Tactics

Considering how super-specialized tactics games are, there are an unusually high number of games available for PC in this format. Most of them focus on famous battles or wars, ranging from Greek times up until modern day. However, there are a number of oddball tactics games that betrays the genres original spirit and focus on other elements of gameplay not inherently related to war. Tactics games bare a significant resemblance to real-time strategy and simulation games, but tend to be more focused on a singular goal or a shorter series of events. Some critics consider tactics to be a subgenre, but that subgenre blurs several lines amongst considered supra-genres. Perhaps more than any other style of PC game, tactics games lend themselves to sequels. There are two main genres of tactics games: wartime tactics games, which can be turn-based or real-time, and turn-based tactical strategy games.

Wartime Tactics

The wartime tactics genre dates back to the 1960s with the release of the Gettysburg board game. With the development of computers, the urge to digitize board games pushed the genre ahead. In time, wartime tactics video games developed their own identity and overtook board games' popularity in the mid-90s when the success of real-time strategy games forced a reassessment of the tactics genre as a whole. Despite the changes, there are still deep connections between wartime tactics video and board games, with some of the most popular board games still being remade on PC today. 

Wartime Tactics
World at War World at War  manages to take a fresh gaming look at an over-abused period in history, WWII. In addition to turn-based tactical combat, players must also spend alot of time with political simulation elements.	Imperial Glory Among the most innovation releases in real-time tactics in years, Imperial Glory  allows users to battle in diverse landscapes in the quest for acquisition during the imperial ages of continental Europe.	Flashpoint Germany The combat theater in Flashpoint Germany  is set in Germany during a hypothetical war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact. A focus on combat management allows players to focus on commanding in the field.	Tin Soldiers: Alexander the Great Tin Soldiers  is easy to learn and fun to play. Its a great first game for players looking to get into wartime tactics games. The game also provides some great insight into Alexander's bold campaigns.

Turn-based Tactical Strategy

Turn-based tactical strategy games continue to shock the gaming public. Even in the age of real-time everything, ever expanding universes and massive graphics capabilities, the challenging and intelligent gameplay provided by turn-based games continues to amaze. Turn-based tactical games are among the most innovation out there, combining the action of strategy games with the thematic content of RPGs and wartime tactics games. Ironically, its a historical simulation game, Civilization, that in large part sired the genre.

Turn-based Tactical Strategy Games
Galactic Civilizations II Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords  has been the sleeper success story of the year. Customizable ship features, a cool gaming engine and truly unique victory conditions make it a must.	Fallout Tactics Even though it's five years old, age has not hurt this tactical RPG one bit. The Fallout series offbeat humor and deep universe are here in this combat-focused game.	Heroes of Might and Magic V Heroes of Might and Magic V  has been the top of many critics year's best lists. The game features six lengthy campaigns, much-improved 3d graphics and expert gaming.	Warlord IV Warlords IV  is one of the few PC turn-based tactical strategy games that absorbs RPG elements with jumping to the "other side." Combat is the key here.