8 Real-Time Strategy Games That Need Remasters

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8 Real-Time Strategy Games That Need Remasters

Key Takeaways

  • Rise of Nations is a classic RTS with 18 civilizations and a focus on conquering and expanding territory.
  • Command & Conquer: Generals tells a story where US & China team up to defeat the GLA, but a remaster isn’t in sight.
  • Earth 2150, set in a recovering world, offers 3 factions, but has yet to receive a remaster despite its engaging gameplay.

As a long-time enthusiast of real-time strategy games, I have to say that these three classics have left a lasting impression on me and many others who share my passion for this genre. Each game offers a unique take on the post-apocalyptic world, with their own distinct factions, settings, and gameplay mechanics.

Playing real-time strategy games is incredibly enjoyable because they usually provide multiple sides to pick, allow for diverse strategies, and offer an indescribable sense of triumph when you emerge victorious against a tough opponent. This gaming genre has been around for over two decades now, and with each passing year, it continues to evolve and get even better, leading to more engaging and visually appealing games.

Although advancements and an abundance of choices are wonderful, there are some real-time strategy games that have been left behind in the past, despite being true gems. Though those who play them often find enjoyment in their outdated visuals and gameplay mechanics, a contemporary update could only enhance the gaming experience. Here’s a list of some fantastic real-time strategy games deserving of remastering.

8. Rise of Nations

A Classic With Over 18 Civilizations

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  • Focused on expanding territory
  • Four to eight unique units

In simpler terms, “Rise of Nations” is an outstanding example of a real-time strategy game where players focus on conquering land and expanding their territories. As more territory is controlled, players can build structures such as cities, forts, and factories, which provide access to additional resources needed for various objectives in the future. Among other activities in “Rise of Nations”, repairing damaged buildings and gathering resources to facilitate repairs are essential tasks.

Title showcases 18 distinct civilizations, offering players a variety of 4 to 8 exclusive unit options per civilization. In certain instances, units are inspired by historical nations, thereby enhancing the game’s complexity and authenticity. The game also emphasizes terrain, with superior knowledge granting an advantage in warfare, ultimately determining victory.

7. Command & Conquer: Generals

A Great Installment In The C&C Franchise That Demands A Remaster

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  • Two superpowers unite to bring down a formidable threat
  • Many players have requested a remaster for years to no avail

In the upcoming timeline, the game titled “Command & Conquer: Generals” unfolds a narrative where the United States and China join forces against a common enemy, the Global Liberation Army (GLA). Similar to other strategy games in real-time, this title empowers players to command all three factions at different stages of gameplay, strategizing various approaches and gaining an upper hand in combat by employing their intellect.

Though perhaps not the top game in the Command & Conquer series, Command & Conquer: Generals remains an enjoyable play and sets a high bar for the real-time strategy genre. Regrettably, the game has never received a remaster, despite fans requesting it for many years. Time will tell if their wishes are granted, but even if they aren’t, the original version continues to offer plenty of replay value.

6. Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War

The Title That Kicked Off The Dawn Of War Franchise

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  • Players must use Requisition and Power to win
  • With Space Marine 2 being recently released, a remaster of this title is unlikely to happen any time soon

In the expansive, intricate universe of Warhammer 40K, there’s a wealth of history and tales that exceeds what most fans could possibly read in full. Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War offers gamers the chance to lead infantry teams and vehicles, aiming to outmaneuver and overpower their adversaries as part of their strategic objectives. To generate combat units, players need to utilize production facilities and allocate Requisition and Power, the essential resources for this war-making endeavor.

The exceptional game, Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, sparked a trilogy bearing the same name, captivating gamers long after its initial release. Despite this enduring popularity and success, there hasn’t been enough demand to warrant a remaster, despite numerous requests from players on online forums. Given the recent launch of Space Marine 2, it seems that if a remaster is ever produced, it won’t be in the immediate future.

5. Star Wars: Empire At War

A Great RTS Game That Was Overshadowed By Dozens Of Other Games In Its Universe

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  • Players must use the planets they control for their resources
  • A great deep-space RTS

In the last 25 years, numerous fantastic games have emerged from the Star Wars franchise, yet only a handful belong to the real-time strategy genre. What sets Star Wars: Empire at War apart is that it deviates from the norm of building workers, recruiting units, and accumulating resources within this genre. Instead, the game grants players resources based on the number of planets they command.

In games like Star Wars: Empire at War, owning multiple planets gives players increased resources, wealth, and advantages in battles, plus unique bonuses and discounted items. Interestingly, unlike other games on this list, it’s not shocking that Empire at War hasn’t been remastered yet, given the vast expansion of the Star Wars gaming universe since the late 90s. This growth has probably kept developers occupied with creating other notable titles such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

4. The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth 2

An Outstanding RTS Game Covering Some Of Tolkien’s Work

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  • Set in the War in the North
  • Many different factions for players to choose from

scarcely any franchises have garnered such a vast fanbase as J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which has sparked numerous TV series, video games, and cinematic adaptations, naturally including films. Situated in the northern part of Middle-earth, “The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2” recounts the happenings of the military struggle referred to as the War in the North. This game offers six distinct factions for players to select—three representing the forces of good, and three representing the forces of darkness.

Here are the factions you can choose from: Men of the West, Elves, Dwarves, Isengard, Mordor, and Goblins. It’s essential for players to understand each faction’s distinctive characteristics before jumping into battle so they have the upper hand in their quest for victory. At the time this game was released, the gaming universe based on The Lord of the Rings was quite extensive. However, it seems that it has gradually faded away in the late 2000s. Despite some fantastic games like Shadow of Mordor being launched since then, many agree that the golden age was during the years 2000 to 2006. This could be why Battle for Middle-earth 2 hasn’t been updated or remastered yet.

3. Total Annihilation

A Futuristic Conflict Between Two Opposing Factions

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  • Set in a very distant future
  • The Galactic War Between the CORE Empire and the ARM Rebellion is really interesting

Fans of advanced real-time strategy games set in the future are bound to recall Total Annihilation, as it takes place several millennia from now, focusing on a cosmic conflict between the CORE empire and the ARM rebellion. During the campaign, players can demonstrate their strength across different planets and moons, aiming to outsmart their adversaries and secure victory in battle.

Although Total Annihilation isn’t the sole or even the best real-time strategy game set in the future, it offers an outstanding and enjoyable experience that has kept gamers hooked for years. It’s truly unfortunate that a remastered version hasn’t been released in over two decades since its initial launch. Here’s hoping that someday, it will be possible to reintroduce this classic game to a new generation of players, allowing them to experience it with a more contemporary perspective.

2. Company Of Heroes

An Amazing Title Set In A Dark Period Of Human History

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  • A great RTS focusing on a real-life event
  • Players must take control of several points of interest

As a gamer, diving into the immersive world of “Company of Heroes,” I found myself commanding two U.S. military units in the heart of the brutal Battle of Normandy during the Allied liberation of France during World War 2. Despite numerous real-time strategy games based on historical periods already existing, this game managed to stand out and deliver an exceptional gaming experience without the need for innovation in its format.

In the same vein as other strategy games of its kind, Company of Heroes relies significantly on resource control and troop reinforcement. To emerge victorious, players must strategize their moves thoughtfully, adopting a tactical mindset in combat. Gaining dominance over strategic locations is crucial, since controlling more points grants access to more resources. More resources, in turn, increase the chances of victory. Despite numerous requests, a remake of this beloved game remains elusive.

1. Earth 2150

Three Factions Fight In A World Recovering From Destruction

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  • Platform(s): PC, macOS
  • Released: June 12, 2000
  • Developer(s): Reality Pump Studios, TopWare Interactive, Zuxxez Entertainment
  • Genre(s): Real-time strategy
  • The Earth is just recovering from a long period of war and destruction
  • Three different factions to choose from

In the spirit of the title, “Earth 2150” transports me to a 22nd-century world, limping back from centuries of famine and war that left it battered and bruised. To my surprise, this game doesn’t boast an extensive roster of factions like many in its genre; instead, there are just three: The Lunar Corporation (LC), the United Civilized States (UCS), and the Eurasian Dynasty (ED). Initially, I thought that fewer factions might limit the gameplay experience. Boy, was I wrong! The gameplay is nothing short of exhilarating.

Regrettably, much like other games on this compilation, Earth 2150 hasn’t seen a remastered version. Instead, the developers have concentrated their efforts on Earth 2160, the sequel to it. As of now, Earth 2150 is 24 years old, making it highly improbable that a remaster will ever be produced, despite numerous players expressing interest in it.

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2024-12-02 17:34