What are some tactics/strategy games that feel almost puzzley?
Ones with unique encounters and synergies that make you feel clever (or that the dev was clever).
Preferably without randomness (%chance-to-hit), grinding, and long-term consequences.
Don't want to enter any battle where it's already impossible to win with my team/setup.

Chess

Checkers

Go

>>11884976 (OP)
Uhh, maybe duelist of the roses on PS2.

>>11884976 (OP)
Incubation. It has some light rpg elments, but overall it's very puzzle-y.

>>11885023
Sounds promising. Thank you.

>>11885023

I've only ever played the demo and really enjoyed it - I think I'll give this a go.

>>11884976 (OP)

>>11884976 (OP)
>Preferably without ... long-term consequences.
>Don't want to enter any battle where it's already impossible to win with my team/setup.
I was going to recommend Power D.O.L.L.S., but this disqualifies it. Whatever you lose, you lose permanently. Other than that, every level is a puzzle in how to win without losing any of your forces.

>>11885384
Good pick. I played the DOS port of Nectaris and the later maps really feel like puzzles.