Tag: Strategy

Discover detailed reviews of top strategy games, including real-time tactics and turn-based challenges right here on Thumb Culture. Perfect for players who enjoy deep thinking, careful planning, and mastering complex gameplay mechanics.

Monarchy – PC Review
PC Reviews

Monarchy – PC Review

Let’s dive into Monarchy (available now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch), Developed and Published by Brain Seal Ltd. Monarchy is a 2D side-scrolling strategy game combining resource management, exploration, and battling with bandits. Think of it as a blend of medieval city-builder meets adventure quest, with a dollop of cartoonish charm. Its main competitor will be Kingdom Two Crowns, and we shall discuss their similarities and differences. Monarchy: Reign Supreme or Just Another Knightmare? If you’re a fan of Kingdom Two Crowns, then Monarchy should pique your interest. Meanwhile, Monarchy could be a close cousin, sharing that same base-building, resource-managing vibe. However, we’re eager to see how its 2D digital art style— instead of the pixelated look—might brin...
Ark of Charon – PC Review
PC Reviews

Ark of Charon – PC Review

Please be aware this article contains gifs that may include flashing lights and patterns Ark of Charon is a city builder mixed with some tower defence developed by Angoo Inc. and SUNSOFT. The game is available for £17.99 on Steam and whilst it is in early access, its version 1.0 is coming soon. Now, join me as I ride on the back of a piece of The Great World Tree, as it makes its way to its new home! We have a long journey ahead. We get a rather short story explaining that the World Tree gave life to the world. But one tragic day, it began to wither. This lead to life dying and darkness creeping in. Now a sapling emerges, shining hope for a new generation and it’s down to you to help it. Well, it’s more guard it than doing any growing in Ark of Charon. Gameplay Ark of Charon has...
Citadelum – PC Review
PC Reviews

Citadelum – PC Review

City-building games have long held a special place in the hearts of strategy fans. Citadelum (developed by Abylight Barcelona and published by Abylight Studios) is the latest. Set against the backdrop of Roman civilisation, the game introduces divine intervention as a core mechanic, adding an intriguing layer of depth to traditional city-building and strategic expansion. But how does it compare to genre classics such as Caesar, Pharaoh, and Zeus: Master of Olympus? Let’s delve into the world of Citadelum to find out. Citadelum more like Citadel umm. While it was exciting to see Citadelum adding gods, reminiscent of Zeus: Master of Olympus, it was disappointing that the gods don’t walk around naturally unless you actively anger or please them. It’s also a shame there are no roaming heroes...
Worshippers of Cthulhu – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Worshippers of Cthulhu – PC Preview

Did you ever have a dream of running your own cult? well Worshippers of Cthulhu, has you covered! Take control of an unknown Shepard leading his flock to awaken The Great Old One himself. Fresh out in early access, you check it out on Steam for £20.99. Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn. Funnily enough, I played the demo for Worshippers of Cthulhu a little while back. I was happy with what I played then and was looking forward to seeing what the early access has in store. A road map is out for anyone to look at, but I’ll talk about that later on. Gameplay To grow your cult and ultimately awaken Cthulhu (starting on the island of Dreamshroud) you will do what’s of typical city management games; managing resources, the needs of the people (or acolytes, in this cas...
Industry Giant 4.0 – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Industry Giant 4.0 – PC Preview

Industry Giant 4.0 is a business simulator game by Munich-based devs Don Vs Dodo and published by Toplitz Productions. Launching on PC on 24th Oct, I had the chance to play the demo of what is a hopeful revival of the Industry Giant franchise. Ah, Breaker One-Nine, This Here's The Rubber Duck! The first Industry Giant game was released in 1997. Oasis had just released their 3rd album "Be Here Now", and Backstreet Boys were telling everyone that "Backstreet's Back" while the Spice Girls were getting us to "Spice Up Your Life". Meanwhile, gamers around the world were playing GoldenEye 007 on their Nintendo while others were venturing into a strange top-down game called Grand Theft Auto. Life was good. There were subsequent offerings of Industry Giant 2 in 2002 and then a spiritual 3rd e...
Commander Quest Steam Next Fest Demo News
News & Updates

Commander Quest Steam Next Fest Demo News

Flyway Games is excited to announce that its roguelike deck builder Commander Quest, will join the fight with a demo during Steam Next Fest this month. If you can’t wait, though, you’re in luck. The 10-hour fully playable demo is actually available right now ahead of Next Fest. Surprise! Strategise that win Embark on a journey of conquest across a classic yet fantastical medieval landscape. Experience this one-of-a-kind roguelike that combines deck-building with real-time strategy combat. Become historical heroes such as  Zhuge Liang and Saladin as you lead armies to victory in battle. Playful fantasy meets brutal war as you plan your strategy in advance, watch the combat play out in real-time, then determine your next step to subdue the enemy using deck synergy and more. Watch your...
Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire – PC Preview

When you hear the phrase “sky pirates,” it’s hard not to get excited. Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire, developed by Octeto Studios and published by PQube, embraces this theme with both hands. As a tribute to classic JRPGs, this game serves up high-flying battles and an emotionally charged story about searching for purpose. But, while there’s a lot to admire in its adventurous spirit, there is also some turbulence along the way. Story - Sky Pirates searching for justice not booty At the heart of Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is Glenn Windwalker, a determined captain with a crew of sky pirates with similar backgrounds. Your journey revolves around Glenn’s efforts to assemble a group of adventurers, all while fighting against a powerful organisation called the Alliance. On paper, it’s got all the i...
Drill Core PC Early Access Preview
Previews & Early Access

Drill Core PC Early Access Preview

Drill Core is a mix of strategy, simulator and roguelite. It is in development by Hungry Couch Games (Black Skylands) with publishing by tinyBuild (Hello Neighbor, among many others). It is now available in early access on Steam. Dig Deep with this Pixel Roguelite Mashup Drill Core first caught my eye when I had a chance to play the demo earlier this year. I didn't have quite as much time with it as I would have liked so I was eager to get another chance to check it out. Not to mention I've been a fan of most of the games out there with the help of tinyBuild. What about you, reader? Is there a publisher you tend to follow as tried and true? Let me know in the comment section. Gameplay In Drill Core, you work for the corporate company... DrillCore... as a Platform Manager. Your prim...
Planet Coaster 2 Opens It’s Gates in November
News & Updates

Planet Coaster 2 Opens It’s Gates in November

Frontier Developments have announced that Planet Coaster 2 will be launching on November 6th. Coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the much-anticipated sequel to their coaster and waterpark simulation game Planet Coaster will be available in both a Standard and Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition will include a Vintage Funfair Ride Pack, giving players an additional ten coasters and rides inspired by iconic fairground rides. No need for fomo though.  Everyone who pre-orders Planet Coaster 2 will receive three extra rides as part of the Bonus Ride Collection. Life is a rollercoaster, just gotta ride it Planet Coaster 2 invites players to expand their imagination with a spectacular selection of rides, slides, and so much more. Push the boundaries of creativity like never before...
Frostpunk 2 – PC Review
PC Reviews

Frostpunk 2 – PC Review

Frostpunk 2 is an innovative city builder developed and published by 11 bit studios. This second instalment of the Frostpunk series puts you in the shoes of a steward that has to overcome social and economical challenges in a cold dystopian society. The captain is dead. It is now up to you to make sure the city survives. The extreme cold is the least of your worries now, remember to keep everyone happy, or it will be your downfall! The game is available now through advanced access with the Deluxe edition and fully releases for £37.99 on Steam on the 20th of September. It will also be available on PlayStation 5, macOS, Xbox Series X and Series S. The city must not fall! Gameplay The gameplay of Frostpunk 2 has been massively improved upon when comparing it to its predecessor. The...