Battletech's giant robot brawls can last a long time before one side claims victory. The recently released tactics game embraces a slow, deliberate pace that can lull the player into false comfort. Thanks to an unlikely dice roll, a single critical attack this weekend became one of the most shocking moments I've ever had while playing video games.

Fire Emblem Fates is a soap opera strategy game. You'll spend as much time agonising over battlefield tactics as you will wondering which characters should, like, totally hook up.