Top 8 Strategy Games from the 2000s Deserving Remakes

Summary

Iconic strategy games from the 2000s are receiving remakes and remasters for modern systems.
Supreme Commander redefined RTS scale with massive battles and complex gameplay features.
Rise of Nations seamlessly blends grand strategy elements with fast-paced resource management.

The 2000s are often seen as a time when some of the most iconic video games were launched, particularly strategy games that experienced a surge in popularity. Numerous studios during this period created some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed strategy games in history. Games like Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Supreme Commander, which became cult classics or memorable challenges, respectively, have been captivating gamers globally.

In recent times, there’s been a revival of these classic games, and many of the top ones have either been reissued or updated for contemporary gaming platforms. Although the remasters aren’t doing exceptionally well, total overhauls like “Age of Mythology: Retold” have been positively received by gamers. Fortunately, numerous strategy games from the 2000s could benefit from a modern update on advanced game engines.

8. Supreme Commander

A Game That Redefined Real-Time Strategy Scale

Although Supreme Commander didn’t achieve the same level of acclaim as games like Age of Empires or Warcraft from the 2000s, it is still considered a cult favorite and trailblazer in the Real Time Strategy genre. Its groundbreaking features and intricate design pushed the boundaries, establishing new standards and benchmarks for the genre. Due to its technical prowess, it was a demanding game that placed a significant strain on CPUs and required powerful graphics cards to run smoothly, primarily due to the massive scale of its battles.

As an ardent enthusiast, I’d relish the opportunity to assume the role of a divine strategist, managing vast armies across sprawling battlefields. The intricacies of this strategic game are not for the faint-hearted; it requires a steep learning curve to master. It’s often likened to the revered Starcraft series, yet it embodies the turn-based strategy elements reminiscent of the Total War or Civilization series. By skillfully combining the finest aspects of both strategy subgenres, a contemporary reboot of the Supreme Commander games would undeniably be a breath of fresh air in today’s gaming landscape. With the advancement of powerful hardware at our disposal, this game could finally be experienced to its full potential.

7. Command & Conquer: Generals

A More Grounded Approach to the Command & Conquer Series

The “Command & Conquer” franchise is a well-known science fiction Real-Time Strategy (RTS) series that gained prominence in the 2000s. Although the initial game from the ’90s didn’t create much of a stir, the title “Command & Conquer: Generals” successfully penetrated the mainstream strategy genre with its authentic factions – the USA, China, and the Global Liberation Army (GLA), a fictional militia from the Middle East. In contrast, the conventional “Command & Conquer: Tiberium trilogy” and “Command & Conquer: Red Alert” games lean more towards fantasy, featuring alien factions and highly advanced technology.

Electronic Arts authorized the studio to produce “Command & Conquer: Generals 2,” a project that eventually got canceled. Although it didn’t create as much buzz as some other popular real-time strategy (RTS) games launching around the same time, “Command & Conquer: Generals” was generally well-liked and has a dedicated fanbase eager for a comeback. A comeback in the form of a contemporary remake might not be a terrible idea, given that “Command & Conquer: Generals 2,” which had been developed using the Frostbite engine at one point, was once under development.

6. Rise of Nations

Big Huge Games With a Strategic Masterpiece

One of the highly respected strategy games from the early 2000s, “Rise of Nations,” skillfully combines the scope of extensive strategy games such as those in the “Total War” and “Civilization” series, with swift resource management and base-building gameplay characteristic of popular real-time strategy (RTS) titles like the “Age of Empires” series. What sets Rise of Nations apart is its unique approach to gameplay, requiring players to consider long-term planning as if playing a large-scale turn-based strategy game while also engaging in immediate tactical actions to keep pace with their opponents. Additionally, it offers players the chance to delve into diplomatic interactions, administrative decisions, and border control strategies, progressing from the Ancient Age through to the Information Age.

2014 saw an upgrade to my favorite strategy game, Rise of Nations, with the arrival of the Rise of Nations: Extended Edition. This update boosted its visual appeal a bit and included the Thrones & Patriots expansion pack. To top it off, they added Steamworks support. In 2025, this classic game is still thriving on Steam, and if Microsoft were to tackle a modern remake like they did with Age of Mythology: Retold, it would be a massive hit!

5. Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos

Because Warcraft 3: Reforged Was a Poorly Handled Remaster

Nearly everyone is familiar with the Warcraft series due to the global sensation that is World of Warcraft. However, the original strategy games continue to be cherished classics by a vast community of nostalgic gamers worldwide. This series significantly contributed to Blizzard’s rapid ascension as a game developer. With an intricate lore that rivals some of the greatest fantasy tales and engaging gameplay featuring various races and unit types, Warcraft gained such iconic status that it served as inspiration for numerous other games, including multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. In fact, Dota, one of the most prominent esports today, originated as a custom game in Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.

2020 saw Blizzard unleash Warcraft 3: Reforged, a modernized take with stunning new visuals and fresh features. However, critics were divided, while fans of the franchise were downright disappointed – particularly due to the game’s failure to deliver on promised additions and the general consensus being that the upgraded graphics fell short compared to the original. Despite these issues, Warcraft 3: Reforged clearly demonstrates one undeniable truth: A faithful remake could well resurrect the series to its former glory.

4. Company of Heroes

The Award-Winning Strategy Game Could Do With Some Love

First released in 2006, the classic Company of Heroes continues to be celebrated as one of the top strategy games ever made. It quickly became a favorite among dedicated strategy gamers and even garnered prestigious awards like PC Gamer’s Game of the Year in 2006. Additionally, it thrived in LAN tournaments due to its competitive nature. What truly set it apart was its meticulously crafted Real-Time Strategy (RTS) gameplay, set within a captivating fictional World War II scenario.

Initially, the first installment was exceptional, leading to a prosperous game series, featuring a movie adaptation in 2013 and two subsequent versions. Although the follow-ups are well-received, they fail to capture the magic of the initial release. Given that Company of Heroes 3 debuted in 2023, remaking the original using the latest sequel’s technology would be a brilliant move, similar to what was done with the Mafia series.

3. Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2

The Real-Time Tactics Game That Spawned the Men of War Series

Heroes of World War II,” which was among the first to incorporate 3D graphics into these types of games, though it didn’t achieve as much popularity as other mainstream strategy games at that time. However, it paved the way for highly-regarded RTT titles like “Men of War: Assault Squad 2.”

The game was frequently likened to “Company of Heroes,” yet it stood out by offering a more authentic portrayal of World War 2 combat, focusing on tactical unit control and realistic mechanics. Unlike “Company of Heroes,” which is primarily a Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game with an emphasis on managing resources and macro strategies, “Soldiers: Heroes of World War II” offers a more direct approach to combat while maintaining its strategic depth in resource management and tactical decision making. Its sequels, “Faces of War” and “Men of War,” garnered greater popularity, but it would be worthwhile to revive the original with a modern remake for some well-deserved recognition.

2. Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends

The Perfect Steampunk Strategy Game Deserves Some More Attention

Drawing from the triumph of “Rise of Nations”, Big Huge Games crafted and debuted “Rise of Nations: Thrones & Legends”, a distinctive Real Time Strategy game that blends aspects from “Rise of Nations” with a steampunk ambiance. Although it didn’t garner the same level of acclaim as “Rise of Nations” upon its release, it was widely appreciated for its unique charm and is often regarded as an overlooked gem in the RTS genre by those who experienced it.

This game boasted an enormous size, featuring a distinct combined structure for base-building. It eliminated civilian units due to this innovation, as base construction didn’t necessitate them and instead allowed players to expand their city by adding “districts” for extra research and military unit production. Typically, a single military unit consisted of a band of soldiers, thus amplifying the scale of conflicts. The game was also visually stunning and accompanied by an outstanding soundtrack. With a powerful promotional campaign and a remake on a contemporary gaming platform, Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends might finally receive the recognition it truly deserves.

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2025-04-26 10:34