Summary
- EA has developed and published various turn-based games like Zubo and Dragon Age Legends.
- EA experimented with turn-based soccer games after losing the FIFA license in 2022.
- Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes continues to be popular due to its strategic turn-based combat with iconic characters.
Electronic Arts and turn-based strategy aren’t exactly synonymous, as the franchise isn’t known for producing such games. But stranger things have happened, and in this case, they actually did. While EA is best known for its sports franchises and blockbuster titles, it has, on occasion, dipped its toes into the world of strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making.
Surprisingly, EA has both developed and — more often — published several turn-based games, with varying degrees of success. Some of these titles might catch readers off guard, while others assuredly won’t. It’s an eclectic mix of iconic IPs, forgotten experiments, and everything in between.
Related
8 Best EA Video Game Franchises, Ranked
From The Sims to FIFA, EA’s franchises need no introduction in the world of gaming. Here’s how its top franchises rank up.
7
Zubo
Rhythm-Based And Turn-Based
- Released
-
October 3, 2008
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone 10+ // Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence
EA released a slew of hits for the Nintendo DS, including Bionicle Heroes, Bejeweled 3, and a port of The Sims 2. But one of its more charming, lesser-known titles was Zubo, an RPG fused with rhythm-based gameplay. Surprisingly, rather than clashing, the two genres work pretty well together.
Related
These rhythm games for PC offer music-driven gameplay, ranging from intense beat challenges to VR experiences and unique storytelling adventures.
Using the DS’s stylus and touch screen, players could befriend and battle alongside Zubos, the quirky inhabitants of Zubalon. During turn-based battles, players must tap the screen in time with the music to maximize their attacks. Simple? Sure—but the game was designed with younger players in mind.
6
Dragon Age Legends
A Turn-Based Legend Gone in a Flash
- Release Date: March 16, 2011
- Platform: Facebook
Some Facebook users may have fond memories of the platform’s Flash game era. It was a simpler time when titles like Farmville and YoVille (along with countless other -ville games) dominated social media.
One of the later arrivals to this party was Dragon Age Legends, a freemium tie-in to Dragon Age II. Unfortunately, it shut down just over a year after launch. A shame, really, since it was one of the few genuinely decent Flash games available on Facebook (granted, not the highest bar to clear). The game played like a Final Fantasy-style turn-based RPG, making solid use of the Dragon Age IP. However, its emphasis on quick, enjoyable gameplay over the usual addictive monetization tactics would ultimately lead to its downfall.
5
EA SPORTS FC Tactical
Coming Soon to a Device Near You
- Platform: Android
- Release Date: May 2024 (select countries)
After losing the FIFA license in 2022, EA took a more experimental approach to its soccer games. One of its first ventures was a baffling — yet surprisingly solid — turn-based version of the EA Sports FC series. For those with eyebrows raised to the ceiling, yes, this game does exist. However, it remains exclusive to select Asian territories, with no global release announced yet.
3:18
Related
30 Best FIFA Games Ever, Ranked
EA’s FIFA franchise has seen plenty of ups and downs. This list focuses on the series’ high points by ranking its best-ever releases.
Fans of Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team may find this particularly exciting, as the same developers behind that mobile classic collaborated with EA to bring this unique take on the world’s game to life. Early impressions from those who have played it have been largely positive, with some even considering it one of EA’s best mobile sports titles.
4
Orcs & Elves
Retro-Inspired Dungeon Crawler With a Turn-Based Twist
Orcs & Elves
EA Mobile (EA’s daughter company) is a surprisingly dominating force in the mobile gaming arena. The company has released titles based on major franchises such as The Simpsons, Harry Potter, and The Sims, not to mention several other notable entries on this list.
One of its most celebrated titles is Orcs & Elves, a must-play for fans seeking a fresh, modern twist on old-school first-person games like Doom and Quake. (Well, as fresh as a 2006 mobile game can be.) This fast-paced dungeon crawler’s biggest hook is its turn-based gameplay. Each move counts as a “turn,” and if enemies are nearby, they’ll take theirs right after. It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly compelling, making every encounter in its retro-style mazes a strategic battle.
3
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
Battle It Out With Icons From All Eras
- Released
-
November 24, 2015
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes is still going strong nearly a decade after its launch. This collectible RPG for mobile platforms allows players to assemble characters from both the pre-and post-Disney eras — including fan favorites from Knights of the Old Republic.
The reason it’s stuck around for so long? It’s just plain fun. Nowhere else can players watch their most cherished Star Wars characters battle it out in strategic turn-based combat. Plus, with a Microsoft Windows port released in 2024, even more players can now find out what all the fuss is about.
2
The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age
The Lord of the Final Fantasy
- Released
-
November 2, 2004
- ESRB
-
T // Blood, Mild Violence
Another game to don the Final Fantasy style is The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age, though it doesn’t quite reach the same depth as the games it emulates. However, for Lord of the Rings fans who also love classic JRPGs, this game will be right up their alley.
Related
The Best Lord of the Rings Video Games, Ranked
These titles based on The Lord of the Rings immerse players in the most famous Middle-earth adventure.
The game features an original story that runs parallel to the films, and while it may not be worthy of Tolkien himself, it does a great job of recreating Middle-earth. It’s worth playing just to relive iconic moments like the Balrog showdown or Éowyn 1v1ing the Witch-king.
1
Final Fantasy 10-2
EA Sashay Away
Final Fantasy 10-2
- Released
-
November 18, 2003
- ESRB
-
t
Yes, EA published Final Fantasy 10-2. No, they had nothing to do with the first game. And yes, including this entry is a bit cheeky, considering they only handled publishing in Europe — but for a game this well-received, it had to be done.
What more can be said about Final Fantasy 10-2 that hasn’t already been discussed? It was a massive success, despite initial skepticism about a direct sequel in a franchise known for standalone stories. This wasn’t EA’s only brush with the Final Fantasy series, either — they even hosted a Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth event in Apex Legends. Of course, that came with a catch: unlocking all rewards required players to spend up to $290.
More
8 Open-World Games With The Best Turn-Based Combat, Ranked
The combination of turn-based combat and open-world environments is a special blend of strategy and exploration. Here are the best in the genre.