Popular Mechanics for Kids

Tactics Arena Online is an online, 2-player, turn-based strategy game that is like an animated version of chess. Each player controls up to 10 units and uses their abilities to try and kill the other player's units. There is a single game map which is tile-based and square-like in shape. Players can choose how to arrange their units on the map, and which units to use via their game settings before battling other players. These arrangements can easily determine the winner of a match, so players usually put some thought into the placement of their units. Defensive players often place their units close together and by a corner of the map in a tight group, whereas offensive players might place their units aggressively in the middle of the map closing the distance between themselves and the enemy player. Players can also choose a colour scheme for their units to distinguish between themselves and other players' units.

Choosing which units to use is also an important part of the game strategy. Even though there is a limit of 10 units per player in a game, each player is initially given 12 units of 9 distinct types to choose between. Additionally, paying game subscribers have access to 9 more unique units (Say that 5 times really fast). Each unit has different attributes, abilities, and frequency of use. For example, a Knight has high defence increasing its chance to block physical attacks, and it also has high power inflicting strong attacks upon enemies. A Knight also has a high frequency of use meaning that once you perform an action with it, you only have to wait 1 turn before using it again. Typically, strong units have a low frequency of use and you have to wait several turns before using them again making it important to use them wisely.

Players enter a battle by selecting an empty arena from the game lobby and waiting for another player to join them to start the match. A randomly selected player is chosen to move first and they select a unit to move or attack. A typical move involves moving a unit to a position of attack, attacking an enemy unit, positioning the unit defensively, and then ending that player's turn. This repeats back and forth until one player defeats all the units of an enemy or if a player surrenders and leaves. Each player is given a time limit of 1-2 minutes to perform their turn otherwise they are forced to pass.

The high structure and clearly defined rules of the game make it easy to play and learn after a few matches. The game itself is fairly static, but the gameplay is dynamic in the sense that no 2 matches are the same. You cannot predict how your opponent will move, so players learn to think critically and create strategies to outmaneuver their enemies. Also, each player has their own ranking. Win a match and your ranking increases; lose and it goes down. Leaderboards with the highest ranked players are displayed on the game's website encouraging players to keep playing for bragging rights. So what are you waiting for? Go and play TAO!