Great Strategy Games You Cannot Buy Anymore

Key Takeaways

Vintage strategy games like MechCommander 2 offer nostalgia and a dose of epic battles with mechanical soldiers.
Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor was discontinued due to limited fanbase and poor sales despite being daring.
Dominion: Storm Over Gift 3 offers strategic gameplay set on a futuristic planet with 4 factions fighting for resources.

As a seasoned gamer with memories of gaming arcades filled with the hum of 8-bit magic and the clatter of joysticks, I must say these old titles bring back quite the nostalgia rush! Amongst the games we’ll discuss today, one that stands out is _Formorps, Darkens, Mercs, and Humans_, a game ahead of its time with 3D graphics. Ah, those were the days when we would eagerly save up our allowance to buy those precious cartridges!

A good number of experienced gamers often contend that classic strategy games represent some of the finest entries in the genre’s library. These games not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also boast exceptional mechanics, which were particularly innovative for their era. The ’90s and the early 2000s witnessed the emergence of numerous franchises that continue to thrive and produce new games even today.

Regrettably, several timeless strategy games can no longer be purchased through conventional methods due to lack of availability from traditional outlets or online retailers. While a few unofficial websites allow for their download, these sites are not safe and should be approached with caution. Here is a list of strategy games that are now hard to obtain.

5 MechCommander 2

Battle With Massive Mechanical Soldiers

Platform(s): PC
Released: July 17, 2001
Developer(s): FASA Studio
Genre: Real-time tactics, RPG
Issues with the BattleTech IP caused this game to stop being sold.
Players command Mechs to win battles and defeat their enemies.

In the fictional universe of BattleTech, the game MechCommander 2 places you in charge of a military company during a civil conflict. The powerful mechanical soldiers you lead are caught up in the ongoing struggle between Houses Steiner and Davion for dominance and control. Resource management, particularly with regards to loadouts, and strategic decision-making play significant roles in this game. As the game unfolds, you’ll face progressively challenging situations that demand your ingenuity and adaptability to overcome them.

As a passionate gamer, I found myself deeply engrossed in the tactical combat of MechCommander 2. However, due to complications with the BattleTech intellectual property, this game is no longer widely available for purchase. Regrettably, you can only find a few pre-owned copies floating around online if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one.

4 Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor

A Risky Take On An Established Franchise

Platform(s): PC
Released: December 8, 1997
Developer(s): Westwood Studios
Genre: Action Strategy
This title took a different approach to the Command & Conquer formula.
The game was discontinued due to poor sales and a limited fanbase.

This game deviated from the traditional Command & Conquer structure in several aspects. Instead of offering single-player and multiplayer modes, it focused solely on multiplayer, and adopted a ‘last one standing’ concept, much like contemporary battle royale games. In Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor, players command a solitary tank or soldier across various maps, with the objective being to outlive and outplay their opponents.

The innovative game failed to win favor among players because they were accustomed to the original gameplay mechanics. This lack of acceptance led to low sales and a small audience, causing the game to be withdrawn from the market. Though the Command & Conquer series prospered, Sole Survivor was unable to contribute to its ongoing success.

3 Dominion: Storm Over Gift 3

Four Factions Fighting To Control A Planet’s Resources

Platform(s): PC
Released: June 11, 1998
Developer(s): 7th Level, Ion Storm
Genre: Real-time Strategy
Early 3D graphics in a game of its genre.
The game stopped being sold when developer 7th Level closed down.

“Dominion: Tempest above Gift 3

This title stood out as one of the select games pioneering 3D graphics within its niche, offering an eye-catching visual experience for its era. Regrettably, when developer 7th Level ceased operations, the game became unobtainable. Nowadays, you can find it online through second-hand dealers, but finding brand new copies is extremely rare.

2 Dune 2000

Houses Atreides, Harkonnen, & Ordos Fight For Arrakis

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation
Released: August 31, 1998
Developer(s): Westwood Studios, Intelligent Games
Genre: Real-time strategy, Action Game
Remake of the 1992 classic, Dune 2.
Three different factions fight over control of Arrakis, a precious spice planet.

2000’s version of the game, titled “Dune 2000,” is a modernized adaptation of the 1992 game known as “Dune 2.” Similar to other games in this category, Dune 2000 revolves around the narrative of three distinct factions – House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Ordos – battling for dominance over the valuable spice planet Arrakis. In this game, players will construct bases, manage resources, and command vast armies in strategic, real-time combat scenarios.

In the game, each group boasts distinctive talents that enrich an already intriguing plotline, making it even more thrilling. Pioneering the path for future real-time strategy games, Dune 2000 played a crucial role in keeping the Dune series alive. Regrettably, due to some complications with the franchise’s intellectual property rights, the game was withdrawn from stores, leaving it out of reach since then.

1 The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2

A Strategic Take On The Franchise’s Epic Battles

Players can control up to six different factions.
There’s a Good Campaign and an Evil Campaign.

“The Battle for Middle-Earth 2”: Unraveling More Tales from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legendary Works

Reminiscent of its original release, The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2 stands out with numerous customization options and iconic battlegrounds such as Dol-Guldur and Rivendell. This timeless strategy game is often recalled fondly by seasoned gamers. However, after the intellectual property rights expired, the game faced difficulties in sales due to legal complications. Today, copies can be found on various second-hand platforms, but they tend to be costly and the condition may vary.

2024-09-20 08:33