Five great, deep, and tough tactical strategies to sate that hardcore game hunger
Into the Void
Price: $2.00
Download: Android
A deep, sci-fi turn-based strategy with RPG elements, Into the Void features a long campaign, randomly-generated levels, 4 factions, and different tech trees. As you can see, there's loads of replay value in there. Unfortunately for you PvP-ers, the game doesn't feature a multiplayer mode. It's still worth considering if you're about to go on a trip and want to keep that gaming hunger sated.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Wolf
Price: free (IAPs)
One of the many WH40k games out there titles out there, Space Wolf is a turn- and squad-based tactical strategy. The core mechanic of the game reminds us of XCom, and that's definitely a good thing. There are some unique twists, however, such as a card mechanic, borrowed from collectible card games, and quick-time events, which are required to build up the damage of special moves.
Skulls of the Shogun
Price: $4.99
To add value for you multiplayer junkies out there, there is also a PvP adversarial mode for up to 4 players. The matches are fast-paced and have an arcade feeling to them, but still retain the tactical strategy element. Being able to form temporary alliances with other players, in order to take down someone who has grown too powerful, adds and extra layer of in-game politics and backstabbing fun.
Battle Worlds: Kronos
Price: $16.99
Aliens versus Humans
Price: $2.99
Yes, we did promise that we won't add XCom: Enemy Within to this list, but that doesn't mean we won't cheat! Aliens versus Humans is a recreation of the game that started it all, some 20 years ago. It was called UFO: Enemy Unknown, and you've probably heard a lot of plaise about it during the XCom reboot buzz a couple of years back.
Well, Aliens versus Humans is not an official remaster or anything, but it's extremely true to the original, and it's obvious that there has been a lot of passion behind this project. Borrowing the same graphical style, Aliens versus Humans will give you a lot of the same things you loved about the UFO of old – the Geoscape, base construction, research, interceptors, and, of course, the unforgivingly hard on-the-ground missions. iOS users can also get Aliens vs Humans: Missions ($0.99), which is a stand-alone PvP module for the game. Think you are tough? Have a go at AvsH!
Things that are NOT allowed: