Best RTS Games With Spellcaster Units

Summary

Majesty 2: Unique RTS with indirect unit control and spellcasters.
Armies of Exigo: Classic fantasy RTS with diverse spellcaster units.
Spellforce 3: Blends RPG elements with RTS, featuring spellcasting units.

The “real-time strategy” (RTS) game genre enjoys significant popularity. Unlike typical turn-based games, RTS games set players against each other in real-time scenarios where they construct buildings, manage resources, and evolve their armies.

A multitude of real-time strategy (RTS) games exist, each offering diverse settings, structures, and characters. Frequently, these settings encompass military and futuristic themes, but fantasy can prove captivatingly unique. In these fantasy RTS games, an array of distinctive and engaging units emerge, with the spellcaster being particularly intriguing.

7. Majesty 2 Collection

An RTS Unique With Indirect Unit Control

The Majesty 2 Collection represents the ultimate version of the game Majesty 2, encompassing all its downloadable content. In the fantasy real-time strategy game, Majesty 2, you take on the role as the ruler of the kingdom of Ardania, leading a roster of units, referred to as heroes within the game. Distinctively, these heroes in the game don’t adhere strictly to commands but are influenced by financial rewards instead. So, your task is to persuade them with appropriate compensation.

In this game, you’ll find a diverse array of characters or units, grouped according to tiers and fighting styles. The core game primarily features human heroes, but there are some unique twists such as dwarves and elves. The expansion pack, “Monster Kingdom”, introduced hero types based on beasts. No matter the hero’s race, you’ll encounter numerous spellcasters that embody the magical essence of “Majesty 2”. These include the Mage, the Priestess of Agrela, the Ice Mage, and the Lich, each offering distinct spell types and visual styles based on their magic. However, the indirect control present in “Majesty 2” prevents it from ranking higher, as real-time strategy (RTS) games are typically about having precise control over gameplay.

6. Armies Of Exigo

A Classic Fantasy RTS

In simpler terms, “Armies of Exigo” is a traditional Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, drawing inspiration for mechanics and design from games like “Warcraft 3,” “Age of Empires,” and “Starcraft.” It has a conventional fantasy backdrop, but stands out from other fantasy RTS titles due to its distinctive mode, known as the Underground mode. This unique aspect allows for battles both on the surface and underground, requiring players to manage two battlefronts simultaneously.

In the world of Armies of Exigo, there are three distinct groups, each embodying a mix of enchanting fantasy species like Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Lizardmen, and Undead. This diverse collection of races fosters an array of unit differences, both in functionality and aesthetics, with spellcasters being one such category. One fascinating spellcaster is The Matriarch, symbolizing the Fallen faction. She is a necromancer capable of casting spells and reanimating slain enemy units as skeletons. Although spellcasting units offer intrigue, the primary division among factions in Armies of Exigo bears strong resemblance to that seen in Warcraft 3, which limits its overall standing.

5. Spellforce 3 Reforced

Blending RTS & RPG Gameplay

The enhanced edition, Spellforce 3 Reforced, represents the ultimate version of the original strategy game, Spellforce 3. This exceptional title seamlessly combines elements from both Real-Time Strategy (RTS) and Role-Playing Game (RPG) genres. The game boasts stunning level designs, and offers a one-of-a-kind campaign where players can align with either the Humans, Elves, or Orcs for support and reinforcement.

In the storyline of Spellforce 3 Reforced, the central action revolves around a significant occurrence called the Mage Wars. This means that players will encounter magical combat units, along with the more traditional melee and ranged physical units. A majority of these spellcasting units belong to the Elvish faction, offering options like the Wintermage and The Druid. However, even the Orcish faction can harness magic, specifically through a character called the Firemaster who functions as a conventional fantasy fire mage. Spellforce 3 Reforced is an impressive game, but its unique blend of RPG and RTS elements might not immediately resonate with fans of real-time strategy games.

4. Warlords Battlecry

An RTS With A Plethora Of Units

Developer: Strategic Studies Group
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows
Release: June 26, 2000
Genre: Real-Time Strategy

The “Warlords Battlecry” series falls under the broader “Warlords” franchise, but it’s not just “Warlords 3: Battlecry”. This long-running strategy role-playing game (RTS/RPG) began in 1990 with the original “Warlords”. “Warlords Battlecry” is another RTS game that incorporates elements of role-playing games, while preserving its core RTS mechanics.

In Warlords Battlecry, you’ll find nine diverse races, categorized as Civilized, Primitive, and Elvish/Magical. The game boasts a wide array of units for each faction, each with unique strengths and weaknesses in combat styles. The Elvish races excel in spellcasting, showcasing powerful casters like the Druid for the Wood Elves or the Sorcerer for the Dark Elves. Warlords Battlecry earns its spot here due to the immense unit variety it offers, although later versions of the series provide improved and more user-friendly gameplay experiences overall.

3. The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-earth

The Definitive Lord Of The Rings RTS

The first installment in the “Lord of the Rings” Real-Time Strategy (RTS) series is known as “The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth“. In this game, there are four different factions, with Rohan and Gondor on one side, while Isengard Uruk-hai and Mordor Orcs make up the other side in the War of the Ring.

In the game Battle for Middle-earth, there are base units and hero units, with the latter being iconic characters from the lore that represent their respective factions. For instance, the Gondor faction can utilize Gandalf as a hero unit. Gandalf is a potent spellcaster who possesses spells like Wizard Blast, Lightning Sword, and Light of Istari. The game Battle for Middle-earth ranks third due to its diverse array of spellcasting hero units, including Gandalf and Saruman. It is an enduring choice for anyone seeking a well-crafted RTS experience within the esteemed Lord of The Rings universe.

2. Age Of Mythology: Retold

A Mythological Take On The Age Of Empires Formula

The remastered version, titled “Age of Mythology: Retold“, represents the ultimate edition of the original “Age of Mythology” game. This updated version also boasts a visual upgrade. Unlike its predecessor “Age of Empires“, which is set in a historically accurate medieval era, “Age of Mythology” combines multiple mythological settings within a single game.

In “Age of Mythology: Retold”, you’ll encounter four primary factions: Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean, each boasting standard units along with divine entities known as Pantheons. These Pantheons introduce some of the game’s most intriguing spell-casting units, or myth units, that embody aspects of their respective mythologies. For instance, the Atlantean lampades unit has the ability to transform enemy units using enchantments. “Age of Mythology” is highly acclaimed because many of its spellcasters are unique, as they’re modeled after real mythological figures rather than typical fantasy characters.

1. Warcraft 3

Warcraft Before World Of Warcraft

Warcraft 3 is renowned and highly respected as one of the best Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, not only achieving success independently but also laying the foundation for the lore that would serve as a cornerstone for World of Warcraft. Warcraft 3 offers a series of storyline-rich campaigns, along with the option for Player versus Player (PvP) or quick matches.

In the storyline of Warcraft, magic and the art of spellcasting play significant roles, with numerous prominent characters being skilled in these areas. This is reflected in the unit selection of Warcraft 3, for instance, through the Archmage hero unit. Characters such as Jaina Proudmoore, Antonidas, and Malfurion Stormrage – famous spellcasters from the Warcraft lore – are also showcased in Warcraft 3 for brief gaming sequences. These characters can even be utilized in custom level design within the game. Warcraft 3 stands out at the top of this list due to the legendary status of both its spellcasting units and overall game, leaving behind an almost unmatched legacy.

2025-01-26 03:35