As graphic designers, we understand the importance of strategy and planning in our work. That's why it's no surprise that many of us enjoy playing strategy games in our free time. But what about when we don't have access to the internet? Fear not, for there are plenty of offline strategy games available to keep our minds sharp and our creativity flowing. In this review, we'll explore some of the best offline strategy games out there and how they can benefit our skills as designers.
Before we dive into the games themselves, it's important to note the benefits of playing strategy games in general. These types of games require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, all of which are important qualities for graphic designers to possess. By playing these games, we can improve our ability to think creatively and strategically, which can ultimately lead to better design work. Plus, they're just plain fun!
1. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to build and lead their own civilization through various eras of human history. Players must manage resources, research new technologies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with other civilizations. The game offers a vast array of options for how to build and govern your civilization, making each playthrough unique and challenging.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Civilization VI is both complex and rewarding. Players must balance their resources and technology advancements with their military and diplomatic efforts. The game also features a variety of leaders and civilizations to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This allows players to tailor their playstyle to their own preferences and goals.
Visuals
The visuals of Civilization VI are stunning, with a colorful and detailed art style that brings the game's world to life. The game's user interface is also well-designed and easy to navigate, making it easy to manage your civilization's various aspects.
Overall
Civilization VI is an excellent offline strategy game that offers a deep and engaging experience for players. Its complex gameplay and stunning visuals make it a must-play for any graphic designer looking to improve their strategic thinking skills.
2. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics game that puts players in command of a squad of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion. Players must manage their soldiers' abilities and equipment, as well as their base and resources, in order to defeat the alien threat and save humanity.
Gameplay
The gameplay of XCOM 2 is fast-paced and intense, with each turn requiring careful planning and execution. Players must make strategic decisions about how to approach each mission, as well as how to allocate their resources and research new technologies. The game also features a permadeath system, meaning that if a soldier dies in battle, they're gone for good.
Visuals
XCOM 2's visuals are dark and gritty, with a realistic art style that emphasizes the game's bleak setting. The game's user interface is also well-designed, with easy-to-read information and intuitive controls.
Overall
XCOM 2 is a challenging and rewarding offline strategy game that requires careful planning and quick thinking. Its intense gameplay and realistic visuals make it a great choice for graphic designers looking for a strategic challenge.
3. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in control of a team of mechs fighting against giant alien monsters. Players must use their mechs' various abilities and weapons to protect cities from destruction and defeat the alien threat.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Into the Breach is focused on tactical positioning and decision-making. Players must carefully plan out their moves and prioritize their actions in order to protect the cities and defeat the aliens. The game also features a variety of different mechs to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
Visuals
Into the Breach's visuals are simple yet effective, with a pixelated art style that emphasizes the game's focus on strategy over graphics. The game's user interface is also well-designed, with clear and concise information presented in an easy-to-read format.
Overall
Into the Breach is a challenging and addictive offline strategy game that requires careful planning and quick thinking. Its simple yet effective visuals make it a great choice for graphic designers who appreciate minimalist design.
4. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms is a turn-based strategy game set in ancient China. Players must build and manage their own faction, engage in diplomacy and warfare with other factions, and ultimately unite China under their rule.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Total War: Three Kingdoms is both complex and rewarding. Players must manage their faction's resources, recruit and train armies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with other factions. The game also features a variety of different heroes and generals, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
Visuals
Total War: Three Kingdoms' visuals are stunning, with a highly-detailed art style that brings ancient China to life. The game's user interface is also well-designed and easy to navigate, making it easy to manage your faction's various aspects.
Overall
Total War: Three Kingdoms is a must-play offline strategy game for any graphic designer looking to improve their strategic thinking skills. Its complex gameplay and stunning visuals make it a rewarding and immersive experience.
5. Frostpunk
Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a frozen wasteland. Players must manage their city's resources and infrastructure, as well as the needs and well-being of their citizens, in order to survive the harsh winter conditions.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Frostpunk is focused on resource management and decision-making. Players must make tough choices about how to allocate their resources and how to balance the needs of their citizens with the survival of their city. The game also features a variety of different scenarios to play through, each with its own unique challenges and objectives.
Visuals
Frostpunk's visuals are dark and gritty, with a realistic art style that emphasizes the game's bleak setting. The game's user interface is also well-designed, with clear and concise information presented in an easy-to-read format.
Overall
Frostpunk is a challenging and immersive offline strategy game that requires careful planning and quick thinking. Its focus on resource management and decision-making make it a great choice for graphic designers looking to improve their strategic thinking skills.
Overall, playing offline strategy games can be a great way to improve our skills as graphic designers. By engaging in critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, we can become better at our craft and produce more effective design work. Plus, they're just plain fun to play! So next time you find yourself without internet access, give one of these games a try and see how it can benefit your skills as a designer.
| Game | Gameplay | Visuals | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilization VI | Complex and engaging | Stunning and colorful | A must-play for any graphic designer |
| XCOM 2 | Fast-paced and intense | Dark and gritty | A challenging and rewarding experience |
| Into the Breach | Tactical and addictive | Simple yet effective | A great choice for minimalist design lovers |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms | Complex and immersive | Stunning and highly-detailed | A must-play for any strategy game fan |
| Frostpunk | Challenging and immersive | Dark and gritty | A great choice for resource management and decision-making |