Real-time strategy (RTS) games have been a popular video game genre since the 1990s, offering players the chance to build and manage virtual empires while dealing with real-time decision making and complex gameplay mechanics. Classic games include Age of Empires II, Starcraft, and Warcraft III, and modern games include Starcraft II, Company of Heroes 2, and Total War: Three Kingdoms. The genre continues to evolve and expand with new games like Age of Empires IV and Warcraft III: Reforged approaching. The future of the RTS genre is bright with innovative indie titles like Tooth and Tail and Northgard.
Exploring the World of Real-Time Strategy Games: A Comprehensive Review
Real-time strategy (RTS) games have been a popular genre of video games since the 1990s, offering players the chance to build and manage their own virtual empires while contending with the challenges of real-time decision making and complex gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a fan of classic RTS games like Age of Empires, Starcraft, or Warcraft, or you’re interested in exploring the latest offerings in the genre, this comprehensive review will give you an overview of the biggest and best RTS games on the market today.
Classic Real-Time Strategy Games
The RTS genre got its start in the early 1990s, with the release of games like Dune II and Command & Conquer. These early games set the template for what would become the classic RTS formula – a mix of resource management, base-building, and tactical combat. Some of the most popular classic RTS games include:
Age of Empires II
Released in 1999, Age of Empires II remains one of the most beloved RTS games of all time, offering a deep and engaging historical campaign as well as a robust multiplayer mode. The game’s resource management system and worker units make for a satisfying and immersive experience, while the intricate fighting mechanics and strategic unit placements keep battles exciting and challenging.
Starcraft
Released in 1998, Starcraft is a sci-fi classic that still holds up to this day. The game’s three distinct factions – Terran, Zerg, and Protoss – offer a variety of unique gameplay experiences, while the game’s complex build orders and micromanagement make it a popular choice for competitive play. The game’s single-player campaign and unique storyline also add to its enduring appeal.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Released in 2002, Warcraft III was another classic RTS game that helped shape the genre for years to come. The game’s emphasis on hero units and RPG-style progression, along with its deep lore and memorable storyline, made it a fan favorite. The game’s multiplayer mode also offered a unique twist on the classic RTS formula with its incorporation of MOBA-style gameplay mechanics.
Modern Real-Time Strategy Games
In the decades since the release of these classic RTS games, the genre has continued to evolve and expand, with new games introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in real-time strategy gameplay. Here are some of the most notable modern RTS games:
Starcraft II
Released in 2010, Starcraft II is the long-awaited sequel to the iconic original game. The game maintains the same three factions and many of the same mechanics as the original, while introducing new units, structures, and gameplay mechanics. The game’s multiplayer mode remains a popular choice for esports competitions, while the single-player campaign has been praised for its storytelling and level design.
Company of Heroes 2
Released in 2013, Company of Heroes 2 is a World War II-themed RTS game that emphasizes tactical combat and strategic decision making. The game’s attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a standout in the genre, while the game’s dynamic weather system and destructible environments add another layer of complexity to the gameplay.
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Released in 2019, Total War: Three Kingdoms is a grand strategy game set during China’s Han dynasty. The game’s expansive campaign mode and deep strategy mechanics, along with its stunning visuals and epic battles, have won it widespread critical acclaim. The game’s emphasis on diplomacy and character relationships also add a unique twist to the classic RTS formula.
The Future of Real-Time Strategy Games
The RTS genre has come a long way since its early days, and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon. With new games like Age of Empires IV and Warcraft III: Reforged on the horizon, as well as innovative indie titles like Tooth and Tail and Northgard, the future of the genre is looking bright. Whether you’re a hardcore RTS fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of real-time strategy games.