Friends, hello everyone. The Gamebizclub team is on air, and today we will continue to introduce you to the genres of the world of computer games. At the end of May, we dove in and revealed the 12 best games in the genre. And in this article we will tell you in detail about the best strategies on PC over the past few years and compile our top best games in this genre.
It would seem that making ratings is a simple matter. It’s worth taking a list of the games you like, choosing the best ones and putting them in order. We would have done so, if not for one nuance - the Gamebizclub team included people who had experienced Warcraft 1 and Heroes of Might and Magic.
Since then, many games have been released, one way or another, we managed to play most of them and form our own opinion. Therefore, we made a plausible rating taking into account all opinions - we retested old games and new ones, refreshed our memory. And this is what happened.
From this article you will learn:
14. DEFCON
The last place in our ranking goes to DEFCON, a game about nuclear strike tactics released in 2006. The name translates as “defense readiness” - this is a real-life scale of the US Army’s readiness for possible combat operations.
DEFCON is based on the plot of the American film “War Games”, which shows the global nuclear conflict between the USA and the USSR. Not only the events of the game, but also its style echo the film, as evidenced by the motto “Everybody dies” (translated as “Everybody Dies”).
In DEFCON you will not be able to create combat units, collect resources and develop technologies. But you can choose the location of forces on the territory of North or South America, Europe, Russia, Africa or Asia. The game starts when the DEFCON scale shows alarm level 5. Then you move to the following levels sequentially. All this time, the conflict is developing, tension is growing. When the level reaches 1, a nuclear attack can be launched.
The main goal is to inflict damage on the enemy while avoiding your own losses. There are no moral restrictions, so you should follow only your thoughts, desires and emotions. Up to 6 people can participate in the game. Nuclear missiles of various types, fighters, bombers, submarines, aircraft carriers, cruisers, airfields, and radars are used as combat units.
DEFCON looks like real command post, where the president of the country sits and plans fighting. There is nothing superfluous - just a map, marks of friendly and enemy troops, the most important targets and cities. And you can do whatever comes to your mind: take on the role of the main villain, save peoples and countries, destroy cities and entire regions with one click.
The only negative that outweighs all the advantages is that DEFCON does not have a graphics engine. Despite the interesting gameplay, after a while the process of exchanging nuclear warheads gets boring - it becomes boring to move warheads and combat vehicles on the map, destroy minor countries, and so on.
And all because there are no special effects or any accompaniment. Therefore, it is suitable instead of Minesweeper or any other game with low requirements - it takes up only 60 MB on your hard drive and will run on any PC.
13. Dune
In thirteenth place is the Dune series of games about the world of Arrakis, which became one of the first real-time strategies. Dune was released in 1992 on the Sega console, and after a while it became available on PC. At that time it was a breakthrough that could be repeated only three years later.
Interesting fact: on behalf of the publishing company Virgin Interactive, two independent developers worked simultaneously to create the game. The French company Cryo Interactive released the game first. American Westwood Studios - a little later. That's why the title of the game from Westwood Studios contains the number "2".
The plot is based on the science fiction novel Dune by Frank Herbert. During the passage you will meet the main characters, take the role of the leader of one of the great houses and conquer the planet Arrakis.
The only negative is that the events of the book and the game are loosely connected; the gameplay is based on missions to clear the territory from the enemy and extract useful resources.
In the struggle for dominance on the planet, three great houses collided - the Atreides, the Harkonnens and the Ordos. Each home has its own pros and cons, unique technologies and powerful leaders.
You can choose any house, but you cannot change it later. After choosing, you will find yourself on the battlefield, command an army, build a base, extract resources and destroy the enemy. Important - to win, you need to destroy all enemies on the map.
For example, if you have destroyed the enemy base, but one soldier is hidden in the corner of the map and is constantly moving, you will not win until you destroy him.
Dune pioneered the approach that would become the basis of the RTS genre. This is a global map, an economic model, a command panel and a mini-map in the user interface, the “fog of war” and various capabilities of the warring parties.
In 1998, a remake called Dune 2000 was released, and in 2001, the developers continued the series by releasing Emperor: Battle for Dune. Unfortunately, after that, no more games about Dune appeared. 15 years have passed, but the series remains only in the memory of the most devoted fans - that’s why only the penultimate place.
12. Age of Empires
We give twelfth place to Age of Empires, which became the basis for many RTS that came out after it. The first part was released in 1997, and since then Microsoft Game Studios has released 8 games and 4 additions to them. The series also includes Age of Empires Online (MMORTS).
In Age of Empires, you will find yourself as the leader of one of 16 civilizations, reflecting a specific architectural style: Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, Asian and Roman. By completing missions and developing, you will move from era to era - from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.
Civilization develops through the construction of buildings, technology research and war, where would we be without it. Besides you, there will be several more civilizations on the map competing for resources. Therefore, you will constantly be at war - defending behind walls or attacking the enemy.
The game contains campaigns, including educational ones. The educational process is built on 12 scenarios that explain the gameplay. This will help you quickly master the basics of control, work effectively with units and fully use the camera. Other campaigns consist of different missions in which you will defend in a fortified fort, attack castle walls and much more.
Multiplayer is available for a maximum of eight people. To play online, you can choose who to fight with - bots or other people. If you choose a mode with other users, you will have the opportunity to form an alliance, declare war on the selected enemy, or take a neutral position.
Not needed for Age of Empires powerful computer. Even with the most modest configuration, the game looks realistic, and the image is pleasing to the eye at maximum zoom.
For many people, Age of Empires has become a guide to the world of strategy. But the series gradually faded away and lost popularity - the third part was released back in 2005, and there is still no full-fledged fourth part, if you do not take into account AoE Online. Therefore, we recommend the game to those who want to see the beginning of the RTS era.
11. Star Wars: Empire at War
In eleventh place is Star Wars: Empire at War, a game released in 2006 based on the setting of the world-famous Star Wars saga. The plot is based on episodes 4, 5 and 6 Star Wars, namely the civil war between the rebels and the imperials.
You will find yourself in the role of a commander of one of the sides, you will control the fleet, command in battles with opponents, destroy bases and much more. The storyline consists of missions in which you will meet famous heroes - Darth Vader, Palpatine, Firmus Piett, Han Solo, Boba Fett, Chewbacca and other characters.
Each character provides certain bonuses, and if necessary, you can hire additional supporting characters - agents, smugglers and others.
Star Wars: Empire at War consists of two parts:
- Conquest of the Galaxy - a global strategy on the galaxy map. In this mode, you will manage controlled planets, study (or steal) technologies, seize strategic resources, attack and defend.
- Tactical mode - consists of space and ground operations. You will spend a lot of time in this mode, because a lot will depend on the outcome of the battle. It is here that you will see the main combat vehicles, infantry and ships of both sides, and you will be able to demonstrate your team skills and win.
The main thing is to choose the right side. The Imperials have more opportunities to master new technologies, improve weapons and ships. And the rebels cannot do science, but they know how to steal the technological achievements of the Empire.
Become the ruler of the galaxy with Darth Vader, or free the planets from the tyranny of the Empire with Luke and his friends. Choose a side and go into battle. You will definitely like it.
Star Wars is a super popular project by George Lucas. Therefore, it is not surprising that many interesting games have been released based on the film, but we still haven’t seen a sequel to Empire at War, which is a pity. Only eleventh place in our ranking, let's move on.
10. World in Conflict: Soviet Assault
The top ten is rounded out by World in Conflict: Soviet Assault, a real-time strategy game released in 2009 that continued the events that happened in World in Conflict. In other words, the developers took World in Conflict and added 6 new missions - the game became one and a half times longer.
Gamebizclub's opinion: in our opinion, this is the best strategy about the beginning of the Third World War. Events begin with the fall of the Berlin Wall, which is destroyed by Russian tanks. USSR troops begin an offensive along the entire front and create a meat grinder for NATO forces.
You will find yourself in the role of a Soviet paratrooper and unit commander, standing at the forefront of the attack, destroying enemy soldiers and equipment. Indescribable feelings!
Combat operations take place either on the territory of Berlin or in rural areas, where you have to fight with NATO troops. You will also be able to command an artillery battery and provide air escort for the convoy.
Each mission has a specific plot, but the main thing is that there is no need to build a base. You have a limited number of troops at your disposal, but you can request reinforcements.
The developers could not avoid stereotypes about Russians - the ideas of Americans, British, Germans and other peoples are very noticeable and often hurt the eye. Therefore, in the dialogues there is sometimes a feeling of unreality of what is happening until the fighting begins.
You can also choose the side of NATO - in this case, the plot will begin on the territory of the United States, where you will defend cities and the coast. Gradually you will push back the USSR troops and move to Europe. Let us add that both storylines are inextricably linked, so the side you choose will win.
The game attracts with its sharp plot, large-scale battles that take place not only nearby, but all over the map - you get the feeling that you are participating in a large-scale military operation. It all looks very realistic, as if we were really in the center of a battle.
World in Conflict: Soviet Assault is in tenth place only because we did not see the continuation of this series. The game should be on the shelf of every fan of the genre - this is 100%.
9.Stronghold
In ninth place is the Stronghold series of games - a strategy about the Middle Ages, the Crusades, knights and kings. The first part of Stronghold was released in 2001, and the last Stronghold 3 in 2011. Let us add that in 2010 the developers released the first MMORTS - Stronghold Kingdoms, where online play against other people became available.
The action takes place during the early Middle Ages, so you will take on the role of a baron or count - you will build a castle, develop production, establish settlements and fight the enemy. Depending on the chosen part, you will find yourself in the territory of Europe or Palestine.
In Strongold Crusader the action takes place in the hot lands of Palestine. As a crusader, you will build and defend a castle, establish production, and attack the impregnable fortifications of desert warriors.
Stronghold 3 takes place in Europe. The plot begins seven years after the end of the events of the first part.
The series became successful due to the combination of economic strategy and medieval surroundings. You can build your own castle, besiege your neighbor’s castle, pour boiling oil and tar on the attackers - all the medieval romance is present. But before the start of hostilities, it will be necessary to provide the rear with food and develop production so that everything is enough for the duration of the war.
Computer opponents are controlled by artificial intelligence - like you, they extract resources, build castles, form their own army and start a war. And in multiplayer you will be opposed by those people whom you invite to the game - friends, acquaintances or family members.
8. Heroes of Might and Magic III
In eighth place is one of the best turn-based strategies, Heroes of Might and Magic III. Despite the fact that the game was released back in 1999, it still remains the most revered in the turn-based strategy genre. And the following parts of “Heroes”, released after it, were never able to surpass the third part.
The game takes place in a fantasy world where there are dragons, elves, goblins, gnomes and many other mythical creatures. You will lead one of the factions, command a squad, capture and manage cities, and explore the world.
The adventure map is difficult to navigate in places. Movement in the game world is not always predictable - there are areas where it is very difficult to get to and you have to follow an unobvious path.
One of the main tasks is to develop cities in such a way that they generate income, provide combat power and give power to magical spells. If a city is well developed, it brings in enough gold and allows you to hire a strong army to capture adjacent territories and destroy the enemy.
As it should be in a turn-based strategy, time in the game flows discretely. The main unit of time is the move, which is also called a day. During a turn, you can perform a certain number of actions - make a move with heroes, plan the construction of a building, and so on.
And in battle, actions take place one by one and resemble a chess game. Each unit has a certain number of action points, attack type and amount of health. The stronger the unit, the harder it hits and the harder it is to kill. The troops are led by a hero who, upon victory, receives experience and artifacts from defeated enemies.
Heroes of Might and Magic 3 is available in single and multiplayer. Although multi-user is a strong word. The first mode is called “Hot Seat” and is translated as a hot seat - two people at one computer take turns making moves and finding out who is stronger.
The second mode is network. You need to create a separate “room” and give the address of this room to friends and acquaintances. Then you don’t have to sit in one chair, but really surf the net.
In 2015, the version of Heroes of Might and Magic III HD was released - a remake popular game, made for PCs with average specifications. We advise everyone - HoMM should be on the shelf of every turn-based strategy fan. And we move on.
7.Command & Conquer
In seventh place is the famous Command & Conquer - a real-time strategy about the confrontation between the NoD brotherhood and the Initiative World Defense(if translated into modern realities - Terrorists and the Security Service).
The first part was released back in 1995, and the last one this moment was released in 2013. Note that the first part, along with Dune, became the basis for the RTS genre. But compared to the world of Arrakis, the Command and Conquer saga lasted much longer. The two games have the same developer - Westwood Studios, so it is quite possible that they decided to sacrifice Dune in favor of the more popular C&C.
The Command & Conquer universe includes 3 story subseries: Tiberium, Red Alert and Generals. This is a total of 15 games.
The plot of C&C is built on the conflict surrounding Tiberium, an alien substance sent by aliens to Earth in a meteorite shower. This substance extracts minerals, it can be used as an energy source, and in general Tiberium is a valuable element.
World governments consolidate and begin to mine Tiberium. At the same time, terrorists also begin to mine it, as a result they quickly gain strength and receive financial injections from countries where there is no Tiberium.
After some time, IVZ decides to put an end to NoD, but that was not the case - the Brotherhood strikes back and a long and exhausting confrontation begins.
You can become a member of the terrorist brotherhood NoD, which seeks to take over the world. But if high ideals are closer, you should choose IVZ. Although the main emphasis is not on the side of the conflict, but on how you will command in battle.
Each game has missions to complete and achieve goals. In principle, everything is simple - build a base, mine Tiberium, recruit troops and build military equipment. And then you send an army to attack and command how, where and who to destroy. Easy?
But the enemy does not sleep, so it is never easy. They will constantly attack you and try to destroy your base, attack from unexpected directions and deprive you of the opportunity to earn money. Therefore, you need to constantly be prepared for sudden attacks by the enemy, which suddenly appears in the most vulnerable places. The main factor of victory is not superiority in combat power, but the absence of mistakes.
It is unknown what will happen to the C&C series next. Four years have passed, but there is still no clear news or comments. Although there are still many fans of the game who continue to hone their skills in online battles. Therefore, so far only seventh place.
6. Civilization
We decided to give sixth place to Civilization, a step-by-step strategy about the development of humanity on Earth. The game, created by Sid Meier back in 1991, and its subsequent remakes were and remain the flagship of the turn-based strategy genre.
Now 6 parts with modifications and additions have already been released. Civilization has received a number of awards and has been inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame. IN different countries ah sold more than 9 million copies - a great success, confirmed by numerous critics from all over the world.
The main task is to develop the chosen civilization, from primitive society to modernity. Become Stalin and rule Russia, or take the place of Napoleon, Ramses, George Washington and lead your people on the path to prosperity.
To achieve power and prosperity, you need to build cities, engage in economics and science, create technologies and wonders of the world, build up military power, establish diplomatic relations with other civilizations and fight with competitors.
In general, everything is as in real life– put yourself in the shoes of a president or dictator. Events take place on a given world map, chosen randomly or exactly replicating the Earth.
Settlers, soldiers, diplomats and other characters (units) participate in the development of civilization. You can change the political regime by choosing despotism, monarchy, democracy, communism, republic. The higher the selected difficulty level, the better you need to plan your actions.
The easiest way is to be a leader - opponents hardly interfere. And the hardest thing is to be a deity, in which case the whole world will take up arms against you and will constantly put a spoke in your wheels - declare war, suddenly attack, plunder and destroy cities, and so on.
The score is determined based on the outcome of the game. When calculating points, the number of population, the number of created wonders of the world and other criteria are taken into account.
Editor's opinion: There were some funny moments in early versions of Civilization. If one nation was significantly ahead of others in development and began to fight, then its tanks and infantry clashed with knights, swordsmen, crossbowmen and other units of the Middle Ages, and sometimes even antiquity. And often tanks lost when simultaneously attacked by several units of earlier eras. In Civilization VI, the developers have improved the balance, but problems still arise - with a coordinated attack, crossbowmen and catapults can destroy a tank.
The main feature of the game is the opportunity to see the development of civilization, participate in this process and rewrite history. Imagine the Aztecs launching the first satellite into space, the Egyptians building the Pentagon in Cairo, the Romans launching the Stealth bomber.
Within the framework of game mechanics, everything is possible. The latest part of the game was released in 2016, and the continuation should be expected in 2019-2020.
5. Total War
We decided to give fifth place to Total War, a series of historical games where tactics and strategy are organically combined. The series itself contains 10 parts and 7 additions. The first part was created in 2000, and the last one was currently released in 2016 under the name Total War: WARHAMMER.
The main feature of Total War is the transfer in time to a specific era of human development. The plot takes you to Japan during the Warring States era, to Europe during the Napoleonic era, to the Middle Ages and beyond. early times. In the role of Attila you will conquer the European continent, in the role of Charlemagne you will create an invincible empire, in the role of Peter the Great you will bring Russia to the level of the leading world powers.
If we describe Total War in a nutshell, then the most suitable ones are large battles. In addition to capturing cities, establishing economic ties and production cycles, you will fight. War consists of many battles of different sizes, and you will command an army in each of them. Castle sieges, city defense, ambushes and wall-to-wall battles - there is everything that fans of the genre need.
In strategic mode, battles are fought on a global turn-based map, where cities, armies, territorial boundaries, valuable resources and roads are indicated. And in tactical mode, you are transported to the battlefield, to a real terrain with hills, trees, buildings and other landscape details.
If you get tired of constant battles, click “automatic calculation of results.” If your army is greatly superior, the enemy will be defeated without your participation.
But if the forces are equal or the enemy is superior in numbers, then you cannot do without your participation. In the “automatic calculation of the results” you will most likely lose, but in the manual mode there is a chance to win. Moreover, it often happens that a smaller army first defends itself, and then successfully advances and cuts out the fleeing enemy troops - but only if you command the army.
Defeats also happen, where would we be without them. But after each defeat, you will learn to think and make innovative decisions, manage your troops more effectively and skillfully use the features of the landscape.
Let's give an example - if you are defending a city, then you need to sit behind the walls and not make forays. But if the enemy let the army down too quickly, and the siege equipment is only on the way and is slowly moving along the walls, feel free to bring the commander and cavalry units into the attack, try to destroy the siege towers and ram first. Without them, the enemy will not fight much.
In major battles, armies of several thousand people clash. Considering that most armies have maximum amount units (15-20 depending on the version of the game), several units take part in the largest battles maximum size– this is enough to cover half the map with the bodies of fallen warriors.
We could write a lot about Total War, but we will say this - do you want to become King Leonidas and lead the Spartans? So do it. You can take into battle more people than 300 elite fighters. And in the end, kick Xerxes in one place, completely changing the course of history. That's why Total War is in the top five.
4. Halo Wars 2
Fourth place goes to Halo Wars 2, the continuation of the saga about the war between people and alien invaders. The series developed by Microsoft has been trending for more than 15 years. Several dozen books and one film have already been released based on the plot of the game, and this is not the end yet. The series is developing, and after a while we will see a continuation in the form of a shooter, and maybe another film.
And now the background: in the distant future, people populated many planets and controlled a large area of space until they encountered the Covenant empire. The collision took place on the outskirts of “human space” and ended with the destruction of several patrol corvettes and a planet with a population of ten million people.
From that moment on, events developed badly for the people - dozens of lost systems, hundreds of millions of lives lost and the loss of half the fleet. In this situation, K.K.O.N decides to send the colony ship "Spirit of Fire" into an unexplored sector of space for colonization.
Halo Wars 2 begins with people awakening from cryosleep at The Ark, a space structure created by a mysterious ancient race. When landing on a space facility, the soldiers encounter an army of Covenants - the war overtakes the colonists.
Battles break out throughout the “Arch”, both sides lose fighters and equipment. The conflict is developing rapidly, and only you can defeat the enemy.
The gameplay in Halo Wars 2 is not much different from other strategies - building a base, collecting energy and supplies (they can be collected by ordinary soldiers), forming an army and fighting. That said, Halo Wars 2 is a story-driven game where you participate.
The missions have many additional tasks that need to be completed. For example, in one mission you will destroy the enemy with one Spartan with a machine gun, push through power shields and free prisoners - every mission is in this spirit.
Microsoft made not just an RTS, but a strategy with a high budget. The graphics and image quality look amazing - the soldiers, equipment, buildings and other details are made at a very high level. And you will remember the local beauty for a long time. This is a proprietary Halo feature that Microsoft is actively developing.
Halo Wars 2 is a stunningly beautiful strategy game that you can play for hours without stopping. It will be available on Xbox One and PC. However, there is one small drawback. PC owners may feel that tasks end too quickly. I would like to put it in the top three, but in terms of “legendary” it is inferior to more successful strategies. Let's move on to them.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III
We decided to give bronze to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III, an epic strategy about the war between a human empire and other races in space. Since its release in 2004, 3 parts of the game have already appeared, and the last one was released on April 27, 2017.
The world of War Hammer is very large. Everything in it is tied to a fierce confrontation between several races - people, orcs, elves, chaosites, necromancers and other factions. Moreover, each faction has its own policies, troops, development path and other features that make it different from the rest.
The events of the plot unfold on the surface of planets, where representatives of different races collide in a bloody battle. As a result, only one winner remains, and the rest are mercilessly destroyed.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3 was included in the top three, and this is justified - the game is new, made at a very high level, and the plot continues the established traditions of the Warhammer series. The graphics and design of locations and nature, combat vehicles and infantry, buildings and heroes are pleasing to the eye - if you have a widescreen monitor, you will seem to be transported to the distant future. But little has changed in the gameplay - it is still a strategy made in the classic style.
On the battlefield, you will build a base, recruit infantry and build combat vehicles, form units and throw them into battle with the enemy. Try to take into account the vulnerabilities of each soldier or combat vehicle: light combat vehicles lose to heavy ones, anti-tank squads will quickly multiply the coolest tank by zero, but are vulnerable to infantry, and infantry are afraid of snipers and light equipment. Familiar scheme, right?
There is also an interesting feature - for the first time, unique super-heavy warriors have appeared, which turn the battle on its head. The Phantom Knight for the Eldar, the Imperial Knight for the Humans, and the Orc Stomp for the Orcs. But they appear closer to the end of the plot, so you won’t be able to control them for a long time.
Multiplayer - in the classic format 1 on 1, 2 on 2 and so on. It's simple - choose a race, build a base and try to quickly take out your opponents. Well, or they take you out, it all depends on the skill.
Overall, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III is pure excitement. The plot and battles are captivating and literally do not allow you to tear yourself away from the monitor screen. In the heat of battle, you don’t even have time to pay attention to mistakes in the voice acting and phrases of the heroes. For example, imagine orcs speaking normal Russian - a fantastic sight. Bronze is well-deserved, let's move on.
2. StarCraft II
Second place goes to StarCraft II, a popular real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The first part of the game, called Wings of Liberty, was released in 2010, and in 2013 and 2015 the second and third additions Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released.
StarCraft 2 is the main representative of strategy games in eSports. StarCraft championships are held regularly, and the winners receive valuable prizes. Note that the game is inferior in popularity to other representatives of e-sports - CS: GO, Dota 2, League of Legends.
But still, she has millions of fans from different countries, and the first day after the release of Legacy of the Void, sales amounted to more than 1 million. Simply put, StarCraft II remains very popular.
Time and place of action: a distant part of the Milky Way, 26th century. The plot is based on war of three races - protoss, zerg, terrans. Terrans are the descendants of exiled criminals who have severed all ties with their home planet. Zerg are mutated creatures from various planets controlled by the Overmind and the Queen of Blades. Protoss are representatives of a high-tech civilization with psionic abilities.
StarCraft 2 is a classic strategy game. By choosing one of the races, you will build a base and combat units, extract resources, develop technologies, form armies and participate in battles. To win, you must destroy buildings, the main base and destroy all enemies.
For example, if at least one builder survives, then after five or ten minutes of the game you risk running into the second base of the enemy, who will have time to prepare for defense.
In single-player mode, you will follow the storyline, go through 26 missions, meet the main characters and get used to the gameplay. In addition to the plot, you can pass tests that require special ingenuity. If you pass successfully, you will receive a medal. After everything has been completed, you can move on to multiplayer.
Players from the CIS, USA, Asia and Europe can take part in the network game. Here you can make friends, organize a clan (online community), take part in tournaments and get to the big championship. The better your skill, the greater your chances of winning something. If you want to achieve good results, train on different maps, communicate with people and see what professional players are doing.
Starcraft II should be on every fan's list of games. It will remain trendy for a few more years, and then Blizzard will outdo themselves and release the third part. The neighbors have already done this - the example of Diablo is before our eyes. Now let's move on to the winner of our rating.
1. Warcraft III
Gold goes to the legendary game Warcraft III - a real-time strategy and RPG made in the fantasy genre. Blizzard Entertainment developed and released the game in 2002, with sales exceeding 2 million copies in its first month. We put Warcraft III in first place for just one reason, the name of which is that it is the best game in every sense.
Let's be clear: Warcraft established for a long time those principles of RTS and RPG that remain relevant 15 years later. All modern RPGs and MMORPGs with open world one way or another they use the development system laid down by Warcraft 3.
Fantasy races, an interesting plot, combat and magic mechanics - all this is organically combined and makes you return to the game again and again. And it’s no coincidence that World of Warcraft and Dota 2 remain at the top - they continue the genre established in the third Warcraft.
Let us add that the plot of the game was filmed, released in 2016. Box office receipts for several months of release worldwide collected more than $300 million - this is a great success that few can repeat.
We've sorted out the popularity, now let's talk about the gameplay and fundamental differences from other strategies.
Warcraft III is a classic strategy game with RPG elements. Everything is here from strategy: from building a base and recruiting an army, to tactics of battles on the map. You have a small army at your disposal, limited by the number of farms that produce food for it.
Workers mine gold in mines, cut down forests and build structures - barracks, farms, workshops and other buildings. And the RPG component is about leveling up the heroes.
According to the plot, in each task you control a hero who increases the level by destroying the enemy, uses artifacts, and applies powerful abilities and spells. The higher the hero's level, the stronger he is and the more powerful the damage from his abilities.
The plot is based on a bloody confrontation between two races - humans and orcs. There are also night elves, gnomes, undead and other races that influence the balance of power in battle. Someone will be your ally, someone will put up fierce resistance and will be destroyed - it all depends on the chosen side.
Combat actions take place on maps - in locations with forests, rivers, lakes, mines and neutral characters. Image quality may seem a little dated, but it's 2002, when PC requirements were much different. But W3 will work on any computer, plus you can chat online with other people from different countries. There are still enough fans of the game.
Warcraft 3 should be in every strategy fan's favorites. Best of the Best – just like that and no other way. And we are waiting for news about Warcraft 4, rumors have been circulating for two years, but the Bliz remain silent.
Let's sum it up
Despite the fact that the strategy genre is gradually losing ground, worthy strategies like Halo Wars 2 or Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3 still appear. And we see a new trend - developers are trying to make games interesting. The new games feature an exciting plot, well-developed unit models and beautiful location design.
Let's see what happens in two or three years - perhaps we will see a really interesting and exciting strategy and we will definitely write about it. Good luck everyone, bye bye.
On November 8, the presidential elections began in the United States and the associated excitement is an excellent occasion to recall a whole class of strategies in which political intrigue and elections play a key role.
The DTF editors have put together a selection of the 6 best political simulators that you can find on the Steam store. They are all different, but dedicated to the same thing: the ability to control the masses and be an adored leader for them.
The Political Machine 2016
The Political Machine 2016 is the most relevant of the proposed games. This political simulator is entirely dedicated to the current US presidential elections. Here you have to choose from many candidates (or create your own) and lead him to victory. As the fight progresses, you will be immersed in the election routine: flying around the states, giving speeches, making promises, collecting donations and participating in televised debates.
Your challenger, like your opponent, has a wide range of characteristics, such as influence on the media, intelligence and endurance. In addition, he is initially inherent in certain positions on the political spectrum. Of course, playing for Donald Trump, it would be wise to press on the topic of immigration and gun rights, and Hillary in her speeches better not mention the ban on abortion.
In order to win, you will need at least a little knowledge about the political kitchen of the United States. At a minimum, you need to understand what kind of speech to give in a particular state. For example, Texans will lynch a candidate for proposing a ban on civilian guns, and Californians are guaranteed to like the promise of legalizing cannabis.
The Political Machine 2016 was created by Stardock, which previously distinguished itself with such serious and iconic things as Galactic Civilization (parts 2 and 3) and Sins of a Solar Empire. But you shouldn’t expect any depth from the election simulator. This is more of a parody project than a serious strategy. Unfortunately, you can only play as a Democratic or Republican candidate, and the monotonous gameplay will get boring in one evening. But the relevance on the eve of the elections is maximum.
Democracy 3
Democracy 3 can be intimidating with its extremely laconic design. The game looks like a Power Point presentation, but behind this plainness lies a deep and detailed strategy. In a sense, Democracy 3 continues The story Political Machine 2016. But here you have already become president and now you are obliged to do something about it. Your goal is to survive the years of government, make reforms and be re-elected for the next term.
The entire domestic politics your state. Each of the points is one or another reform that can be customized to your liking. Here you are like an operator of a complex mechanism: by moving the sliders in one direction or another, you lead the country to certain results. Different reforms affect different segments of the population, making their lives better or worse. If you want to run for a second term, please do what the electorate expects of you.
Particular depth in Democracy 3 is achieved through mods from the Workshop, which introduce a lot of new reforms, laws, states and social classes into the game. However, everyone who dreamed of trying themselves in the role of an ideal reforming president will be disappointed. Democracy 3 is a political simulator that requires you to be a cynical populist. Only by indulging the greedy and stupid crowd will you be able to be elected for new terms.
Victoria 2
Victoria 2 is one of business cards studio Paradox. In this global strategy game, you can control any of the two hundred states that existed between 1836 and 1936. Of course foreign policy, with its wars, alliances and colonization plays a big role here. But it's the internal politics that make the strategy truly profound.
As a patron of the nation, you need to understand the intricacies of economics and social sphere, constantly maneuvering between different classes and national groups. In addition, the political structure of your country plays a huge role. By carrying out consistent reforms and making decisions (always difficult), you shape the political system and character of your nation. It is the player who decides whether to preserve a despotic monarchy or establish a dictatorship of the proletariat, to intervene in the economy or to follow the path of liberalization.
Elections, especially in the later stages, play a huge role here. Your people, sooner or later, will want to have representatives in power and influence your decisions, whether you want it or not. Ignoring this is dangerous: by starting a rebellion and taking power into their own hands, your subjects can destroy everything that you have worked towards for dozens of hours in the game. But the most interesting thing is that you will continue the game after the revolution, you will just have to deal with a completely different formation. The wishes of the people here are often more important than yours.
Crusader Kings 2
Crusader Kings 2 from the same company Paradox is much more dedicated to the influence of a specific person on history. Here you will play the role of a sovereign who rules a medieval country and his own clan. Your ruler, as well as each vassal, has a unique set of characteristics that makes them individuals. By feuding with each other, concluding marriages and contracts, lobbying for this or that law, all these people influence the policy of the state.
Roughly speaking, Crusader Kings 2 is a small simulator on a global strategic map. But that doesn't mean there aren't many variables involved. Your ruler will have to endure all the hardships of the Middle Ages: building fortresses and cities, fighting plague and barbarians, suppressing uprisings and difficult religious decisions.
You are forced to simultaneously deal with your family, which is weaving intrigues, and with the state, which here is always on the verge of collapse. Having barely accepted Buddhism in Rus' and fought off Tatar-Mongol yoke, you discover that your heir has grown up to be a psychopath and is plotting to overthrow you from your throne. All this makes Crusader Kings 2 the best alternative history generator.
Despite the fact that the setting is the Middle Ages, you will constantly have to deal with elections and votes among your vassals. Firstly, there are republics here with their own unique mechanics, and secondly, the monarch is often elected or depends on the opinion of the lords. Bribery, blackmail, election promises, and simply killing an opponent - Crusader Kings 2 has no equal in roleplaying these situations.
Masters Of The World: Geopolitical Simulator 3
Currently Masters Of The World- the most detailed, reliable and detailed political simulator. Just like in Victoria 2, you try to lead your nation to prosperity while playing on a global map. In order not to turn the country into a hotbed of poverty and crime, you will have to engage in incredibly meticulous micromanagement. He is both the best part of the game and its bane.
On the one hand, being aware of absolutely everything and controlling absolutely all areas of society is incredibly interesting. On the other hand, this makes it drawn out and even monotonous.
Citizens here will not be able to take a single step without your edicts, regulations and laws, so leaving everything to chance is like death. Again, the game is not implemented in the best way: the interface is extremely sloppy and unfriendly, and there are quite a lot of bugs. Overall, Masters Of The World is a very interesting experience in total control of a nation, but at some point it all comes down to trying to keep an initially doomed state afloat.
Tropico 4
Tropico 4 is a colorful strategy dedicated to the everyday life of a Latin American dictator ruling on a remote island in the Caribbean. The entire series is full of humor and satire and at first glance is perceived as a simple city-planning simulator. But behind its carnival atmosphere, many do not notice that it is also an excellent and even very reliable political simulator.
Literally every resident of the island has his own character, class affiliation and political preferences. And all these individuals initially didn’t give a damn about their government.
However, “El Presidente”, in the role of the player, has a large number of mechanisms with which he can influence the situation and rule according to the “divide and conquer” principle. Migration policy, salary levels, intelligence services, bribery of trade unions and legislation - these and many other tools will help you remain in office as a dictator for the rest of your life.
The Tropico series is unique in the sense that it allows for policy implementation at micro and macro levels. Did the edicts to cut food rations go badly? You can independently catch every dissatisfied resident and send him to a concentration camp. Is a school teacher instilling hatred towards authorities in children? “El Presidente” has already been reported, and he will personally go to the school for an explanatory conversation.
Regular elections in the country are a separate attraction that forces the player to resort to tricks, forging votes and bribing voters. As in Democracy 3, without knowing the intricacies of domestic politics, it will be impossible to get re-elected.
26.08.2018 Pavel Makarov
One of the first strategies with the development of civilization was Sid Meier’s Civilization, released in 1991. The game was developed by MPS Labs and published by MicroProse. The player had to develop the chosen people. As the game progresses, you need to study technology, engage in diplomacy, participate in wars and develop the economy. The setting included the historical period from the primitive system to the near future.
Civilization was the game that founded the turn-based grand strategy genre with elements of economic, political and scientific development. Sid Meier's Civilization introduced the concept of a "tech tree" for the first time. In this article, we invite you to get acquainted with modern representatives of the genre of games in which you need to develop your civilization.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Release date: 2010
Genre: global turn-based strategy with the development of civilization
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K
The player's task is to lead his civilization to one of the types of victory. Types of victory in Civilization: military, diplomatic, scientific and cultural. Turn-based strategy (TBS) develops on a global map consisting of hexes. Some hexes are allocated for various resources and improvements. The other part is under the Wonders of the World, city-states or controlled by competitors.
Two major expansions were released for the game: Gods & Kings and Brave New World, introducing significant innovations to the game mechanics. Numerous additions with new civilizations and game maps have also been released.
A special feature of the game is access to a huge number of mods, which can be downloaded through the menu. Fans have created many scenarios, civilizations and maps, the variety of which can satisfy the most demanding tastes.
Some shortcomings include the weakness of the AI (however, common for most strategies), but this pales against the background of the many advantages of this wonderful game. Facts that speak of incredible popularity: more than 10 million copies sold and a Metacritic rating of 90 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Release date: 1999
Genre: tactical strategy with the development of a medieval kingdom
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
This game is a continuation of one of the classic series in the RTS real-time strategy genre. She has won many awards. 2 million copies were sold in the first quarter of sales. The score on Metacritic was 92/100. The player has access to 13 civilizations with their own specifics to control. The Conquerors expansion added five more. There are also 5 companies in the game. Civilization passes through four eras, each of which opens up access to new units and improvements. The gameplay consists of building cities, collecting resources, and creating armies. As a result, it is necessary to defeat opponents by destroying their armies and destroying buildings.
In 2013, the game was re-released in an enhanced HD format, with significantly improved graphics. Later, three more DLCs were released in this format with new civilizations, maps and scenarios.
Forge of Empires
Release date: year 2012
Genre: online strategy with city development
Developer: InnoGames
Publisher: InnoGames
If you are not ready to get so involved in the intertwining of Sid Meier’s Civilization, but want to take people from the Stone Age to a world similar to science fiction, then there is a great option for you in the form of Forge of Empires. There is only one city on your shoulders. The game is available both for PC in the browser and for mobile platforms Android and IOS.
An important part of the gameplay is interaction with players around the world. Neighboring settlements may run away from you, but you are not fooled, you can answer!
Cossacks 3
Release date: 2016
Genre: tactical strategy with base development
Developer: GSC Game World
Publisher: GSC Game World
A remake of the 2001 classic RTS. The player has 12 countries to control, with 70 types of military units, 100 technologies and more than 140 historical buildings. Gameplay takes place in 17th and 18th century Europe, with units and weapons to match.
Cossacks 3 - screenshots
The peculiarity of the game is huge crowds of armies rushing across the map and being destroyed by the thousands in brutal, fast-paced battles. To win, army control must be combined with skillful management - the extraction of key resources and the construction of the necessary buildings.
For our time, the gameplay of Cossacks 3 is somewhat outdated, but for fans of the classics it can provide pleasant moments.
Total War: Rome II
Release date: year 2013
Genre: global strategy with the development of ancient civilization
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: SEGA
Total War is one of the most famous series of PC games, familiar to every strategy lover. In this genre, only the Civilization series is on its level. Rome II is the eighth game in Total War, and one of the most successful. It combines the strategic mode on the global map, in which they deal with macro-management of resources, movements, assignments, with the tactical one, in which battles take place.
The company begins in 272 BC. and is designed for 300 years. The game features 117 different factions fighting across a huge map of 173 regions, spanning Asia, Africa and Europe.
The main types of troops of the Ancient World (cavalry, infantry, elephants, etc.) fight directly on the battlefield, taking into account the historical specifics of different factions (Greek phalanx, Roman legions, etc.). There are different types of battles available (siege, river battles, etc.), in which thousands of units fight.
Except exciting game Rome II offers a wealth of material on the history of the ancient world, especially its military part.
Stronghold Kingdoms
Release date: year 2012
Genre: online strategy with the development of a medieval state
Developer: FireFly Studios
Publisher: FireFly Studios
What is it like to manage a medieval castle? Stronghold Kingdoms tries to give the most simple but honest answer to this - this MMORTS (a genre that combines real-time strategy and multiplayer functionality) gives, although simplified, a complete idea of how to maintain your fortress with knights and dysentery.
One of the characteristic features of the game is that your successful passage depends not only on defeating computer antagonists, but also on interactions with other real gamers over the network.
Rise of Nations
Release date: 2003
Genre: turn-based strategy with RPG elements and non-linear plot
Developer: Big Huge Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
The game is similar in mechanics to Total War, combining strategic actions on a global map with direct command of troops in battle mode. Visually, it is much poorer than Total War, and in the field of combat and strategy it is inferior to this classic.
The player takes control of one of 18 nations, which he leads to victory through 8 historical eras of development. About 100 different units are available to him, and each faction has its own unique fighters.
In 2014, a re-release of the game was released, with updated graphics and multiplayer.
Europa Universalis IV
Release date: year 2013
Genre: global strategy with the development of civilization during the Renaissance
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Global strategy from Paradox, one of the leading strategy developers.
The game covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the Early Modern era.
Gaming takes place taking into account real historical events (geographical discoveries, etc.). To achieve victory, the player must skillfully combine trade, diplomacy, colonization and military action.
The game features a strong Paradox-style strategy component, with a comparatively poor military component. There are no tactical battles, and the game only takes place on the global map. In this form, the game is similar to chess.
The “trick” of Europa Universalis IV is that the process depends on random events, both positive and negative, that are generated every year.
Vikings: War of Clans
Release date: 2015
Genre: MMO strategy with the development of a Viking settlement
Developer: Plarium
Publisher: Plarium
If you often watch videos on YouTube, then you have long known that if strategies from the nineties and early 2000s are dear to your heart, you should definitely try Vikings: War of Clans. Such intrusive, monotonous advertising can discourage anyone from trying out the game.
But for some reason, there are several times more people playing it than there ever were Vikings. And all because this is a thoughtful military strategy in which you equally get pleasure from profitable alliances with other players and from the thoughtless plunder of their lands.
Release date: year 2012
Genre: global strategy with the development of your own dynasty in the setting of medieval Europe
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Another global strategy from Paradox, covering the Medieval period, from 1066 to 1453.
The peculiarity of the game is that it is a simulator of a dynasty, and not of a civilization or state. The player, using wars, marriages and murders, works hard on the global map to achieve the success of his dynasty and eliminate competitors.
14 DLCs have already been released, adding new dynasties, events and expanding the period of the game.
The game has similar strengths and weaknesses to Europa Universalis IV: a strong strategic component with advanced AI combined with a poor military component.
Throne: Kingdom At War
Release date: 2016
Genre: MMO strategy with the development of a medieval kingdom
Developer: Plarium
Publisher: Plarium
The world of Throne: Kingdom At War can be described as an abstract, fascinating Middle Ages without inquisitions, but with knights. In the game you create a Hero, and everything depends on him - he improves your possessions and controls your soldiers in battles.
Once upon a time, in the fictional kingdom of Amaria, a wise monarch ruled everything. But his death plunged everything into chaos, and the Hero is one of the fighters for control of his domain. You can explore new lands and conquer the rebellious. Anything until you yourself are overthrown.
Release date: 2010
Genre: global strategy with the development of civilization in the modern era
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Development
Another global strategy from Paradox. The game is more aimed at diligent fans. The player needs to spend many hours on political and economic decisions.
The player controls the state, combining its political, diplomatic, economic, military and technological aspects. The period of the game is 1836-1936. The game spans the entire Earth, with over 200 playable countries.
Victoria II is more focused on developing economic relations. The game has complex system with more than 50 types of goods and factories, the prices of which are determined by millet and supply. In the realm of politics and diplomacy, the player interacts with 8 different types of governments and 7 ideologies. The military component, for which 20 types of ground and naval forces are responsible, is less important than in its counterparts.
Grand Ages Medieval
Release date: 2015
Genre: real-time strategy with the development of the economy of the Medieval state
Developer: Gaming Minds Studios
Publisher: Kalypso Media Digital
Not a very successful attempt to cross RTS with TBS. State governance is carried out on a global map in real time. The emphasis is on the economy, combat is less important. The factions are almost the same from each other, the battles are very boring, the only heavily developed part is trade. To build a strong economy, you need to carefully monitor commodity prices, compare alternatives, deal with logistics and trade protection.
Grand Ages Medieval can be called a trading strategy, to which war and other components were added “for show”.
Medieval II: Total War
Release date: 2006
Genre: global military strategy in the setting of medieval Europe
Developer: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Publisher: SEGA
The fourth game in the Total War series, one of the pinnacles of the strategy genre.
The game covers the Middle Ages; There are 17 factions available in the company. In the process, it is necessary not only to fight competitors, but also to take into account global events corresponding to historical periods. For example, the invasions of the Mongols and Timur. Religion plays an important role on the global map. For example, the Pope may excommunicate you and declare a crusade against you. If the population of recently subjugated territories professes a religion different from yours, then there is a high probability of uprisings.
The system of agents responsible for the spread of religions, espionage and other components of victory has also been fully implemented. Decisive battles are best carried out manually, rather than using automatic calculation, and here you can notice that the game engine has been improved in Medieval II. The soldiers received individual content and a variety of combat techniques. This visually distinguishes the battles from the “clone wars” of previous games in the series.
In addition to our article, we suggest watching a detailed video review about other strategies on PC with the development of civilization, including settings from the primitive period to modern days.
The term 4X (global strategy) appeared, we explored, expanded, exploited and destroyed (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) - that is, we lived in fantasy worlds. The genre has been experiencing something of a renaissance over the last five years, and while it's great to have options, you shouldn't mindlessly grab everything.
Not every grand strategy title is a game for everyone, so I've taken a look at all the major titles that have come out over the past few years and tried to summarize why you might (or might not) want to play them.
Make your move
Let's start with something unusual. Dominions 5 is a 4X game about warrior gods and their fantastic armies. At the very beginning of the game you create a deity. This deity may take the form of a furious dragon or magic stone. Step by step, you gather armies, recruit wizards to search for apocalyptic spells, and distract the attention of the other gods.
The graphics in the game are, let’s say, old school. You'll need to scour the community files to find a decent custom map. But if you do this, and also read the instructions for the game, you will get a detailed strategy that creates crazy stories. In 4X games I'm used to controlling spaceships and cavalry, but only in the Dominions game I can send friendly troops of satyrs, wyverns, elemental spirits and ghosts against the Atlanteans. After a few trial games, you should be able to beat the AI in the game without any problems. But the game really shines in multiplayer.
Who is the game suitable for?: People are willing to put up with poor graphics in order to get a detailed magic system and control over great and diverse factions.
A unique blend of 4X and real-time, Rebellion has a faster pace than the rest of the list. Not only is it a standalone expansion, but it's also an improved version of Sins, so you don't have to worry about finding the original.
Who is the game suitable for?: For current RTS fans who want to get into 4X, and gamers who like to hit the ground running while maintaining a high pace of play. However, some home turn-based generals may find it a bit chaotic.
This turn-based fantasy grand strategy revolves around the characters Heroes and a faction leader called the sovereign, who can undertake RPG-style quests and is involved in many aspects of management beyond just combat.
Who is the game suitable for?: Fans of classic RPGs will feel right at home thanks to the local quest system, while customizable fantasy armies will likely attract the attention of fans of Warhammer and Hordes miniatures.
One of the most interesting features universe of Endless Space (and its sequel). Much depends on ancient empire, known as Endless, and the quasi-magical Dust they left behind.
Who is the game suitable for?: A good entry point into space 4X, yet still able to challenge experienced players, and a compelling story for anyone interested in a good story beyond galactic domination.
If we crowned the autocrat of global strategies, there would be few competitors in the struggle for the throne. Take and lead one of the civilizations through the centuries from antiquity to modern times, trying to achieve different victory conditions - there is simply no equal in this famous series.
Who is the game suitable for?: Given the release of Civ 6, it's hard to recommend its predecessor, but the "five" often appears on sale at ridiculously low prices, so if you're not sure that you'll like the series, give it a try without dropping the full price on the new product. It is rightfully called a great game, especially the “Brave New World” add-on.
While most of the other games on our list place the player in a randomly generated world or galaxy, EU4 recreates an unusually deep model of the Earth from 1444 to 1821. You can lead any nation on the planet, from France to the Comanches, leading them through centuries of colonization, exploration and technological discovery.
Who is the game suitable for?: Considering the high praise the game has received, it's easier to say who it won't suit. The complexity of the simulation and the intricate systems of trade, war and diplomacy can be intimidating for newcomers to grand strategy games, but EU4's interface and tips do everything to help you get involved in the process and feel at least comfortable in it.
Take on the role of a demigod, fighting with your kin for control of the fragments remaining from a destroyed world. Eador is another 4X game that is difficult to categorize, since it contains 4X, RPG, and even tactical elements step by step elements, similar to board games.
Who is the game suitable for?: Eador's greatest strength is how it's structured compared to other grand strategy games. The game world is broken down into shards, each of which is a smaller version of the strategy map in games like Total War or , giving you the opportunity to enjoy something different from the standard huge maps or masses of static planets in the vastness of space.
Having transferred the formula, you are given the role of head of the first human colony on the alien planet, where you will have to lead its development and compete with other colonial concerns. The game mechanics will seem very familiar to you if you've played Civ 5.
Who is the game suitable for?: In my opinion, this is not a very good departure from the Civilization series, since Beyond Earth lacks the elements that made its relatives successful. Although there is enough cool stuff, like a non-linear technical system that allows you to develop your futuristic technology in many different directions, the game feels like a big-budget Civ 5 mod, and is unable to hold the player's attention for more than a couple of dozen hours.
Much like its sci-fi counterpart Endless Space, the epic story of Endless Legend is set in a richly detailed world with its own characters and backstory. Civilizations are highly customizable, and each has its own distinctive capabilities.
Who is the game suitable for?: Based on the time-tested elements of 4X, it was not afraid to go bigger and mix them up in a way that even old players who were already tired of the genre became interested. In addition, EL will be welcomed by those who are eager to explore a superbly crafted fantasy world in a new and interesting setting.
Warlock is very close to how I imagined a high-quality reworking of Civilization in a fantasy way. All the neutral factions on the map serve a greater purpose than just being an annoyance at the very beginning of the game.
Who is the game suitable for?: Due to its relative simplicity and adherence to genre templates, Warlock is a good first step for those who want to join the ranks of fantasy grand strategy fans. In addition, it has good humor, in comparison with such more severe and majestic colleagues as Endless Legend and Fallen Enchantress.
Allowing you to explore the stars in real time with the ability to pause, Distant Worlds boasts one of the strongest models of civilian economy (able to run on autopilot while you manage political objectives) that I have seen in a grand strategy game.
Who is the game suitable for?: In addition to being an overall great 4X strategy game, Distant Worlds is able to attract those players who value the ability to explore. The strategy succeeds where many other sci-fi games have failed: here space truly feels endless.
Like Sins of a Solar Empire, this game can also be written into 4X/RTS hybrids. It stands out for its deeply developed systems of diplomacy and planetary development.
Who is the game suitable for?: Star Ruler 2 is close to the maximum in its difficulty, and the huge amount of minute control of systems available to the player looks simply intimidating for a beginner. However, if you're a fan of massively animated space battles, the game may be worth the candle.
A contender for the title of “blockbuster” among global strategies, GalCiv III is by far the most polished and expensive project.
Who is the game suitable for?: If you're tired of the monotonous victory conditions, then one of the biggest positive changes that appeared in the series was the transformation of "victory" into a set of goals from which you can choose the appropriate one, which greatly diversifies the gameplay.
The first truly global strategy transferred to space. Stellaris takes the historic Paradox formula to the stars, allowing you to control the military, political and economic aspects of your space empire.
Who is the game suitable for?: Fans of grand strategy games will feel right at home in Stellaris, but players accustomed to more traditional 4X games will need to take some time to get the hang of it. The game focuses much more heavily on politics, and elements like the form of government and the will of citizens play a significant role in it.
The most recent incarnation of the famous series doesn't have a lot of innovation, but it still plays well, justifying the decent price with big-name voice actors.
Who is the game suitable for?: Despite its novelty, MoO is a typical global strategy, since its predecessor in 1996, improved only by new graphics. An excellent start for absolute beginners, and even seasoned ones get a shiver when John de Lancie cries about the war that is brewing between his empire and yours.
The game is based on best ideas its predecessor, this time offering even more unique stories for each of the interstellar empires.
Who is the game suitable for?: By this point on the list, it should come as no surprise that true connoisseurs of interactive storytelling should pounce on anything with the word “Endless” in its name. Endless Space 2 is perhaps a better introduction to the genre than the first game, as it has greatly improved the way it delivers immediately relevant information to the player.
Civilization has emerged from its cocoon to reveal the most incredible transformation and fresh approach in the history of the series. Plus, Sean Bean is there.
Who is the game suitable for?: Yes for anyone who likes . What can you add about Civ 6 that hasn't already been said? Even the most seasoned veterans of the series will find many new challenges and opportunities in it, but the game remains one of the most beginner-friendly grand strategy games.
Warhammer 40,000 series
Release date: 1992-2011
Genre: Real-time strategy
The Warhammer 40,000 series is the most popular and one of the best-selling games. Fans are constantly waiting for the release new game. The most famous is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player selects a race (Imperial Guard, Space Marines, Tau, Necrons, Orcs, Chaos, Eldar; new races appear with each game) for which he wants to play, after which he selects a place on the planet or planets that he wants to capture and fights with the race that owns it earth.
The battle takes place in real time on the terrain where the battle takes place. Players capture special points that give influence and build generators that provide energy; these resources are used to build structures, troops and make improvements. Each race has its own troops, super units and heroes and abilities. The goal of the game in the campaign is to capture all the lands and become the patron of all lands.
Civilization Series
Release date: 1991-2013
Genre: Global turn-based strategy
In Civilization, a complete model of human development has been created from the most ancient times to the present day. The player must create and develop his mighty empire, among other competitors, the condition for victory may be a military victory over everyone, victory on points, The game ends in 2050 either by culture or build spaceship and fly off to Alpha Centauri. The strength and development of civilization consists of the development and creation of new cities, the creation of production of troops in cities, scientific and military research. You can also create wonders of the world in the game.
For civilization to flourish, the player must be able to focus and balance between scientific progress, building military power, replenishment of the treasury, development of infrastructure and culture, diplomatic contacts and trade with other civilizations. The player can take part in historical events that took place, control leaders such as Stalin, Napaleon, Ramses II, Catherine II and so on. It's hard to say which of the series is the best. Some say that part is the best, others say the fourth. Adherents of graphics claim that the fifth is the best of this series.
Warcraft III
Genre: real-time strategy with RPG elements
Popularly, the so-called "Varik" was one of the most anticipated games: more than 4.5 million pre-orders and more than one million copies of the game sold in less than a month, making it the fastest selling computer game. The game received a large number of positive reviews, many publications celebrated the game with the titles “ Best game of the Year" and "Best Strategy of the Year". The game also received high marks from players.
There are 4 races in the game: Alliance (humans), Undead, Horde (Orcs) and Night Elves. Each race has its own unique heroes, who gain experience and a new level in battles. With each level, new hero abilities are unlocked. Heroes can also buy or pick up items from killed mobs that improve combat characteristics heroes and the troops surrounding him. On different maps, players capture gold mines and extract timber, use these resources to build a base and units and improve their characteristics.
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Genre: Turn-based strategy with RPG elements
Heroes of Might and Magic III is a turn-based fantasy game, the third part of the series has become a cult favorite and has gained many fans around the world. Despite the now outdated graphics, it is still played by thousands of players around the world. The fourth and fifth parts of the game came out with better graphics and improved gameplay, so if you are not a fan of old games and love graphics, then it is best to play the latest parts.
The player travels across the global map with heroes who control mythical creatures, exploring new lands, capturing cities and fighting enemies. On the map, the player moves only one hero and can only walk a certain distance or do one or more actions, after which he misses a turn and the computer-controlled enemies make their move. By attacking enemies, you move into combat mode, the army of enemies and your army of creatures stand opposite each other, moving combat units in turn to destroy the enemies. As cities develop, new opportunities and spells can be discovered. Hire troops.
StarCraft II
Genre: real time strategy
StarCraft II is the second part of the cult first part, released back in 1998. The second part of the game became the most anticipated game of the year due to the great popularity of the first part and fully met its expectations among players. Many Russian and foreign gaming portals gave the game scores of over 9 points out of 10. In the player rating it received 9.3 points.
The plot of the game and all the actions take place in the distant future, or more precisely the 26th century in a remote part of the Milky Way galaxy. The three races of Terran, Zerg, and Protoss are opposed to each other. Players extract two types of resources: minerals and vespene gas, which they then use to build buildings and hire combat units. The main task is to destroy the enemy base. Each type of unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, so to destroy certain types of enemy troops you need to hire troops that are good at destroying them.
Series Total War is the best Rome: Total War
Genre: turn-based grand strategy, real-time strategy
Total War rus. “Total War” is a series of games that already has seven games and various additions. Different games cover different historical periods and states. The most popular and iconic is Rome: Total War, released in 2004. The action takes place in Ancient Rome during the Republic period from 270 BC. e. up to 14 AD e. For example, Shogun: Total War takes place in Japan Shogun: Total War in the 16th century, where reigning dynasties oppose each other. Empire: Total War - during the European colonial wars and so on.
The gameplay of the game is very similar to Civilization. The player controls troops, cities and settlements on a global point. After completing all actions, the player misses a turn, after which the AI-controlled competitors make their move. If you or your enemy attack each other, then you move to the tactical map, where you control all your troops in real mode, attacking them and placing them in convenient positions on the map.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1,2,3
Release date: 1996 and 2000
Genre: Real-time strategy
Red Alert is a game that was released in the last century and captured the minds and souls of gamers around the world; thousands of people still play it, more than 30 million copies sold. The game takes place in an alternate history, where Allied troops defend Europe from an aggressive Soviet Union. The player can choose one of two warring parties: Alliance or USSR. Accordingly, the goal of the game for the Allies is to stop Stalin before he takes over the whole world, for the USSR - to achieve the complete capture of Europe. Depending on the side chosen, the player's victory results in one of two alternative endings.
Battles in the game take place both on land, on water and in the air. Each side can have its own base and can train ground forces, air forces and navies. Each side also has unique features. The game mechanic is that now even a simple infantryman can destroy a tank. A tank can easily destroy a machine-gun pillbox; a small group of grenade launchers can just as easily deal with a tank if it is not covered by anti-personnel equipment or its own infantry, which forced the use of different types of troops in battle.
Europa Universalis series of games
Release date: 2000-2013
Genre: turn-based global strategy,
Continues the series of global strategies Europa Universalis. Like previous games in the series, the third part invites you to lead one of the states of the world . The essence of the game: to develop national ideas that give the game power certain advantages; As new government technologies are discovered, it becomes possible to choose one of the national ideas. The game takes place in real time, but the player’s reaction speed is not required, since the game can be paused at any time. The game takes place on a schematically depicted world map, divided into more than 1,500 sea and land provinces.
The player can take control of any country that existed during this historical period (about 200 states in total). Under his control are the country's economy, the formation and management of armies and navies, diplomacy, the introduction of new technologies, the internal politics of the state, changing the state religion and the colonization of new lands.
A special feature of the game is its connection to real story(I note that in the third part of the series it is no longer tied to history and the gameplay is more free); there are historical rulers predetermined for each country, each of whom has certain abilities that influence the game, real-life commanders (such as Suvorov or Napoleon I Bonaparte), pioneers, explorers and sailors (such as Columbus, Ermac and Ferdinand Magellan ), as well as historical events that usually occur in the same country and at the same time as in real history (for example, in 1517 an event occurs that makes it possible to convert to Protestantism)
Company of Heroes 1.2
Release date: 2006
Genre: Real-time strategy
The gameplay of Company of Heroes is very similar to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player commands entire squads of fighters, but there are some unique units. Each unit has a life scale (not an individual fighter), and if the unit’s lives are damaged when the unit is damaged, the entire unit dies. The player can equip infantry units with various weapons, choosing which weapon is more promising in battle. After the death of a squad, weapons remain that can be picked up and equipped with them for another squad. This even applies to stationary type weapons such as anti-tank guns, heavy machine guns and mortars.
Each side in the game is divided into three unique directions - infantry, airborne and tank for the Americans and defensive, offensive and propaganda for the Germans, advancement in which gives access to new combat units and attacks (for example, a stormtrooper raid). Another important difference is that squads and units in the game have three levels of experience. After destroying an enemy, a new level is obtained that increases the damage, speed, health, armor or viewing range of the combat unit, depending on its type.
There are three types of resources in the Game: weapons, fuel and personnel. Personnel are used to construct buildings, recruit new combat units, both infantry and armored vehicles, fuel, in turn, to build buildings and armored vehicles, and weapons - to provide units with additional weapons, such as a grenade launcher, for artillery and air strikes, or for to give your equipment new capabilities. Replenishment of resources is carried out using checkpoints.
Age of Empires III
Genre: Real-time strategy
Age of Empires III is a strategy that has earned worldwide recognition due to its innovative and exciting gameplay. Age of Empires received big ratings on gaming portals and magazines. A special feature of this game is its well-developed artificial intelligence (the opponent is controlled by a computer). The player controls one of the powers (Great Britain, Prussia, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Russian empire, Ottoman Empire, France), which set off to conquer the new world (America).
The main action takes place in the colonies, on a map familiar to such games, but now each power has hometown in the Old World. He serves the sole purpose of helping his colony. There are three resources in the game: food, wood and money. Which produce various buildings. Transitions between eras, five eras: exploration, colonization, fortresses, industrial and empire. He trains military academies, bandages soldiers and sends them to colonies. The infantry depends on the nationality of the city, for the Spaniards it will be rodellers, and for the Russians it will be archers and Cossacks. The academy is also improving the parameters of the troops.
Battles take place in real time. The maximum size of a detachment and group of soldiers highlighted by a “frame” is 50 units. The shooting infantry has four formations: a regular line, which is convenient for firing in salvos, a sparse formation, which reduces losses from artillery fire, hand-to-hand combat and square. Melee infantry has three formations, two of the same, melee and square, and a circular formation to cover the riflemen. The cavalry learned three formations - the same close combat and square, as well as an offensive mode with reduced speed, but with damage inflicted over an area.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Genre: Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics, Tactical RPG
The game is a remake (remake) of a popular and old game X-COM: UFO Defense, released back in 1993. Aliens attack planet Earth and begin an alien invasion. The game is played on behalf of the commander of the secret international organization XCOM (unit for combating aliens), which has the most advanced technologies, weapons and scientific developments of mankind. It employs the best specialists in the world - military men and scientists. The organization must conduct military operations against aliens that threaten the existence of human civilization.
The player is provided with the central XCOM base, from which the strategic management of the organization is carried out: monitoring the actions of aliens on the global world map using a satellite network, distributing funding for the development of scientific and technical potential, arming and deploying interceptors to destroy flying saucers, as well as conducting combat operations against aliens using existing fighters in ground skirmishes. The base is presented to the player in the form of an “ant farm” - a section of soil that allows you to look at the premises from the side.
In Tactical combat, fighters perform up to two actions in turn - running, shooting, throwing a grenade, using a first aid kit. Each fighter has only three characteristics: accuracy, willpower and health points.
After the first promotion in rank, a soldier receives a specialization. This could be an attack aircraft, a sniper, a heavy infantryman or a support soldier.
Homeworld
Genre: real time strategy
Well-developed graphics and three-dimensional gaming space - the implementation of six degrees of freedom (you can view the battlefield, the battle fleet from different angles) of the movement of game objects and the presence of thoughtful fleet management in three dimensions. A rich and complex plot that gradually reveals itself during the game. In the next game mission, the player receives the fleet with which he completed the previous one.
At the beginning of the game, the player can choose a fleet of two races, Kushan or Taidan: this does not affect the further plot in any way, only the combat units change. A key feature of both the Kushan and Taidan navies is the presence of a main mothership that serves as the main base of operations. The mothership has its own weapons and a hyperdrive, which allows it to overcome significant space.
The entire space fleet is divided into a combat fleet and a support fleet. The support fleet includes special ships, such as a resource collector and controller, a research ship, a probe, a stealth ship detector ship, and a gravity well generator. The combat fleet is divided into classes: Small ships - fighters, corvettes, Heavy ships - frigates, Super-heavy ships, Flagships.
Stronghold game series
Release date: 2001-2014
Genre: real time strategy
The game system of all games in the series is based on an economic simulator of a medieval city or castle. The games have a number of unique parameters that are typical only for games in the Stronghold series. Thus, in the first Stronghold, the “popularity” parameter was introduced for the first time, affecting the performance and population size. The combat system is standard for strategies - direct control of groups of units. The economic component is one of the main ones in the games of the series. There are quite complex and long production chains. As a rule, in the games of the series, more attention is paid to the economic rather than the military component of medieval castles.
All games in the series, except Stronghold Kingdoms, have campaigns (a series of story-related missions) and a map editor mode. Stronghold has a single campaign, while other games have multiple campaigns.
All games except Stronghold and Stronghold Kingdoms allow you to play against computer opponents on a selected map. Stronghold and Stronghold 2 have a siege mode (siege or defend a castle without running an economy). In the first games in the series (up to and including Stronghold 2) there is a free construction mode (running an economy without war).
Spore
Genre: Real-time strategy, god simulator
Spore game is a simulator of the evolution of life on the planet, as well as a strategy and space simulator. The goal of the game is to develop a creature from a microorganism to an advanced space race. While progressing through the game, it is possible to make changes to the creature, improving its characteristics. Also, as it develops, the player will independently create various equipment and buildings, or choose ready-made options from the catalog.
At the beginning of the game, the player takes control of a microorganism living in an aquatic environment. At this stage of the game - To survive, the microorganism needs to feed on pieces of meat or algae, and also try not to be eaten by other carnivorous creatures. When food is eaten, the cell grows and turns into a microorganism. After which the creature gets out to the ground, where it also develops. Over time, under your leadership there will be a tribe, civilization and space that you will have to manage.
Ground Control 1.2
Release date: 2000, 2004
Genre: Tactical real-time strategy
This game was the forefront of its genre and won many awards. Ground Control has 3D graphics and a freely rotating camera, allowing the player to view the battle from any angle. The game completely lacks resource collection, base development and research. The player's goal is to control a limited number of combat units and perform various tasks with their help.
The main goal of the game is to destroy enemy troops and buildings using the terrain features and the strengths of your own army. Combat units include various types of armored vehicles, aircraft and soldiers, delivered to the battlefield by orbital shuttles. After the start of the next mission, the player cannot call for reinforcements, which requires careful selection of units and their configuration before the battle.
The most important element of the game is the requirement for a tactical approach in any situation. Each squad has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. Combat units are united into squads. The player can only give orders to units, although the units themselves will fight and take damage separately. There are four categories of units: infantry, armor, support, and aviation. The player can choose the configuration of each individual unit before the battle. For example, a Craven Corporation tank squad can exist in four configurations: reconnaissance, light, main, and heavy. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so different configurations are suitable for different tasks.
Tiberium Command & Conquer series
Release date: 1995-2010
Genre: Real time strategy
a series of successful computer games with the highest sales among strategy series. The game takes place in an alternative time reality, conditionally modern to ours, in which there is a war all over the world between two global groups - the international UN troops united in the Global Defense Initiative, and the military-religious Brotherhood of Nod, led by its charismatic leader Kane, fighting for possession of the alien substance Tiberium, slowly spreading throughout the planet.
The gameplay of the game is based on the principle of collecting resources, building a base, destroying the enemy. The only source of money (credits) in the game is Tiberium. Another important resource in the game is electricity, produced only by power plants. The various structures and units produced by the player collectively form a technological tree, in which access to technologically more advanced, and therefore more expensive, structures and units. The base can be protected by various structures, including defensive fortifications.