Against the Storm - I find the loop of those first 30-40 minutes of city building very satisfying.
Ultimate General Series - I love the land battles, it scratches that gun powder Total War itch.
Mount & Blade Series - Playing the Viking Conquest expansion while watching or listening to the Last Kingdom (Saxon Stories) might be one of my favourite gaming memories.
Sea of Stars - Reminds me of Golden Sun. And the soundtrack is just fantastic.
Off the top of my head: