10 Best Forgotten Strategy Games Gems To Play In 2025

If you’re on a quest for underappreciated treasures in the realm of strategic gaming, you might think the limelight belongs only to games like Civilization and Age of Empires. However, there are numerous other exceptional strategy games that have slipped through the cracks. In this piece, I will reveal ten forgotten gems in strategy gaming that warrant a comeback. From intricate tactical gameplay, city-building, to large-scale combat, these undervalued titles deliver unique experiences that hold up over time. Dive in to reacquaint yourself with these often-overlooked masterworks and spice up your strategy gaming rotation with fresh challenges!

Enjoy yourself thoroughly with this task at hand. If you have any ideas or recommendations for a different list, feel free to share them in the comments section below!

10 – Knights of Honor

Total War. The game offers a grand-strategy perspective where you manage your estates and vassals, followed by real-time combat to showcase your military skills. Although the strategic elements of Knights of Honor can compete with Total War, its tactical battles may not be as impressive when compared directly.

9 – Dark Reign: The Future of War

At first glance, Dark Reign: The Future of War might remind you of classic RTS games like Total Annihilation or Command and Conquer. To put it simply, it’s a 90s-style real-time strategy game with a strong focus on base construction, resource collection, and quick combat between units. The standout feature is its campaign that can be played from both factions’ viewpoints. Interestingly, what makes revisiting many of the games in this genre appealing is their immersive campaigns – something that strategy titles used to excel at.

8 – Myth II: Soul Blighter

Initially recognized for producing the acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game “Myth” series, Bungie later gained notoriety as the pioneer of first-person shooter (FPS) gaming with Halo. The appeal of the “Myth” series, which was initially launched in 1997, lies primarily in its innovative features: it was among the first to employ a 3D environment and an intricate physics system. This combination resulted in unique gameplay experiences that were less common at the time. The emphasis on terrain usage and obstruction (such as trees and rocks obstructing archers’ lines of sight) added a strategic depth, while the explosives available to players were both valuable and hazardous. Misplaced melee units could accidentally be eliminated by an errant grenade throw, resulting in gruesome scenes of flying limbs and destruction reminiscent of the 90s gaming era.

7 – The Movies

In a recent episode of Critical Moves, we delved into Hollywood Animal, an upcoming tycoon game set amidst the frenzy of Tinseltown. However, did you know that back in 2005, Lionhead Studios and Sega introduced The Movies? This business simulation allowed players to run their very own movie studio, starting from the early 1900s, and journeying through the history of cinema. The cherry on top was the ability to create your own films using an in-game Movie Maker feature. It was simply amazing! I can’t help but miss the days when the gaming industry took risks and developed groundbreaking titles like this one.

Even though I believe the legal purchase option for this game no longer exists, you might find it on various abandonware sites if you’re interested in playing it.

6 – Civilization: Beyond Earth

While “Civilization: Beyond Earth” may not be the best or even one of the top three “Civilization” games, it certainly stands as a commendable addition to the series in my opinion. Unfortunately, it received more criticism than it deserved due to not being a remake of “Alpha Centauri.” At its heart, it retains the essence of “Civilization V,” but offers a twist by having you colonize a new planet after Earth became uninhabitable. The early stages of gameplay are particularly engaging, as every alien threat presents a significant challenge. However, in the late game, it tends to lose its charm and transforms into a more conventional “Civilization” experience. If you, like me, are a player who often starts new games of Civ without finishing them, then you’ll find enjoyment in this game.

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2025-02-02 20:43