I haven't even played X-COM, so I was blown away by how new, how awesome the very premise of the game was. So much fun, and so addictive too. There was always one more battle, one more weapon for a soldier etc The game was always tough, but never unfair. But there was always the urge to save scum until you won every battle with no casualties. More experienced soldiers are so much better than rookies, but it's probably just me obsessing over it. You can win through the game with one reload per hour rather than eight. I don't think anyone who's into turn-based squad combat can play this game and not like it. Strongly recommended.
Age of Wonders Shadow Magic is one of the highest rated games on GOG, and rightfully so. It has a brilliant, sprawling campaign with a story that matters and memorable protagonists, gorgeous hand-drawn worlds, a Hollywood-worthy soundtrack, and a masterfully crafted combat system that's so polished, balanced, and flexible that you'll never run out of awesome new things to experiment with. Sometimes your lowly halfling slingers, with the right tactics, can take out a mighty dragon, or you may maneuver two well-equipped heroes to destroy an entire army, aided by your magic wielding Wizard atop his high tower, miles away. The possibilities are endless, and every new scenario is exciting, challenging, and offers a measure of novelty. That "one more turn" urge is built into the core of the game. Some excellent user made campaigns and mods are available, too, from medieval Europe maps to Middle Earth campaigns. It's a timeless classic, even when I've owned Age of Wonders III for years, a masterpiece in its own right, I still find myself coming back to Shadow Magic, it's just so unique, so full of personality. Highest Recommendation.
Imagine reading such an excellent novel where the world and characters are so well realized, so damn interesting that you wish you can just live there for a while. This game gives you just this opportunity and more, the very ability to move the story along in any direction you like. To make decisions and live with their far reaching consequences. And while this may seem "fun", it can sometimes be difficult. The game's world, like real life, is unfair, ugly, and exceptionally cruel. So saving the world and making everybody happy isn't just impossible, it's sure to backfire as well. Many loved ones will die, many evils will go unpunished. Many choices will make your chest hurt so hard you'll think about going back and trying some other path, some other way of solving your problems and setting things right. But like real life, it's better to just let it go and move on. Chaos has many faces, you just can't vanquish them all. You'll learn to live with your choices, carry their scars forever on your face. As a game, as a story, as a mythical cinematic world with every shade of grey, this may be one of the best gaming experiences I've ever gone through. I can't wait to try the sequels. 10/10
