Real – time strategy games (STR or RTS, for the name of the genre in English, Real-Time Strategy ) are undoubtedly one of the pillars of the video game pantheon for at least the last 30 years, like FPS and RPGs. Management of units, control of resources, creation of structures… It’s also a breathless genre, without downtime, which makes the heyday of the e-sport scene but which also allows you to spend many hours with your head lost in the development of strategies, each more eccentric or brilliant than the other.
With the keen sense of tactics they require and the imperious need to be constantly on one’s guard, they distinguish themselves from turn-based strategy games (like Final Fantasy ), but also from war games (like Combat Mission ), divine simulation games (like Spore ) or tactical games (like Ground Control ). But all these genres are not hermetic and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them.
The purpose of this selection is not to give a definition of the genre that will satisfy purists. Rather, we sought to find the happy medium between classic RTS and titles influenced by other genres, without falling into real-time tactical games. Here is the selection of our favorite strategy games , sorted in alphabetical order.
The best action-adventure games and franchises of all time
Age of Empires & Age of Mythology
Age of Empires (1997), Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome (1998), Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999), Age of Empires II: The Conquerors (2000), Age of Empires III (2005) , Age of Empires III: The War Chiefs (2006), Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (2007), Age of Empires Online (2011), Age of Empires II: The Forgotten (2013), Age of Empires II: The African Kingdoms (2015), Age of Empires II: Rise of the Rajas (2016), Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (2018), Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019), Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (2020) , Age of Empires IV (2021)
Age of Empires was well received and The Rise of Rome expansion was so impressive that it almost became a game in its own right. However, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kingsis the game that really made an impression. The title is not without flaws, but it marked the history of real-time strategy games by bringing interesting features, such as the possibility of creating individual profiles for each player, a button to enter a unit in garrison, the possibility of assigning a number to all the elements of the interface, the customization of the shortcuts and the new importance given to the villagers, now able to defend their city. The graphics remain relatively classic today for the time, without taking wrinkles. However, the interface remains exemplary. The third installment Age of Empires IIIhas much better and more detailed graphics than its predecessors. The sound effects are also very successful.
In 2013, Age of Empires II is entitled to an HD remake which allows it to return to the front of the stage thanks to the joint work of Ensemble Studios and Hidden Path Entertainment. If its mechanics have not fundamentally changed, this return does signify the arrival of three new expansions. The first, named The Forgotten , adds no less than five new civilizations, seven campaigns and two new game modes. The African Kingdoms is the second expansion and introduces four additional civilizations, four new campaigns, new technologies and type of units, a new game mode as well as an improved AI. One year later, Rise of the Rajasadds four Southeast Asian civilizations as well as new environments and unit types. What once again expand the experience of this great classic that has become Age of Empires II . The recent Age of Empires IV puts the series back on solid track, basing itself on the Middle Ages and reintegrating elements of the gameplay of this fantastic episode, which had been unfairly discarded in the third installment.
Age of Mythology (2002), Age of Mythology: The Titans (2003), Age of Empires: Mythologies (2008), Age of Mythology: Extended Edition (2014), Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon (2016)
Released on Windows and Mac OS X, Age of Mythology stands out as one of the great successes of the genre, with more than eleven million copies sold in just five months. Not surprising for an Age of Empires spin-off , from which it takes several gameplay elements! The graphics and animations are detailed and of good quality. The single-player mode is well-designed with engaging missions that make up for a weak storyline. The artificial intelligence of the game also aroused the curiosity of four Australian researchers who tried to study the importance of emotions in this type of game and the feelings that lead to the player’s victory. The player can control the Greek, Egyptian or Nordic civilizations and he must choose his main gods, who influence the story and give access to technologies and magical powers. The Age of Mythology: The Titans expansion is also noteworthy, as it brought significant optimizations to the gameplay .
Anno
Year 1602 (1998), Year 1503 (2002), Year 1701 (2006), Year 1404 (2009), Year 2070 (2011), Year 2205 (2015), Year 1800 (2019)
Since its inception, the Anno series has offered to take control of the destiny of a colony, then to extend its sphere of influence to control the entire earth. Taking the main lines of the mechanics of the city builder and adding many mechanics from classic real-time strategy games, the Anno series offers a particularly satisfying mix in terms of gameplay . Another advantage of the series, the different episodes allow you to explore different eras, from the Renaissance to a future as near as dystopian, each with their own challenges to overcome and thus bringing a welcome variety.
Black&White
Black & White (2001), Black & White 2 (2005)
Designed by the legendary Peter Molyneux, Black & White sits on the border between god simulation and real-time strategy gaming. You are a god controlling several tribes, but just like strategy games, you must take control of a territory by managing your troops in a rather original way (by performing miracles or tapping on houses to wake up the occupants). In addition to eye-catching gameplay , the title shines with good graphics and an excellent soundtrack. However, we regret that the rest of the series (the Black & White: Creature Isle extension as well as Black & White 2 ) is not as successful.
Command & Conquer
Command & Conquer (1995), Command & Conquer: Red Alert (1996), Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (1999), Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 (2000), Command & Conquer: Yuri’s Revenge (2001), Command & Conquer: Generals (2003), Command & Conquer: Generals – Zero Hour (2003), Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (2007), Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath (2008), Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (2008 ), Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 – Uprising (2009), Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight (2010), Command & Conquer: Rivals (2018), Command & Conquer Remastered Collection (2020)
Command & Conquer is the first in a long series that defined and popularized the genre. It represents a very serious competitor to Warcraft II . The story of Red Alert takes place before that of Command & Conquer , even though the game is the second title in the series. It marked real-time strategy games with its detailed interface. Red Alert 2 is similar to the first installment and still interesting due to its gameplay and story. Yuri’s Revenge is an extension of Red Alert 2 which offers many optimizations and stands out as a classic of the genre.
Command and Conquer: Generals was also a success. It brought a new interface and new gameplay . Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars is one of the best titles in the series thanks to sustained gameplay . It does not innovate, but it incorporates all the elements of a good RTS. Finally, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is not without flaws, but it remains a very enjoyable and eye-catching title, thanks to successful naval battles.
When Command & Conquer: Rivals released on iOS and Android in 2018, Electronic Arts noticed that many gamers were clamoring for a new installment in the series. Observing the enthusiasm for remakes and remasters of this period, the team decided to create a reissue of the first two episodes, running under the same original engine (1995) but bringing them improvements and bug fixes, as well than 4K Ultra HD graphics and an overall interface improvement. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection was released on June 5, 2020 on Origin and Steam, then in physical version published by Limited Run Games.
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes (2006), Company of Heroes 2 (2013)
Company of Heroes was unanimously recognized as the best real-time strategy game of 2006 and one of the best of its kind. It is one of the rare titles that have marked history to be inspired by the Second World War, in this case the Normandy landings. The artificial intelligence was well developed and offered a high level of difficulty, without being insurmountable. The title used the Essence Engine graphics engine and the Havok physics engine for a very successful result.
Unfortunately, it required a rather muscular configuration for the time. Company of Heroes 2 is arguably one of the best RTS games of 2013. It’s not quite as good as its big brother, and controversy over the sometimes unfair and cartoonish presentation of the Soviet military has clouded the picture. It nevertheless takes up the elements that made the success of the first opus to offer a very well designed title.
Cossacks
Cossacks: European Wars (2001), Cossacks: The Art of War (2002), Cossacks: Back to War (2002), Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars (2005), Cossacks II: Battle for Europe (2006), Cossacks 3 (2016) )
Cossacks: European Wars was released on Windows 95 and 98. In addition to interesting cinematic scenes, the level of detail and fidelity during gameplay is breathtaking. It is as impressive as Age of Empires II and its great complexity can confuse novices. The game was nonetheless criticized for having poor artificial intelligence and an occasionally clunky interface. It still remains a reference of games taking place between the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe and the fact that it is historically faithful brings a gripping atmosphere. Too bad the publisher didn’t take as much care with Cossacks II , which was a disappointment.
If it is actually called Cossacks 3 , this title is not really the third episode of the franchise, since it is above all a remake of the first episode released in 2001, from which it takes up the main gameplay elements . With 12 nations, 70 different units and a highly developed technology tree, this title fulfills the RTS specifications brilliantly, while including some welcome subtleties such as taking topography into account.
Dune II
Dune II: Battle for Arrakis (1992), Dune 2000 (1998), Emperor: Battle for Dune (2001)
Dune II: Battle for Arrakis is adapted from the film by David Lynch and the novel by Frank Herbert. It is the first game to officially belong to this category, since one of the designers in charge of the project (Brett Sperry) was the first to use the term ” real-time strategy ” game. It’s not the first of its kind, according to purists, but it clearly set the tone. Even today, real-time strategy games often use the concepts and mechanics put forward by Dune II . Emperor: Battle for Dune is the sequel to Dune 2000 , the remake of Dune II . Available on Windows, it doesn’t measure up to Dune IIwhich remains the reference, but it is much more interesting than Dune 2000 which was particularly disappointing. The cinematographic scenes of Emperor are well-made little films, the story is well put together and the gameplay has the merit of holding up.
Dungeon Keeper
Dungeon Keeper (1997), Dungeon Keeper 2 (1999)
Of all the titles in the Dungeon Keeper series , we’ll only single out two. The PC version (the iOS version being mediocre) set the tone for this cult series. The player must protect the Dungeon Heart which is the link between the dungeon and the real world. The game was original and well-designed, which made for a fun and exciting title. Dungeon Keeper 2 wasn’t as good as the first, but it marks a successful move to 3D. The title lacks multiplayer features and maps. This last point was corrected when a patch was published. We also feel the absence of Peter Molyneux whose label had made the success of the first opus.
Europa Universalis
Europa Universalis (2000), Europa Universalis II (2001), Europa Universalis III (2007), Europa Universalis: Rome (2008), Europa Universalis IV (2013)
With Europa Universalis , Paradox gives fans of historical strategy the opportunity to relive the destiny of Europe from 1419 to 1820. At the head of one of the European powers of the time, the player will have to learn how to manage relations with its neighbours, but also to develop its country while reacting to events dictated by history (epidemics, discoveries, wars). Quite austere in its presentation, the game turns out to be incredibly rich, and of a complexity that does not put it within everyone’s reach; it is therefore a title to be reserved for the most enlightened strategy enthusiasts.
Factorio (2017)
Factorio is a very surprising strategy game, which contrasts radically with the canons of the genre. If we find the basic principles of the RTS, namely to collect resources, build structures and produce, the purpose of these actions is original here. Factorio will indeed ask you to build, improve and maintain a constantly evolving factory. Dropped on a planet, your goal will be to build your factory and make it prosperous.
If at the beginning, you have to harvest the resources you need by hand, you can quickly automate the process using drones. You can then automate the production of said drones, and any other manufactured goods you may need, in order to have a factory that works by itself. Because that is the purpose of Factorio , to build an almost autonomous structure, which will require almost no intervention on your part, except planning. In order to add a little spice, it will be possible to confront external events, such as attacks from the native population in the event of too much pollution. Very original, Factorio is a catchy title that deserves the detour.
Gray Goo
Gray Goo (2015), Gray Goo: Emergence (2015), Gray Goo: The Descent of the Shroud (2016)
Much like StarCraft II , Gray Goo relies on a trio of factions with very different playstyles to deliver a highly strategic experience. Released in 2015, it depicts a futuristic conflict between the Humans, the game’s most versatile faction, the Betas, who focus on defense, and the Gray Goo, a faction oriented towards attack and speed to offer uncompromising conflicts where global strategy prevails over micro-management. The title later hosted a free expansion dubbed Descent of the Shroud , which introduced an all-new faction as well as new units for the original three factions.
Halo Wars
Halo Wars (2009), Halo Wars 2 (2017)
Halo Wars on Xbox 360 is one of the few successful console RTS games. He showed that it was possible to use a joystick, instead of the mouse, to control his troops without having a negative influence on the gameplay . It was also accessible to novices. This sometimes frustrated fans of the genre, who were missing some features, but overall the game is a hit due to great gameplay and that balance of simplicity and functionality. The factions are distinct and the story well-crafted. The cinematic scenes are excellent and the voices are compelling.
Released on Xbox One, the sequel takes place thirty years after the first opus and has the same characteristics as the latter. It also introduces an online multiplayer mode and two expansions, released the same year.
hearts of iron
Hearts of Iron (2002), Hearts of Iron II (2005), Hearts of Iron III (2009), Hearts of Iron IV (2016)
Released in 2002, the first Hearts of Iron immediately won over hardcore strategy game fans. Unlike many games of the genre, the creation of Paradox does not bother with elaborate graphics and puts everything on a rich, complex and above all very complete gameplay which aims to emulate reality. Centered on the Second World War, the Hearts of Iron series gives the opportunity to take control of the destiny of one of the nations that participated in this war. The goal ? Survive the war and if possible, be on the winning side. A much tougher task than it seems as there are so many parameters to take into account.
Homeworld
Homeworld (1999), Homeworld: Cataclysm (2000), Homeworld 2 (2003), Homeworld Remastered Collection (2015), Homeworld: Desert of Kharak (2016)
Homeworld was the first fully 3D real-time strategy game. Its graphics engine allowed the creation of great battles and graphics that marked the era. The numerous cinematographic scenes also contributed to raising the quality of the game. The story captivated with its elaborate details and a very well-constructed plot. The addition of 3D made the gameplay more complex , but Homeworld managed to guide the player thanks to a very successful tutorial and the use of radar which became indispensable. Homeworld: Cataclysm was supposed to be an expansion, but it was so successful that the publisher eventually released it as a full-fledged game. Its gameplaywas enhanced by an easy to use interface and the time compression system was well thought out. Its graphics were beautiful and the soundtrack is a reference of the genre.
Homeworld 2 is the worthy successor to the first opus. It takes the same gameplay and offers a dynamic difficulty system that makes the game enjoyable and exciting. In 2016 , Homeworld: Desert of Kharak was released , a brand new installment in the franchise that is a radical departure from previous installments. Here, the action will take place on solid ground, and more precisely in the heart of the desert expanses of the planet Kharak. A 13-mission long campaign allows fans of the franchise to experience the story behind Homeworld for the first time . In good self-respecting RTS, Homeworld: Desert of Kharakoffers many confrontations featuring land units but also airborne in rich and engaging tactical combat. A change which is explained in particular by the chaotic development of the title, which changed direction several times before being integrated into the universe of Homeworld , in a rather convincing way. In development since 2019 by Blackbird Interactive, Homeworld 3 is scheduled for the end of 2022, and this time should be a real sequel to the first two games.
Plague Inc: Evolved (2014)
Can we avoid mentioning it, in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic? Initially released on mobile media, before conquering the PC, Plague Inc.: Evolved is a real-time strategy game with a special twist. Here, no armies clashing in bloody wars for the conquest of a piece of territory, but a much more insidious war, playing out on a microscopic scale. In this title developed by Ndemic Creations, you will have to help a virus conquer the world by annihilating the native populations. To do this, it will be necessary to use all the possible and imaginable mutations to counter the resistance efforts of humans. The result ? An original strategy game, addictive, and much more complex than its past as a mobile game suggests.
popular
Populous (1989), Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods (1991), Populous: The Beginning (1998)
Designed by Peter Molyneux, the Populous series is one of the most cult of its kind. The game puts you in the shoes of a god who attacks other deities using armies. The first installment, Populous , first launched on the Amiga, set the tone for the series with a simple interface and colorful, impressive graphics. The game is original and very addictive. Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods has raised the bar even higher by taking on the qualities of the first and using a story inspired by Greek mythology. It also brings more diversified gameplay thanks to a greater range of choices available to the player. Finally, Populous: The Beginningwas first launched on PC. It brought an excellent 3D environment and vastly different gameplay from its predecessors.
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations (2003), Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots (2004), Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends (2006)
Rise of Nations is available on Windows and OS X. It won over with its gameplay and a very well-designed soundtrack. It takes up the concept of territories introduced by Civilization . The player must thus construct buildings, extend his borders and amass resources which are abnormally diverse and varied for the genre. The gameplay is therefore classic with a few surprises that provide a smooth and fun experience. Thrones and Patriots is an excellent expansion that brings many small changes to the original title to provide an even more satisfying experience. Rise of Nations: Rise of Legendsis not as good as the first opus, but it has nothing to be ashamed of. It remains a quality title and its low sales were therefore a surprise. It takes up the gameplay of the first title, but unlike this one, the second takes place in a fantasy world. In 2014, a remaster of the first two installments was released under the name Rise of Nations: Extended Edition .
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds (2001)
Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds asks the player to choose between Wookies, Royal Baboo, Trade Federation, Rebel Empire, and Gungans. Each faction has a specific campaign, with the exception of the Wookies which have two and the Naboo which are only available in multiplayer mode. Available on Windows and OS X, the title is built on the same engine as Age of Empires and Age of Empires II . The gameplay is relatively classic. The player must construct buildings, units, workers and harvest resources. The graphics are interesting and the game takes up the universe that made the success of the franchise.
StarCraft
StarCraft (1998), StarCraft: Insurgency (1998), StarCraft: Brood War (1998), StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010), StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013), StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void (2015 ), StarCraft: Remastered (2017)
Is it really necessary to present it? If you’ve never played it, we can’t wait for you! StarCraft (and its sequel StarCraft II ) are quite simply among the biggest pillars of the RTS genre. Cult, the Brood War extension of the first StarCraft is also a little gem on its own, bringing many new features and new strategies.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is probably one of the video games that helped the esports scene take off the world over. After many delays, it represents a new opus worthy of the name. The gameplay is excellent and the story very engaging. The multiplayer mode was improved and gave rise to many tournaments. StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm is the first expansion for StarCraft II . It quickly established itself as a reference of the genre thanks to its varied campaigns, a well-thought-out online mode and gameplay that delighted purists of the genre. Released in 2015, StarCraft II: Legacy of the Voidcloses the trilogy by finally allowing players to discover the campaign dedicated to the Protoss. Once again, Blizzard delivers a title of excellent craftsmanship, offering a well-written and challenging campaign that is sure to delight fans of the series.
Stellaris
Stellaris (2016), Stellaris: Utopia (2017), Stellaris: Apocalypse (2018), Stellaris: Megacorp (2018), Stellaris: Federations (2020), Stellaris: Nemesis (2021)
Released in May 2016 and developed by Paradox, Stellaris stands out in the studio’s catalog. Unlike games from the Crusader King , Europa Universalis , or Hearts or Iron franchises , Stellarisdoes not fit into a historical context; this 4X takes place in a science fiction universe that begins in 2200. The player takes control of an alien race (or human if he wishes). His goal: to ensure the salvation of his species over the centuries. To achieve this, it must manage the development of its populations, ensure them an adequate supply of resources, and of course, guarantee their security. Only you can imagine, the player is not alone in the galaxy: if certain species embodied by the AI ​​or other humans will be very cooperative, others will be downright belligerent. In addition, many random events punctuate the course of a game. The final bouquet takes the form of “endgame crises” capable of destabilizing civilizations that are nevertheless well established.
Thanks to its futuristic setting, Stellaris is not restricted by historical shackles. The player can pick from a list of pre-established species or shape one from A to Z. The behaviors and characteristics of each civilization are defined by the traits of the species that compose it and the current political regime. Everyone is free to play a dictatorship of bloodthirsty molluscs unfit for any diplomacy and only aspiring to sow death or destruction or an egalitarian democracy made up of learned mammals swearing only by peace. Clearly, the variety is there and the possibilities are legion. Finally, like most Paradox games, Stellaris benefits from a slew of more or less essential DLCs, while remaining open to mods.
strong hold
Strongold (2001), Stronghold: Crusader (2002), Stronghold 2 (2005), Stronghold Legends (2006), Stronghold Crusader Extreme (2008), Stronghold 3 (2011), Stronghold Kingdoms (2009), Stronghold Crusader II (2014), Stronghold Warlords (2021)
Stronghold is the first installment in a series that contains both very good and very bad. The gameplay is relatively classic and offers military and economic strategies. The action of Stronghold takes place in England in 1066. The saga has given birth to a community of devotees who continue to create maps and scenarios. Stronghold: Crusader is the most interesting game in the series. The story takes place in the Middle East during the time of the Crusades. We discover new units, which also mean new constraints when creating buildings or deploying units. Finally, Stronghold Kingdom is a very successful MMORTS still set in the Middle Ages. The gameplayrequires constant communication with its neighbours.
Supreme Commander
Supreme Commander (2007), Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (2007), Supreme Commander 2 (2010)
Supreme Commander has established itself with its extremely well-designed missions, an exemplary story, a well-thought-out interface and successful gameplay . Supreme Commander 2 is distinguished by huge maps that force a robot to take several minutes to navigate them, by a very successful zoom and camera system and the possibility of building up to 1,000 units per camp. In short, it is a game with large dimensions and gamepla y. Troop management automates many tasks to limit micro-management. The game is excellent in multiplayer, but we regret an artificial intelligence that leaves something to be desired. It also required a very greedy configuration for the time.
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth (2004), The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II (2006)
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth is a beautiful RTS with a solid soundtrack. The gameplay is a bit mundane, but the game is overall very successful. Taking up Tolkien’s universe, it uses short extracts from the film and the voices of certain actors to create a title that delighted fans. It uses the engine from Command & Conquer: Generals . The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth II takes up the elements that made the success of the first while standing out from the world of books and films. It is possible to choose the side of good or evil and to finish the campaigns specific to each faction. The multiplayer mode was unfortunately unbalanced.
The Settlers
The Settlers (1993), The Settlers II: Veni, Vidi, Vici (1996), The Settlers III (1998), The Settlers IV (2001), The Settlers: Heritage of Kings (2005), The Settlers: Rise of an Empire (2007), The Settlers: Rise of Cultures (2008), The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom (2010), The Settlers (2020)
The Settlers is the first installment in a long series. Released on Amiga, the title seduced enthusiasts. The goal of the game is to build medieval camps where lives an army of workers responsible for specific tasks. It is possible to play in campaign mode or to play a quick game and the game allows two-player collaboration. The Settlers II: Veni, Vidi, Vici is often considered the best title in the series. The gameplay is similar to the first title, but brings much better graphics. It will be necessary to wait until 2010, 14 years later, and The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom to have a fun and intense title that once again marks the spirits. An eighth title should see the light of day this year.
Total Annihilation
Total Annihilation (1997), Total Annihilation: The Core Contingency (1998), Total Annihilation: Battle Tactics (1998), Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (1999)
Total Annihilation created the surprise. It was not owned by Westwood Studios ( Command & Conquer ) or Blizzard ( Warcraft ) and yet it was an unexpected revolution and one of the best real-time strategy games. He was the first to offer 3D units and terrain. It also had a physics calculation engine which added realism. The story was relatively mundane and undeveloped, but the gameplay was innovative. For the first time, the player had to negotiate the reliefs of the terrain and manage ballistics specific to each of the 150 units. The attention the developers have given to the details of this game has made it a must-have title.
Total War
Shogun: Total War (2000), Medieval: Total War (2002), Rome: Total War (2002), Medieval II: Total War (2006), Empire: Total War (2009), Napoleon: Total War (2010), Total War: Shogun 2 (2011), Total War: Rome II (2013), Total War: Attila (2015), Total War: Arena (2015), Total War: Warhammer (2016), Total War: Warhammer 2 (2017), Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019), Total War Saga: Fall of the Samurai (2019), Total War Saga: Troy (2020), Total War: Warhammer III (2022)
With the Total War series , The Creative Assembly has created a strategy game style of its own that skillfully mixes real-time and turn-based codes. It is indeed possible to build your empire, and manage your provinces by taking your time and thinking about your actions, before plunging into the heart of the battle for breathtaking and rhythmic strategic phases. Beyond these considerations relating to the gameplay , it is the work of historical reconstitution carried out by the studio which proves to be impressive, its games taking up with accuracy the history of the different eras which serve as their framework. Thus, whether you are a fan of feudal Japan, ancient Rome or even the Napoleonic wars, it is possible to find happiness there.
Among countless recent installments in the franchise, Total War: Warhammer is the first game to break away from real history and into fantasy. RTS adaptation of the famous Warhammer license, this title takes up all the mechanics that made the success of the Total War series by adding fantastic beasts and magic. And the least we can say is that the mix takes rather well, because Total War: Warhammer is a real success, and undoubtedly one of the best RTS of recent years. A third episode in the Games Workshop universe has just been released, with a particularly successful campaign and some real good gameplay discoveries .
Warcraft
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994), Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995), Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002), Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (2003), Warcraft III: Reforged (2019)
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans not only popularized multiplayer in real-time strategy games, it made the lack of such a feature unsustainable. Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness is the other great title along with Command & Conquer which is responsible for democratizing real-time strategy games in 1995. In addition to offering excellent multiplayer mode, map editor Kali has created a community and we continue to find maps on the Internet.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos brings computer-controlled neutral troops that attack all available factions, providing an original dimension. The title also inaugurated a nychthemeral cycle which influences each unit differently and the troops of heroes who gain new powers over the victories. The graphics are also very well done. Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne is basically just an expansion, but its improved gameplay , beautiful graphics and good story make it a game in its own right.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War (2004), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Winter Assault (2005), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade (2006), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Soulstorm (2008), Warhammer 40,000 : Dawn of War II (2009), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising (2010), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution (2011), Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III (2017)
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War stood out with an exemplary finish. The various factions and units are varied and balanced, the animations are high quality, and the interface is simple and well thought out. The gameplay itself is quite mundane and the lifespan of the single player mode is too short. The deplorable artificial intelligence is also a problem. Nevertheless, the multiplayer mode is very solid and the graphics are impressive.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II was less well received than its big brother, but it’s still a good game. Gameplay is fast, graphics are great, but single player campaigns are too repetitive and there are too few multiplayer maps . Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising stands out among expansions for its excellent story, original gameplay and absolutely fantastic graphics. In 2017, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III modernizes the concepts of the two previous episodes, increasing the intensity of the clashes.
Warlords Battlecry
Warlords Battlecry (2000), Warlords Battlecry II (2002), Warlords Battlecry III (2004)
Warlords Battlecry represents a new step for this series since it is the first to move to real time. Its gameplay was well done and the story was well received by fans of the genre. Warlords Battlecry II is the most popular title in the series; it is known for its hero system that is developed as the game progresses, like role-playing games. It stands out with well-designed, non-linear single-player campaigns and an expansive world. The gameplay brings some new elements, but remains relatively classic. We regret that the backup system, which only allows you to keep one game at a time, is so poorly thought out. Warlords Battlecry IIIis less interesting than its big brother. It takes up the gameplay of the previous opus, but the game offers a different campaign mode. It is still a solid title that only fails in its lack of originality.
World In Conflict (2007)
World In Conflict is a benchmark of its kind. Released on Windows, it offers a story that takes place in 1989, during the crisis of the Soviet Union. The events nevertheless offer a parallel world where Russian forces conquer Western Europe. The United States then comes to the rescue. The game is close to the tactical genre. It does not require building buildings or accumulating resources. It nevertheless remains primarily a real-time strategy game due to the management of troops and the importance of the strategic aspect of the gameplay . The player must choose between three factions (the United States, the Soviet Union and NATO).
