Top diplomacy games?

[SJB]

I would like to play a game that is more based on diplomacy than fighting.
On the other hand, any ideas which game has the best diplomacy?

[Unrest]

Any particular genre that you're interested in? I would expect most with diplomacy elements will be strategy games. If you haven't played Civilization (IV or V), they're both turn-based strategy games that can be played using diplomatic (and other non-military) tactics to achieve victory, plus are extremely accessible and forgiving to new players.

If you are looking for grand strategy (more depth than Civ), King Crusaders II would be worth looking in to. Also the Europa Universalis series, but the learning curve and accessibility of grand strategy games can be ...intimidating.

If you like the element of economy and production lines, the Anno series is one of my favorites -- Anno 2070 is the newest in the series and is quite good.

The "4X" genre also tends to include heavy diplomacy elements; look at something like Endless Space, or Sins of a Solar Empire are more modern games in this genre. (Classics, like Galactic Civilizations II and Master of Orion II are some of my favorites.)

If you like city builders, Tropico 4 is a good recommendation. Diplomacy is not a focus, but there are relationships to maintain with other countries, which has a direct impact on economy, sustainability, etc.

The Total War series of games (Shogun 2 being the most recent) includes diplomacy in a turn-based meta game alongside optional real-time warfare. The niche of this series is really the large-scale tactical fights though, but much can be achieved through diplomacy.

It's difficult to find games that include a diplomacy feature that doesn't also have some kind of focus on combat/warfare, but I think Civilization V is a solid recommendation and one of the few games that has true paths to victory through non-combat tactics like diplomacy, culture, science, etc.

Sorry for such a broad response. If you have more specific requirements, I can try to brainstorm further. Hope that helps. :D

[Curtis@HeroesofTalon]

Tropico is a decent series like this, with Tropico 4 being probably the best of the series.

[SJB]

Thanks for the input.
I've been on the fence for both Tropico IV and Anno 2070. I'll probably check 'em out when there is another flash sale.
Europa Universalis looks interesting and I've never heard about it before now, thanks.
I have spent many hours playing Total War games and I do enjoy Civ games. When it comes to Total War I tend to sim through battles and focus more on subterfuge and alliances. For the Civ series I attempt to attain victory through non-combative means but more often than not I end up having to use my military assets.