BioWare has endured a rocky tenure in the video game industry as of late, but that shouldn't take away from the impressive track record of this developer. The company is responsible for crafting some of the finest role-playing experiences that fans can enjoy, ranging from tactical CRPGs to action-packed combat systems.
Most people will argue that BioWare's focus on strategic combat has waned as it tried to appeal to modern gaming audiences. This is true to an extent, but players can still enjoy a wealth of games made by this developer that prioritize a tactical approach in combat.
Games will be ranked based on how important and entertaining strategic approaches are in combat.
8 Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
A Unique Turn-Based RPG Featuring Sonic Characters
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood
- Released
- September 30, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood is easily the weirdest game BioWare has ever developed. It might just also be the weirdest Sonic game ever made, which is saying something given the blue hedgehog's wild trajectory in the gaming industry.
This Sonic RPG is perfect for kids, with the turn-based combat being just strategic enough to prevent battles from becoming a mindless affair where all players need to do is mash the attack command. It may be a bit too easy at times, but players who want to check out an offbeat BioWare game will have a great time with The Dark Brotherhood.
7 Dragon Age: Inquisition
The Combat Is Pretty Action-Packed But Involves Its Fair Share Of Strategy Too
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
There's no denying that Dragon Age: Inquisition is more action-packed than other BioWare games, but to say that strategic approaches are thrown out of the window would be an erroneous statement. Even straightforward classes like the Fighter must use their abilities wisely to target enemy weaknesses.
While brute-forcing combat encounters are viable, players who want to overwhelm opponents can micromanage party actions to exploit enemy weaknesses in style. At higher difficulties, strategic approaches are a must if players don't want to be annihilated in combat.
6 Baldur's Gate
The Classic D&D Combat Is Pretty Engaging If Somewhat Dated
Baldur's Gate
- Released
- December 21, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Animated Blood, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The first Baldur's Gate game set the stage for an epic adventure that wowed fans with its epic storytelling, memorable characters, and unique combat loop. While the game hasn't aged all that gracefully, players who are willing to deal with some of its dated aspects will love what Baldur's Gate brings to the table.
6 Canceled BioWare Games
BioWare is a huge company that has created franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, but occasionally they have had to cancel projects.
The 2E Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset can be hard to adhere to, especially when players must deal with protracted combat encounters where both parties miss attacks over and over again. However, this frustration is usually faced in the early game, with combat opening up as the party expands and players gain access to better equipment & abilities.
5 Neverwinter Nights
Players Who Love Strategic CRPG Combat Will Have A Blast With This Title
Neverwinter Nights
- Released
- June 18, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- RPG
It's a shame that most people don't talk about Neverwinter Nights all that often nowadays, even though the game's modding scene was at its peak back in the day. This simple CRPG is perfect for fans of this series to get into, especially if they enjoy tactical options in combat.
Players are encouraged to learn powerful abilities and form balanced parties that can steamroll most combat encounters in style. There's nothing more satisfying than obliterating entire mobs of enemies with a well-placed spell that rewards a player's tactical forethought.
4 Star Wars: The Old Republic
An MMORPG With Fun Combat Where Players Must Employ A Suite Of Powerful Abilities To Come Out Victorious
Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Released
- December 20, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- MMO
While Star Wars: The Old Republic uses the framework of KOTOR for its combat system, it makes some changes for the game to fit within the structure of an MMORPG. Players will start from nothing before slowly acquiring the equipment and abilities they need to become competent against tougher enemies.
Depending on the class players use, they should either maximize their DPS by using abilities as quickly as possible or serve a support role and aid their party members with special skills. It's a delicate dance where players must be aware of what each hotkey does if they don't want to waste time in combat after their skills cool down.
3 Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows Of Amn
Magic Players A Greater Role In The Tactical Combat Of This Sequel
Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
- Released
- November 15, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Baldur's Gate 2 is hailed by many as one of the greatest CRPGs ever made, with everything from its story to the combat being a huge step forward compared to its predecessor. Players will love the amazing writing that compels them to get through each of the game's riveting chapters.
Ranking The 10 Hardest Bioware Games
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The combat system is fleshed out to make magic more important in combat, while party members are more resilient and can take more hits before being downed. It may seem like the latter change reduces the importance of tactics in combat, but the truth is that players must employ powerful abilities and micromanage party actions to stand a chance of surviving against the game's toughest encounters.
2 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
A Fun Star Wars Game Where The Real-Time With Pause Combat Encourages A Degree Of Strategy
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released
- July 15, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Many people hail Knights of the Old Republic as one of the greatest Star Wars games ever made, and for good reason. The character writing and storytelling are off the charts, with players being shocked by a groundbreaking plot twist that recontextualizes everything that has happened in the game.
The real-time with pause combat mechanics ensure that battles move at a fast pace without sacrificing a player's strategic input. Against tougher opponents, players are encouraged to use powerful abilities and give direct commands to other party members so that they can get through these difficult encounters without struggling too much.
1 Dragon Age: Origins
The Tactical Combat Looks And Feels Great To This Day
Dragon Age: Origins struck a great balance between strategy and fast-paced combat, with players loving how they can leap into the fray of combat and punish enemies. However, as their suite of abilities increases, it's important to pause combat from time to time and analyze the situation before making another move.
In some of the game's tougher encounters, players should switch around their party members and make sure that they can optimally handle any situation. A person will have no one to blame but themselves if they're struggling against a boss yet fail to make the most of everyone's active and passive skills.
Dragon Age: Origins
- Released
- November 3, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content
- Genre(s)
- RPG