Very similar to the 4X strategy games but always with a particular eye to the RPG component. In addition to this, there is also the building component of the cities, which as they grow up give access to increasingly powerful units. Battles usually take place on maps that resemble a chessboard.
The Heroes of Might & Magic series brought this kind of game to great success where you have to wander around the map to gather resources and recruit soldiers to use in battles.