So Unity of Command is actually an operational level game. Tactics is squad level (or regiment level like in Total War, that's grand tactics), operations is a small section of a front on the big maps. Comes from the Soviets as an interim command level invented prior to WW2, between division commander and field marshal. There's games that mix operations with grand strategy, I consider them grand operations, where you manage all of WW2, but I'll focus on a few big ones for just arcade style operational games. Do note, Unity of Command is very good, but extremely simplified. This isn't a problem, but it plays more like a puzzle game.

For that type of feel but more meat, try Panzer General II, that's an older one, available free through open general with a lot of different scenarios. It's pretty good as a baseline to understand tactics games. A lot of clones of Panzer General, but OpenPanzer is free and contains the original campaigns in an open source port for 1 and 2. I also like hex of steel, which is probably what you really want, I think, it's more arcady, but still has a lot of crunch. It's not purely tactics, there's light grand strategy elements, but it's very good. If you want to go outside of WW2, Battle for Wesnoth is also free. I don't really play Wesnoth much, but it's interesting somewhat. It's a fantasy operations/tactics game. RNG can be quite rough, so be aware.

I'm only linking OpenGeneral because it's not on steam, the others are easy to find. https://www.open-general.com/

File: cat thumbs up.png (529 KB, 736x724)

529 KB PNG

>>2185229
Thank you for the very well written post anon. I'm taking note of your suggestions and I will give them a try soon.

File: 646.png (2.83 MB, 1888x855)

2.83 MB PNG

>>2184633
Lots of games fall under that term OP. You just need to recognize your degree of 'tism and pick the appropriate type.

>more forgiving turn limit
That's kinda the norm. If you try the PG2 that other anon suggested you better condition yourself to brilliant victory every fight or you'll both miss out on some missions and have a tougher time without prototype rewards.

>>2185480
yeah TOAW is what I'd suggest, but 40 bucks is not worth it if he doesn't play, lol.

>>2186029
True but piracy is an option.

>>2186051
yup, sadly I legally buy all my Wargames cause I'm a moralist.

File: header.jpg (49 KB, 460x215)

49 KB JPG

Thoughts on SGS wargames? Never tried them out before.

>>2186051
If a game is worth playing, it’s worth paying for
If a game isn’t worth paying for, it’s not worth playing

File: unity of command.png (2.03 MB, 1406x933)

2.03 MB PNG

>tfw

>>2187248
They're very amateurish and the AI is pretty dumb. I still managed to get some fun out of NATO's Nightmare (which has promised a major update for over a year but gone silent), Korean War, and Operation Downfall, but the others just feel too tedious / too small / too broken

File: 1756954897591470.png (2.95 MB, 1603x1200)

2.95 MB PNG

Spoonfeed me some beginner ones because I've only tried adjacent games like Twilight Struggle and Root and they weren't particularly enjoyable
im too shy to play on Vassal

>>2187348
I still have so many UoC campaigns to go through, but getting 100% on each scenario is such an ASS ACHE

File: UoC3.png (2.45 MB, 1920x1080)

2.45 MB PNG

>>2187348
I am probably one of about 10 people on earth who has a relevant screenshot for this

You better not spend a single point of prestige or else

>>2187248
have yet to try, I'm getting into dominions

Check out Wargame Design Studios. They have dozens of titles thanks to John Tiller. Pick one that tickles your fancy or try a free demo, they are all very similar in feel.