Day 24 – Turn based or real time
Ugh, what the hell was I thinking when I put this category in. ~sigh~ Oh well, too late now, so onward!
I think the answer will have to be both, with a slight preference for turn based; it really depends on the game.
In party based role-playing games I find turn based preferable. Final Fantasy is a perfect example as the early versions were true turn based combat; while the later versions changed into a time based skill combat system.
Maybe its simply nostalgia, but I enjoy having the option to control each character during combat. This amount of micromanagement is really only possible in a turn based system. The newer Final Fantasy games, not turn based, have become far more automated in combat as it’s simply not possible to control all the characters effectively due to time constraints.
But in single character RPGs like Diablo 2 or Zelda, I much prefer the visceral feel of real time combat.
Strategy games on the other hand are much less stressful when they are turn based, rather then real time. Games like StarCraft, which I love, come down to the intense speed of the first ten minutes rather then enjoying the entire game. (I often continue playing long after having won. Best part of the game sometimes.)
Considering that what I enjoy most about those games is the actual building of infrastructure and armies as opposed to the tearing down of everyone else, it is apparent that a turn based model supports my play style much better.
The one point that real time has always won out on is multiplayer. Turn based multiplayer can be rather frustrating. I’ve mentioned that I’m not very patient right?
In general turn based is the less stressful option of the two, which for me is a more fun experience.
Tags: 30 days of video games, diablo, party, real-time, roleplaying, SC2, skills, strategy, turn-based, zelda
August 24th, 2012 at 10:31 am
I’m with you – turn based for single player, real time for multiplayer. But I don’t even consider action games as part of this debate.
So, turn based. Civ 4 Lyfe.
August 24th, 2012 at 11:19 am
Though Civ is great and all, I think in general I prefer the medieval or magic based games better. I like me some magic, or mythical creatures. =D
August 24th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
I tend to lean towards real time for my strategy fix (Command & Conquer, Supreme Commander) even though it can be a little more stressful. I’ve played some Civ in multiplayer. It’s not too bad if you’ve got some decent conversation going.
August 24th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Sounds like I should petition Jaaboo to play Civ with me. He is always good for some entertaining conversation. =D
August 26th, 2012 at 8:04 pm
I would totally do multiplayer Civ. :D
August 26th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
YES! Its a date! Do we get to vent too??
August 28th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
make it a 3 way? :p
August 29th, 2012 at 6:29 am
Why… Dev you sly dog you. Hubba. :) We’re going to try starting a MP game tonight at 8:30 eastern. I’ll get you some more details.
August 29th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Just as long as either of you doesn’t expect me to be any good. Its been years since I played Civ 4….sigh. But yes, come join the fun!!
August 29th, 2012 at 10:39 am
cool. I’ll try to be around then. Don’t expect a lot from me either. I haven’t gotten too far in the difficulty progression. :)
August 29th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Me = Civ noob. Jaaboo will have to carry us. =D