has character's customization (you create a party up to six members) and its a turn based strategy game with Rpg elements(you select stats, classes, skills, and spells) And continue to do so every level up. I'm a fan of games like x-com but i love games where i can create my own characters and this is one of the closes i could find so check it out.

[ClaytonCross]

Shadowrun returns....