A long, beefy tactical RPG is only as good as its progression systems. Role-playing games in general often live or die on the back of how well they handle progression, but it's even more crucial for turn-based titles. Unlike, say, an action RPG, which challenges players' reaction time and quick-thinking skills, a turn-based game has to work with a slower, more methodical moment-to-moment gameplay process.

Turn-based RPGs require players to strategize, which is naturally far more satisfying when approached from a long-term view. In other words, build-crafting and preparation are what make a turn-based RPG satisfying in the end, as those concepts result in well-planned, efficient, creative, or fulfilling gameplay experiences. And in the case of tactical turn-based RPGs, which generally factor movement and positioning into the equation, strong build-crafting, leveling, and progression mechanics are even more impactful. The following titles demonstrate just that.

These tactical RPGs demand a serious time investment, with massive campaigns and enough content to keep players busy for over 100 hours.

Mewgenics is notably creative on several levels, from its sense of humor and music to its complex encounter design, but progression might be its tour de force. Building on other Edmund McMillen games like The Binding of Isaac, which has limited cross-run progression, I wasn't expecting much in this respect, but Mewgenics surprised me.

The core progression loop in Mewgenics revolves around breeding your various feline operatives. The stats of an offspring cat are calculated based upon the combined stat values of the parents, with better outcomes becoming more likely depending on how you customize your base.

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