A Black Panther video game could be in development, sparking excitement for fans who, no doubt, are curious about how the on-screen conflict could play out in game format. The action genre is one of the most eclectic and diverse selections of games in the medium, ranging from something as simple as adventurous platformer games to crunchy combat titles that make players feel like they're the stars of their own action movies. While it's fun to take on the role of one fully-armed hero, leading an army of them is a more impressive feat.
FPS games, strategy titles, and RPGs have frequently cast players into leaders and commanders of their own troops across a different host of subgenres from steampunk to sci-fi. And while it's certainly fun to take up the role of one individual hero on the frontlines, having a group of warriors right behind also comes with an unshakable epic sense.
Advance Wars Series
A fan favorite from the days of the Gameboy and Gameboy Advance, the Advance Wars series gave a new spin on the term "war games," as legions of military units were shrunken down into tiny, 16-bit forces marching across a gridded gameboard.
A mix of games like chess, Risk, and rock-paper-scissors, the game let players be the general of their own armies as they led their troops to virtual victory. With a remastered update coming soon to the Nintendo Switch, it might be a good time to dust off those uniforms.
Star Wars: Battlefront II
While the gameplay doesn't have players cast as the central commander of the experience, the campaign mode in this Star Wars title does feature them in the role of an Imperial commander issuing orders to the surviving members of her unit after the events of Return of the Jedi. As Iden Versio, players navigate through a series of missions that put them right in the heat of battle, both on-planet and behind the wheel of a spacecraft as a dark chapter in the saga unfolds.
Players can expect to see a different point of view, as they are cast as one of the Empire's troopers rather than a Jedi or a Sith Lord. In a plot with many twists, turns, and glorious battles, they'll see a whole new galaxy of action, heroes, and villains.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
For those wanting something a little more dark and gritty but still taking place in a faraway galaxy, they might want to consider enlisting as a Republic Commando. Unlike the Battlefront games, this title takes a more tactical-shooter approach to the typical Star Wars action game.
Players will be put in charge of an elite unit of commandos as they lead their squadmates on a series of missions to eliminate Separatist forces in the dark corners of the galaxy. Armed with an impressive arsenal of deadly weapons, gamers can lead their squad against droids, Geonotians, and more as they try to bring justice for the Republic.
Codename: STEAM
On paper, Codename: STEAM sounds like it would never work in a million years. A steampunk tactical third-person-shooter strategy game with literary characters fighting monsters from the works of H.P. Lovecraft sounds like a mishmash of themes and motifs pulled out of a hat, but it works.
A hidden gem on the 3DS, the game has players leading their own unit of STEAM composed of various characters from classic literature like Tom Sawyer, John Henry, and the Cowardly Lion against a deadly alien menace. The tactical shooter elements mixed with the over-the-top nature and comic book art style truly help it stand out from others in its genre.
Dynasty Warriors Series
There are few action titles that truly capture the chaotic nature of massive battles with swords, spears, and pikes than the Dynasty Warriors series and its legion of spinoffs and sequels. Not only will players take up the role of a fearsome commander of Chinese history and mythology, but they will manage the direction and status of their legion of troops as well.
Running the gauntlet of playstyles, difficulty, and customization, the series has quite a lot to offer. With their selection of champion, players must decide how to lead their troops to victory, either by charging in headfirst or managing a plan of attack.
XCOM Series
If gamers are looking for something more tactical and challenging, then the XCOM games are just what they're craving. While it's greatly more focused on the strategic and management side of things, players have the task of leading their team of soldiers against an evil alien invasion.
While the formula has been done before, the extremes the tactical side goes to are enough to put even the sharpest military minds to the test. Factor in the perma-death feature and it's a game that will definitely have many commanders up in arms.
Valkyria Chronicles
In a mix of real-time strategy and third-person shooter action, the Valkyria Chronicles is an interesting breed. This fusion of anime visuals and vintage army technology has players charging through enemy lines with tanks, gunners, and commanders as war sweeps across an alternate-earth version of Europe.
While they might not be the Axis and Allies of World War II, there is still a healthy amount of drama and story beneath the battles and strategies. The voice-acting might be hit and miss, but the themes and motifs surrounding the genre are still present and keenly felt.
The Banner Saga
Although the term "clan" might fit better than army in the case of this story-heavy tactical RPG, The Banner Saga makes excellent use of warfare, unit management, and character-driven narrative to carry out its epic Viking tale. With elements of Lord of the Rings, Beowulf, and Game of Thrones, it's practically a dream for fantasy fans.
What separates this series from others of its genre is how intricate and deep the characters are in the journey. These aren't just nameless grunts with weapons waiting to follow orders, but developed beings with a story to tell. It definitely gives a more emotional element to the experience.
Fire Emblem Series
No discussion of war games could be complete without mentioning the Fire Emblem series. A saga that's practically built on unit-based strategic combat, the Fire Emblem games have been putting armies in the palms of players for decades, and no sign of slowing down.
The series is incredibly deep, blending in a mixture of fantasy, romance, and drama with each new installment. In a cocktail of Game-of-Thrones-esque drama and a number of different anime cliches, the series has captivated a massive following since Marth first picked up his sword.
Wargroove
Wargroove is an ideal title for those wanting to dip their toes in the genre. A beautiful 16-bit fantasy tactical RPG with a compelling story, colorful characters, and a battle system that's easy to pick up and hard to master, it checks all the boxes for an essential battle game.
Players choose from a selection of captains with different special abilities, then lead their troops to battle across different terrains and territories. What makes it so accessible is the amount of customization available, as players can make it as challenging or rewarding as they please. A dream for fans old and new to the genre, it shouldn't be missed.