Frozen Synapse 2

Mode 7’s Frozen Synapse differentiated itself from other strategy games by forcing players to anticipate enemy decisions. Instead of a turn-based structure, both players plan and execute moves simultaneously, making Frozen Synapse a unique experiment in psychology.

The follow-up, Frozen Synapse 2, is ambitious in its own right. The single-player campaign features a procedurally generated city, multiple factions with which you can ally and have their own approach, and an opportunity to engage enemies in any location (including buildings) on the map.

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Since everything is placed on the map, including all resources and cash, players can choose to ambush other factions. The player’s avatar is also on the map, in a secure base. If that’s invaded and the player killed, it’s game over.

Frozen Synapse 2 adds a strategic layer (think XCOM’s ant farm) on top of the tactical missions. It’s coming to PC later this year. Other platforms are being considered, but have not yet been announced.