Strategy Games 2025: a review of the long-awaited new releases that will make your brain work to its full potential

The Sims is a cultural phenomenon that has changed the idea of ​​interactive entertainment. The franchise has united millions of players around the world, providing the opportunity to create, manage and live a virtual life. The Sims game with each new version offered unique mechanics and ideas, turning each series into a global event. From the first experience of building a virtual house to complex social interactions in the fourth part – each contributed to the development of the genre. Let’s analyze the evolution of the legendary life simulator, starting from the origins.

The Sims 1 – the beginning of a great journey

The first part of The Sims was released in 2000 and instantly won the hearts of players. The game was centered on managing sims – characters who built houses, started relationships and performed everyday tasks. The first version of the Sims game provided users with unprecedented freedom of action:

1. Building houses. Players created housing from scratch, choosing furniture, wallpaper and even the layout of rooms.
2. Social interactions. Characters made friends, fell in love and fought, which became the basis of the genre.
3. Time management mode. The ability to speed up time to speed up the completion of tasks.

Why The Sims 1 became a revolution?

The uniqueness of the project was in its openness to creativity. Participants could not only build, but also experiment with characters, create unusual scenarios. For example, someone turned a house into a prison, and someone into a paradise for parties.

Add-ons to the game and their influence

Add-ons such as “Hot Date” and “Livin’ Large” added new elements of gameplay. “Hot Date” opened the possibility of dating and walking around the city, and “Livin’ Large” brought unusual objects, including robots and exotic animals.

The Sims 2 – a leap in evolution

The second version of the Sims game, released in 2004, was a qualitative step forward. The concept included age stages, family trees and 3D graphics, which allowed for a more lively and realistic world to be created. Each character now had an individual story, which made the gameplay even deeper:

1. Age stages. Characters went from babies to old people.
2. Character memory. Sims remembered important events, which influenced their behavior.
3. Appearance settings. The appearance of a full character editor with wide customization options.

3D graphics made it possible to rotate the camera and explore houses from any point of view. Desires and fears appeared, which added more strategy to the gameplay.

The most popular additions to the second version of the Sims game

The additions to the Sims 2 were a real breakthrough, significantly expanding the basic mechanics of the game and offering players unique opportunities to interact with the world of Sims:

1. Nightlife. The world of nightclubs, restaurants and romantic dates. Sims could go to parties, ride limousines and start relationships, finding new social connections. Dynamic lighting for night scenes was also added, making the game more atmospheric.
2. Seasons. Introduced a change of seasons, weather, and new activities. In winter, Sims built snowmen and had snowball fights, planted plants in the spring, sunbathed on the beach in the summer, and harvested crops in the fall. Seasonal changes not only added realism, but also affected the everyday life of characters, making it more diverse.
3. University. Gave the opportunity to send Sims to university. There they could choose specializations, attend lectures, and participate in student parties. Education influenced future careers and opened up additional opportunities for characters.

The Sims 3 — open world and freedom

In 2009, the series took a giant step forward with the advent of the open world. In the third version of the Sims game, players could already explore the entire city without loading screens. This added realism and depth to the gameplay:

1. Open world. Characters moved freely between city districts.
2. Character traits. The character trait system allowed you to create unique characters with different habits and preferences.
3. Expanded construction options. The game added more tools for customizing houses.

Open world as a major breakthrough

Part gave the opportunity to participate in the life of the entire city, making every moment of interaction exciting. For example, characters could enjoy walks in green parks, attend themed events in the city center, or create a successful business right in their neighborhood.

The Sims 4 — emotions and detail

The fourth version of the Sims game, released in 2014, focused on the emotions of the characters. Now the Sims’ mood affected their actions and interactions with the world around them:

1. Emotion system. Characters could feel happiness, anger, sadness, and even inspiration.
2. Improved editor. The ability to change even the smallest facial features.
3. Multi-story construction. The option to add basements and several floors.

The future of the franchise is the anticipated The Sims 5

The fifth version of the Sims game promises to be the most large-scale project of the franchise. According to rumors, the project will add multiplayer, which will allow users to interact with each other in real time.

What can The Sims 5 surprise?

The 5th part continues to fuel interest with its mystery. Official announcements are still scarce, but rumors and leaks already paint an exciting picture:

1. Multiplayer at a new level. Players will be able to unite to create common projects, such as building virtual cities. The ability to organize joint events, such as weddings or parties, adds a new layer of social interaction.
2. Realistic graphics. A transition to a more powerful graphics engine is expected. This includes improved textures, dynamic lighting, and animations that are as close to reality as possible. For example, even small details, such as the movement of curtains in the wind, promise to make the game even more alive.
3. Deep customization. Users will have more tools to customize characters and objects. Expanding character settings and adding unique personality traits will make Sims even more unique.
4. Social interactions. The developers promise the introduction of complex communication systems. Characters will be able to remember the details of conversations, and their emotions will directly depend on the success or failure of dialogues.

Rumors also suggest the integration of VR technologies, which will allow you to look at the world of Sims from a completely new angle.

Conclusion

The Sims franchise remains the benchmark for the simulation genre. Each version of the Sims game brought something new, creating a unique experience for millions of players. And today it continues to be popular.

Ready to test your strategy skills? Turn-based strategies on PC are a challenge for the intellect. Below is a review of the ten best projects that allow you to immerse yourself in this unique genre. Each of them has the opportunity to test your ability to plan and think tactically.

1. RAID: Shadow Legends – tactics of combinations and fine-tuning

RAID: Shadow Legends is one of the most detailed turn-based strategies on PC, in which every move matters. The project offers a huge selection of champions with unique abilities and skills. To win, it is important to develop complex combinations between characters. Champions are divided into factions such as Barbarians, Dark Elves and Orcs, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The graphics are at a high level, with carefully designed locations and exciting battles.

Secrets of successful champion leveling

Efficient champion development is the key to victory. Use artifacts to improve characteristics, combine skills and distribute resources correctly. Remember that choosing the right artifacts significantly increases your chances of success. In RAID: Shadow Legends, the balance between attacking and supporting heroes is important, which requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and the ability to predict the actions of opponents.

2. Total Domination – war in a post-apocalyptic world

Total Domination is a real turn-based strategy on PC, where control over resources and the army is crucial. In a post-apocalyptic world, every little thing can affect the outcome of the battle. Competent placement of troops, distribution of resources and setting up defense systems are only a small part of what needs to be done to survive in the face of constant threats from enemies.

Economy upgrade and survival strategy

Build an economy to ensure a stable flow of resources needed to upgrade your army. The goal is not only to attack, but also to defend. It is important to develop a base, build defensive structures and improve combat units. Also use scouts to obtain information about opponents.

3. Throne: Kingdom at War — Royal Power and Management Strategy

In Throne: Kingdom at War, you become a ruler, managing a kingdom in a world of constant conflict. Here, as in any other turn-based strategy on PC, you need to carefully plan your actions. The development of the kingdom begins with the construction of buildings, hiring an army and creating the resources necessary for survival.

Diplomacy and Alliances

Diplomacy plays a key role in Throne: Kingdom at War. Build relationships with other participants, enter into alliances to increase your influence. Engage in espionage to know the plans of your enemies.

4. Vikings: War of Clans — the Viking era and endless battles

Vikings: War of Clans takes you to the era of the warriors of the North. Create your own army of Vikings, develop tactics of attack and defense, use strategy at all levels — from resource extraction to combat.

Resource Management and Social Alliances

The turn-based strategy on PC provides the opportunity to unite in alliances with other users to increase the chances of victory. Manage resources wisely, provide your warriors with everything they need so that they can defend the clan and attack enemies.

5. Stormfall: Age of War – medieval tactics and politics

Stormfall: Age of War invites the user to become a master of medieval politics. Here, not only strength is important, but also cunning. Build castles, engage in trade and plan your every move. This turn-based strategy on PC is ideal for those who like to think through their actions in advance and develop complex tactical schemes.

Economy and interaction with allies

Strengthen the economy to provide your army with everything it needs. Create alliances to confront strong enemies together. Stormfall offers many development paths, and each of them leads to unique results.

6. Sparta: War of Empires — Time of Heroes and Epic Battles

Immersion in Sparta: War of Empires allows you to build and develop a city-state. As in any other turn-based strategy on PC, resource management is of utmost importance here. You need to build fortifications, train troops and wage large-scale battles that will glorify the polis.

Secrets of Spartan Tactics

Learn the art of Spartan warfare, competently build your defense and attack. Use different types of troops to create an invincible army. Combine different types of troops to achieve maximum effect on the battlefield and do not forget about the importance of allies.

7. Soldiers Inc. — Modern Battlefield and Secret Missions

Soldiers Inc. aims to manage military operations in the modern world. The goal is to use resources wisely, create a strong base and control important objects in order to overcome threats and deal with enemies.

Attack and Defense

Think over effective offensive and defensive strategies. Use intelligence to always be one step ahead of your enemies. Soldiers Inc. offers various types of missions, each of which requires a special approach and careful preparation.

8. Pirates: Tides of Fortune – pirate adventures to the fullest

Turn-based strategy on PC Pirates: Tides of Fortune invites you to become the captain of a pirate ship. Build a powerful fleet and strengthen your base. Every choice is important – from constructing buildings on the island to choosing the direction of attacks on other bases.

Tactics of naval battles and alliances

Naval battles require special tactics and quick reactions. Create alliances with other pirates to increase your chances of success. Proper use of resources and support of allies will help achieve supremacy in the seas.

9. Under Control – secret operations and global wars

In Under Control, success depends on the correct conduct of secret operations. Turn-based strategy on PC invites you to become a master of tactics, use secret weapons and plan moves many steps ahead.

Using Special Equipment

Equipment plays a key role in Under Control. Use drones, special equipment, and secret agents to carry out covert operations. Plan every action to ensure victory with minimal losses.

10. Throne of Glory — Medieval Tactics and Heroes

Throne of Glory gives users the opportunity to build and develop their own medieval kingdom. Create a castle, train knights, and strengthen your position.

Tournaments and sieges

Castle sieges and knightly tournaments are an important part of the game. Attack plans, troop distribution strategy, and defense organization allow you to feel like a real king. Not only strength is important, but also the ability to predict enemy actions and respond to them in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Turn-based strategies on PC are unique games that challenge gamers around the world. Projects require patience, the ability to plan, and the desire to improve. The options presented are a real test of the mind. Choose your project and show what you can do when every step is a chance to win or lose.