We already published the list of best original Xbox games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best original Xbox turn-based strategy games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the original Xbox definitely has a great library of turn-based strategy games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the original Xbox and turn-based strategy games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dawn of Destiny
- Release Data: KCEJ/Konami, 2004
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Card Battle
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dawn of Destiny is appropriate only for the hardcore Yu-Gi-Oh! fan or someone who is really, really desperate for a collectible card game on the Xbox.
If you’re the former, and you’ve already purchased one of the myriad Yu-Gi-Oh! collectible card games released by Konami, then The Dawn of Destiny doesn’t really have much to offer.
#9. Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown
- Release Data: Atomic Planet Entertainment/Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
Overall, Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown proves to be a faithful re-creation of its predecessor; the jousting interface and castle raid scenes in particular bear strong resemblance to the original.
Diehard fans of the original should find a lot to like about this title, but if you don’t have any such emotional attachment, there are better alternatives.
#8. Future Tactics: The Uprising
- Release Data: Warthog/Crave, 2004
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
Future Tactics: The Uprising is a genre-bending title that takes both turn-based strategy and action-oriented gameplay elements, combines them with RPG-style character advancement, and then throws everything into a world with highly destructible and deformable environments.
However, this title is maybe a bit too simple to be truly satisfying to fans of the tactical genres.
#7. Shattered Union
- Release Data: PopTop Software/2K Games, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
This is the kind of lightweight wargame that no one seems to make anymore, and it’s still a bit surprising that a major publisher would publish this kind of game.
Make no mistake, though; this is still an interesting and engaging wargame that anyone can pick up and play, and the subject matter is undeniably cool.
#6. Wrath Unleashed
- Release Data: Double Helix Games/Activision, 2004
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
Though there are some caveats, Wrath Unleashed is a good attempt to marry deep strategy with arcade-like action.
If you love one of these gameplay types but detest the other, you’ll be disappointed, since they’re available in equal measure.
But if you have at least some interest in both types, you can try Wrath Unleashed.
#5. Worms Forts: Under Siege
- Release Data: Team 17/Sega Europe, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Artillery
You get the feeling from playing Worms Forts: Under Siege! that over the past years Team17 has simply grown tired of developing Worms games.
That it tries to shake things up with the new base-building mechanic is admirable, but new mechanics aren’t what the Worms series needs.
The most glaring omission in Worms Forts: Under Siege! is some genuine enthusiasm.
#4. Worms 4: Mayhem
- Release Data: Team 17/Codemasters, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Artillery
It’s not necessarily a bad thing to stick to a proven formula but there at least has to be some reason to keep playing each new installment of the franchise.
But, if you’ve never played a 3D Worms game, this is as good a place as any to start.
#3. Worms 3D
- Release Data: Team 17/Sega, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Artillery
Worms 3D puts in a good effort to introduce a third dimension into the formula without losing the strategy and the silliness that defined the series.
If you’re not concerned about the Worms legacy, you’ll find that Worms 3D stands up as a cute, quirky little strategy game with excellent multiplayer capacity.
#2. Dai Senryaku VII: Modern Military Tactics
- Release Data: SystemSoft/Kemco, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
Dai Senryaku VII is an old-fashioned game, and it gets by just fine on its classical characteristics: tons of depth, tons of detail, and tons of replay value.
It’s not going to knock anyone’s socks off from a presentational standpoint, but it could easily keep you engrossed for hours, whether you’re playing against the AI or against a friend.
#1. Gladius
- Release Data: LucasArts, 2003
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
If you’re up for a deep, long-lasting, strategic gaming experience, then Gladius is perfect for you.
At the heart of this game is an interesting and well-thought-out combat system, and there are so many viable combinations of characters and skills to experiment with that this game could easily keep you busy.
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See also: Best Gaming Chairs & Best Xbox 360 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which original Xbox turn-based strategy game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!