The strategy genre tends to prioritize function over style, but these games show that both can be done.
Strategy games are hardly known for stylish visuals, often relying on deep, engaging gameplay to make up for dry presentation or a complex user interface. Games such as Kenshi and RimWorld, or Mount & Blade and FTL are not typically recognized as stylish experiences. Even hits like Slay The Spire are hardly much to look at.
Still, that does not always have to be the case with the strategy genre. Games as far back as Warcraft 3 have proven that a stylized look can compensate for limitations, often resulting in a superior aesthetic. Games such as Northgard and Against The Storm have been influenced by this, while other releases have struck out and created their own unique styles. Just take a look at titles such as Frozen Synapse.5 Thronefall
This unique combination of tower-defense and real-time strategy is a base defense game that’s drenched in minimalist style, offering up vivid colors and stark environments to do battle. Thronefall isn’t the most visually complex strategy game on the market, but it’s clear that time and effort were put into developing a unique style.
In the game, players roam a small map and build defenses to protect their keep from waves of enemies. The variety of structures, both defensive and economic, along with the intuitive RTS mechanics (players can also recruit units to bolster their defenses) and diverse collection of perks, make for a strategically deep game with plenty of replay value. All this is to say that Thronefall is a stylish indie strategy game that manages to be accessible without lacking depth.4 Balatro
This smash-hit rogue-like deck-builder is better known for its addictive gameplay than its visual style, but there’s something to be said about just how stylish Balatro can be.
