Splitting the difference between miniature battles and board games are a line of 'accelerated board games' combining elements of both. Unlike miniature battles these games are played on a board, but use detail figurines and often allow you to modify your characters abilities or carry over increased abilities and newfound equipment from game to game. This combination provides the structure of a board game with the imagination and strategy of miniatures. Look into Warhammer Quest, Bloodbowl, Space Hulk, BattleTech and to a lesser extent Talisman and Axis and Allies. Role playing allows you to take the role of a character in an imaginary adventure.
Players then work as a team deciding what to do based on each person's equipment and abilities.
Dice are used to resolve combat outcomes and successes at using abilities. Depending on the game you can be a thief, wizard, marine, superhero, gunfighter, or vampire. Look into Dungeons and Dragons, Vampire, Rifts, Cyberpunk, Star Wars, and many more. Detailed rules allow for multiple types of troops and equipment. No more arm chair quarterbacking as you decide the course of history a second time around.