Top 10 Most Iconic Voice Lines from Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games

“Kirov Reporting” The Most Iconic Voice Lines In Real-Time Strategy (RTS) History

Good voice lines are essential for a great real-time strategy (RTS) game. They help with gameplay by confirming actions like unit selection and order confirmations, and by keeping players informed about what’s happening, even if they aren’t actively watching the screen. But the truly best RTS games also use voice lines to give units and characters more personality.

Video games are full of iconic voice lines – think Scorpion’s famous “Get Over Here!” or the unsettling pronouncements of G-Man. Sometimes, a single line can define an entire game. This list highlights the best voice lines specifically from real-time strategy (RTS) games. To keep things fair and avoid any one series taking over, I’ve limited it to one entry per game. Consider this list a bit of fun – feel free to share your own favorites in the comments!

10 – Total War: Shogun 2: “Shameful display!”

Total War: Shogun 2 is widely considered one of the greatest strategy games of all time, and it’s a personal favorite of mine. Despite its serious tone, players quickly noticed the hilariously stereotypical Japanese delivery of the line “shameful display!” This instantly became a memorable moment, and the mispronounced “shamefur dispray!” became a popular gaming meme in the early 2010s, right up there with classics like “I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow in the knee” from Skyrim.

9 – Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War- Definitive Edition – “Walk softly, and carry a big gun”

Gabriel Angelos, a central character in the classic real-time strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, is a powerful and inspiring leader. As commander of the Blood Ravens’ 3rd Company, he’s known for his booming voice and imposing presence on the battlefield, often shouting memorable lines like “I command in the name of the Emperor!” and “He who stands with me shall be my brother.” Perhaps the best description of him comes from the line, “walk softly, and carry a big gun” – a truly cool sentiment that perfectly captures his strength and style.

8 – Commandos – “Alarm!”

It’s often said you can’t ‘hear’ pictures, but I strongly disagree, especially when I look at screenshots from Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines. I immediately hear responses like “Yes, sir!”, “Consider it done,” and “Just leave it to me,” always with a strangely emphatic “sir” – it’s hard to tell if it’s respectful or just begrudging compliance. While those lines are common throughout the game, hearing the word “Alarm!” – shouted with a distinct German accent – sends shivers down the spine of every Commandos player. That sound means either the mission has become incredibly difficult, or your entire team has been discovered and eliminated, forcing you to start over. It brings back so many memories!

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2025-11-13 20:43