10 Canceled Strategy Games That Could Have Changed Everything

Summary

• Many promising RTS games with unique mechanics never saw the light of day due to lack of funding and publisher support.
• Concepts like switching between RTS and FPS views or blending shooter elements with RTS mechanics were explored by developers.
• Games like Team Buddies 2 and Fate of the Dragon 2 offered interesting twists on the traditional RTS genre, but were ultimately cancelled.

When people come across the term RTS (Real-Time Strategy), they’re likely to recall timeless games like StarCraft, Age of Empires, and Command & Conquer, as these titles have significantly molded the genre through innovative features such as build orders and counters. Yet, during the strategy game craze of the 2000s and early 2010s, numerous developers and publishers endeavored to experiment with fresh mechanics and ideas within the RTS genre.

Despite various innovative approaches to the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre like transitioning between RTS and First-Person Shooter (FPS) views, adapting RTS mechanics for smaller consoles, or blending RTS with Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements, many potential games became stuck in development limbo. Yet, even though these games may never be released, it’s intriguing to explore what unique features they might have brought had they been completed.

10. State Of Crisis

A Thrilling RTS Take On The FPS

When the phrase “employ devices for synchronizing attacks in real-time” is mentioned, it’s often associated with the Rainbow Six series – a first-person shooter (FPS) game that mastered the “tactical” aspect of its design. In the 2010s, as FPS innovations were all the rage, the game State of Crisis sought to push boundaries: it granted players complete command over a squad, not just dictating basic actions to AI teammates, but enabling them to act autonomously until the player steps in.

As an avid gamer, I’d be thrilled to delve into “State of Crisis.” This game offers an immersive experience where you can seamlessly transition to a tactical map, coordinating with your allies in real-time. The excitement doesn’t stop there! You can manipulate the environment by controlling electronics, from dimming lights to summoning laser strikes. However, these gadgets and ammo come at a cost—resources, which are limited and doled out during missions, adding another layer of strategy reminiscent of Real-Time Strategy games. Regrettably, Darkworks failed to secure a publisher for “State of Crisis,” resulting in its unfortunate cancellation.

9. Galaxy’s End

A Side-Scrolling RTS For The PSP

Despite the PlayStation Portable being quite a powerful handheld device, there haven’t been many real-time tactical games available for it. However, Galaxy’s End appears to be a promising Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game for this small console, based on its brief trailer. In Galaxy’s End, settlers arrive on a new planet and must battle against an existing threat, which includes mecha soldiers armed with shields, bipedal laser robots, and tanks. Unlike most RTS games, Galaxy’s End seems to be a top-down side scroller, where conflicts with enemies usually take place on the middle to right side of the map while players build their units and structures on the left side.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Galaxy’s End, but unfortunately, it seems the project didn’t receive enough financial backing to complete its full development. Tiki Games, the studio behind this space epic, shared that they simply couldn’t afford to fully develop Galaxy’s End due to uncertainties about whether there would be a substantial audience interested in purchasing a downloadable title within the PlayStation Store at the time. I stumbled upon an old forum post (though the original website is now gone) where Tiki Games elaborated on their financial constraints, explaining that they had to shelve the game because of insufficient funding.

8. Team Buddies 2

Worms Meets Shooters Meets RTS

When Team Buddies was launched on PlayStation, it presented a rather unusual concept: imagine a blend of Worms with both shooter and real-time strategy (RTS) components. Billed as an action strategy game, Team Buddies allows players to manage a single pill-shaped character, known as a “Buddy,” who moves Crates towards their base, which is essentially a platform. Arranging the Crates in specific sequences can result in various weapons being produced, and even up to three Buddy characters that players can switch between at any moment. However, these Buddies can also act autonomously. The objective is to strive for dominance by effectively eradicating the opposing team of Buddies spread across the map.

It’s said that the sequel to the game was titled “Team Buddies 2”, but it never saw the light of day because Sony wasn’t financing Psygnosis projects at the time. It’s unfortunate because “Team Buddies 2” appears to expand on the original game’s intriguing concept. The inclusion of an action element allows players to engage in combat as much as they strategize, making them ponder whether they should lead the charge or support their team by collecting more crates to construct stronger bases.

7. Emperor

A Handheld RTS That Would’ve Been Perfect For The Nintendo DS

Since real-time strategy (RTS) games first appeared on PCs, enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated portable versions – however, the complex nature and numerous components of an RTS proved a significant challenge for developers. This issue was evident with the game “Emperor“, but it appears that Frame Studios managed to find a solution to bring an RTS to the Nintendo DS before its termination due to lack of a publishing partner.

In the trailer, “Emperor” appears to be a straightforward Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game featuring three distinct factions: the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The narrative revolves around growing one’s faction across the game map. The lower screen of the DS is utilized for menu tasks such as resource tracking, construction, and production, while the upper screen provides a real-time, isometric view. Players can move buildings on the screen to construct them, and units can be directed towards an area for movement and combat. If released, “Emperor” would have been the first RTS game for the Nintendo DS.

6. Fate Of The Dragon 2

A True Successor To An Interesting RTS

In the years leading up to 2019’s “Total War: Three Kingdoms”, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” was considered the most iconic series depicting the Three Kingdoms era. Therefore, when “Three Kingdoms: Fate of the Dragon” from Overmax Studios arrived in 2000, it offered a refreshing change for strategy game enthusiasts.

Despite being marketed as an expansion, Fate of the Dragon 2 was positioned as the actual sequel. However, details about its development are scarce, primarily because it was eventually canceled. It’s rumored that the game’s engine and graphics were adapted for a MMO called Fate Online, but it remains unlocalized beyond China. The trailer suggests that Fate of the Dragon 2 continues the setting of the Three Kingdoms Era, featuring Chinese landscapes, architecture, and military units similar to those in the original game.

5. Dune Generations

The Original MMO To Showcase A War For Arrakis

The acclaim for the sci-fi franchise, Dune, was so significant that it paved the way for one of the early ventures into real-time strategy games (RTS), like 2001’s Emperor: Battle for Dune. It’s equally fitting that Dune also had one of the initial attempts at a massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game (MMORTS) in the form of Dune Generations. As Cryonetworks describes, Dune Generations is set within a continuous and massively multiplayer “world” where players take charge of a dynasty on Arrakis, aiming to make theirs the most powerful on the planet.

If it had been developed, I would’ve had the chance to shape my own unique dynasty in an MMO world of Dune, choosing between a trader, soldier, or mercenary role. Each choice would offer a distinct gameplay experience tailored to my decision. A video trailer was unveiled back in 2001, and the game went into alpha development in 2002. Regrettably, Cryo’s bankruptcy unfortunately halted the project’s progression. The latest Dune games include the RTS-with-4X title, Dune: Spice Wars, and the upcoming survival MMO, Dune: Awakening.

4. Spoils Of War

An Action-Packed FPS/RTS Hybrid

In the year 2090, when humans find a Saturn 5 wormhole, they uncover several habitable planets, including one populated by a friendly race called the Ematrants. However, a tragic disease among the Ematrants led to mistrust between the two species. To bring an end to their potential conflict, players must engage in “Spoils of War,” a unique blend of real-time strategy (RTS) and first-person shooter (FPS) games. This game offers a fresh perspective on the sci-fi RTS genre by incorporating features reminiscent of StarCraft, such as distinct races with specialized buildings. The innovative aspect lies in the ability to switch to FPS mode, allowing players to command troops directly into battle.

In “Spoils of War”, there are more than 50 exclusive units and structures for players to engage with effortlessly, no matter their preferred playstyle. What’s remarkable is that this game is multiplayer-exclusive, allowing players to transition between different modes during gameplay, thus influencing the battle’s direction. For instance, one player might control the RTS aspect while others are in FPS mode, trying to shift the battle’s outcome. Unfortunately, the development of “Spoils of War” was halted by East Coast Games in 2014 due to unmet funding goals.

3. Wildman

A Prehistoric RPG/RTS Hybrid

In many games that depict the prehistoric era, it’s typically confined to the start of gameplay sessions, and even then, it doesn’t persist for long – like in Civilization games where settlers quickly transition into more sophisticated entities. However, the game Wildman offers a unique twist: players assume command over humans dating back 200,000 years, in a fictional timeline where civilizations can progress through both technology and magic. Initially, you control a Wildman or Wildwoman, with the objective of expanding your influence by defeating neighboring civilizations while unraveling the mysteries of the world.

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: In this RPG, I, as the commander, journey through a vast world, battling monsters, delving into dungeons, and gathering useful items. But what sets it apart are the War Zones, where I can strategically draft my own army to clash with others’. I can enhance my troops using technology, magic, and armor, making them formidable forces. When I conquer another civilization, their advanced tech becomes mine, enabling me to boost my own faction instantly. Sadly, the game was first unveiled in 2013 through Kickstarter, but financial troubles forced Gas Powered Games to let go of staff, ultimately leading to the cancellation of this promising title.

2. Terra: Formations

A Clash Of Genres In This Sci-Fi FPS/RTS Combo

Back in 2005, I first learned about Terra: Formation, a groundbreaking multiplayer FPS/RTS hybrid introduced by Starcave Entertainment. This game allows me to switch between playstyles at will while engaging in intense warfare across sprawling landscapes, all set in the year 2157 when fractured human factions fight for resources on Europa. I can choose to take on roles such as a Soldier, Engineer, Researcher, or Commander, each with distinct gameplay dynamics that make my experience unique.

As a gamer, I’d say: “The game’s unique mechanic lets you switch between genres on the fly, and it’s all set in an ever-changing world where reshaping the land can impact gameplay. One moment, I might be strategically placing units and moving them around in a real-time strategy (RTS) isometric view, and the next, I could be zooming in to control a single unit’s movement in the heat of battle. Unfortunately, after a disappointing Indiegogo campaign that only managed to raise $75 out of the required $175,000, it was rebranded as T.E.R.R.A. in 2014, with a projected release date of 2016. Unfortunately, despite my anticipation, the game never made it to market without any official explanation.

1. End Of Nations

An MMORTS That Could Have Been A Welcome Modern Title In The Genre

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the potential of MMORTS games, and no other title has come closer to realizing that vision than End of Nations. The trailer for this game, crafted by Petroglyph Games, showcases an epic spectacle where over twenty players interact dynamically in a vast, persistent world map.

The setting is a dystopian near-future, shaped by a global economic crisis that has precipitated societal collapse. In this desolate landscape, only three factions remain: two of which we players control, while the third serves as the game’s antagonists and is computer-controlled. It’s an enticing blend of strategy, cooperation, and competition that promises a unique gaming experience.

The game End of Nations appears to be designed as a multiplayer battle arena title, featuring numerous factions playing simultaneously on the map. Its unique selling point was its ambition to accommodate over 20 players in a single map, promising exciting and chaotic gameplay. Unfortunately, details about the game’s mechanics remain scarce. However, due to the involvement of the team from Petroglyph Games, who are also known for developing Command & Conquer, there was significant interest in the project. Despite no official announcement, mentions of the game were removed from the Trion Worlds website in 2014, suggesting it may have been put on hold or cancelled.

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2025-04-03 03:36