Influential Real-Time Strategy Games Worth Playing Just For Their Importance To The Genre

Key Takeaways

Command & Conquer: Red Alert shaped RTS resource management mechanics in the 90s.
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans introduced fantasy, laying the groundwork for World of Warcraft.
StarCraft revolutionized multiplayer, inspiring numerous space-themed real-time strategy games.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of real-time strategy games, I can confidently say that these five titles are not only timeless classics but also pillars of the genre.

Strategy games that require real-time decision-making have been a significant part of gaming culture since its inception in the late 1980s. Over the years, their popularity has not only fueled the growth of the gaming industry but also led to an increasing number of strategy games being developed annually.

In the past, gaming consoles and computers didn’t have the ability to create highly detailed graphics or engaging gameplay like they do today. During that era, real-time strategy games had to focus on being exceptional in terms of gameplay and storytelling to stand out. This approach resulted in several groundbreaking titles that left a lasting impact on the genre. Here are some notable real-time strategy games that are still worth playing due to their historical significance within the genre.

5 Command & Conquer: Red Alert

A Game That Helped Popularize Resource Management Game Mechanics

Full-motion video cutscenes
Resource management game mechanics

In a near future, the world finds itself divided into two dominant forces: the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod. These powers are embroiled in a struggle over a valuable resource named Tiberium. This element is crucial for global supremacy, leading to various conflict situations where only one winner can ultimately prevail.

In this game, players are free to pick between two distinct factions, each offering a unique storyline angle and exclusive results. This game, known for its rapid battle strategies, tough levels, and intricate branching storylines, significantly influenced the development of real-time strategy games in the 90s and established contemporary resource management mechanics.

4 Warcraft: Orcs & Humans

A Title That Helped Introduce Fantasy Into the Real-Time Strategy Genre

Helped popularize fantasy in the real-time genre
Laid the foundations for future World of Warcraft releases

Similar to many other World of Warcraft games, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans is based in the fictional world of Azeroth and focuses on the ongoing struggle between the human kingdom of Stormwind and the orcish horde. Players are able to command either faction, each offering unique skills, advantages, tactics, and troops.

Just like other games within the series, Warcraft: Orcs & Humans is set in a medieval landscape filled with castles, legendary beasts, and an array of magical incantations that players can utilize. This game advanced the concepts of base construction, resource collection, and management, significantly contributing to the established lore of Warcraft. Furthermore, it played a key role in making fantasy-themed settings more common in real-time strategy games.

3 StarCraft

An eSports Favorite That Helped Revolutionize Multiplayer Modes

An eSports favorite
Redefined what competitive multiplayer meant at the time

The game “Starcraft” is a real-time strategy title that unfolds the tales of three primary groups: Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss, each vying for supremacy in the valuable Koprulu sector initially settled by the Terrans. This region is fraught with intricate politics, intense combat, and a strong emphasis on survival skills and strategic planning. By playing “Starcraft”, you delve into an engaging narrative that revolves around the power struggle to command the galaxy.

This game, Starcraft, played a pivotal role in shaping competitive multiplayer, garnered significant popularity within eSports, and served as a catalyst for numerous space-themed real-time strategy games that are thriving even today. In essence, there are multiple compelling reasons to play Starcraft, particularly due to its impact on the real-time strategy genre.

2 Age of Empires 2: The Age Of Kings

Strong Focus On History And Ancient Civilizations

Complex tech trees with detailed civilization information
The game helped popularize historical settings in the real-time strategy genre

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for diving into the medieval world of “Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings.” This captivating game sets off on a historical backdrop, offering civilizations suitable for beginners, intermediate, and seasoned players. In this immersive experience, you’re tasked with constructing your own empire, gradually advancing from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age.

Just as Warcraft: Orcs & Humans played a significant role in increasing the popularity of fantasy in the real-time strategy genre by its introduction, Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings did the same for historical settings. A key factor contributing to its importance within the genre is its intricate tech trees, which display the available units, technologies, and buildings for each civilization, providing a rich and complex gameplay experience.

1 Rise Of Nations

A Masterful Combination of Real-Time Strategy and 4X Elements

A great blend of real-time strategy and 4X elements
Players can solve conflicts through diplomacy to avoid warfare

Stepping into the world of Rise of Nations feels like embarking on an epic historical journey. From ancient civilizations to modern times, this game takes me through the annals of human history, allowing me to lead my civilization from humble beginnings to technological marvels, territorial expansion, and ultimately, conquest. The art of warfare is not forgotten, as battles are an integral part of progression. And let’s not forget about resource management – it’s the backbone that can make or break my success in this grand game of history.

In the game Rise of Nations, there are numerous paths to victory, not all of which involve battlefield tactics. Players can also employ diplomatic strategies for resolving conflicts. Remarkably, this game skillfully combines real-time strategy combat with elements of 4X games and has significantly advanced map control mechanisms and territory boundary management.

2024-09-12 10:34