Mecharashi establishes itself as a strategic reference in the wake of XCOM. This turn-based combat game puts you in control of squads of fully customizable mechas. Each confrontation becomes a puzzle where every piece counts. You must target enemy weak points, repair your units and adapt your tactics to the environment.
Small downside: the game includes a gacha system to unlock certain pilots, but this mechanic remains optional at the start of the adventure. Thanks to its tactical depth and original artistic direction, Mecharashi will appeal to Fire Emblem fans looking for freshness.
Another must-have: Battle for Westnotha veteran of the genre who never ages. With its turn-based combat, epic scenarios and active community, the title has lost none of its splendor. Battle for Wesnoth is such a good game that it’s criminal that it’s free on Steam.
Open worlds to explore, without pressure or credit cards
PaliaStardew Valley’s zen cousin, offers you a peaceful life in a fantastic village to renovate. No stressful fighting here, but harvesting, cooking and decorating. “This game offers everything you would expect without needing a shot of adrenaline to complete missions.”
In a more classic register but still as effective, Neverwinter takes Dungeons and Dragons fans back into a city full of quests and dungeons, without any restrictions. From the first to the last level, everything is accessible. “All content in this RPG is available from the start, immersing players in the heart of the eponymous city of the Forgotten Realms.”
Nervous FPS with refreshing inventiveness
Want quick action? FragPunk offers a unique mix between deck-building and competitive 5v5 shooter. Each hero has his own playing cards to turn the game around. Add to that a final 1v1 duel mode and an explosive visual style, and you have a video game UFO that is absolutely worth testing.
For more direct but equally dynamic gameplay, Blood Strike is a fun alternative to Call of Duty: Warzone. No frills here: “this game offers simple and effective fun, without the usual excesses of the genre.” The fights are fast, the effects spectacular, and the microtransactions don’t spoil anything.
Short formats, perfect for having fun without committing
Finally, if you are looking for a condensed but intense experience, turn to Dark Deceptiona first-person horror game that immerses you in nightmarish mazes. Each game is different, and the monsters’ artificial intelligence adapts to your every step. “Despite the tension, the game maintains a touch of dark humor to lighten the atmosphere.”
Special mention also to Killer Instinct (2013)a cult fighting game whose free version allows you to play all modes with a character rotating each week. An excellent way to (re)discover the universe, without opening your wallet.