4X

Galactic Civilizations

Released in 2003 by Stardock, Galactic Civilizations entered the 4X strategy genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) with a focus on space exploration, interstellar diplomacy, and empire management. Set in a sprawling galaxy, the game allowed players to take on the role of the Terran Alliance, Earth’s representative in a complex and often hostile universe. Galactic Civilizations stood out from its contemporaries through its emphasis on diplomacy, AI-driven opponents, and a deep, strategic layer that emphasized not just military conquest but...
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Turn Based Strategy

Axis & Allies

In 1998, Axis & Allies, the iconic board game of global warfare and strategy, was brought to life on PC by Hasbro Interactive and MicroProse. This digital adaptation aimed to capture the spirit and depth of the original board game, combining turn-based gameplay with real-time strategy elements to create a complex, immersive experience. Set during World War II, Axis & Allies allowed players to command one of the five major powers – the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, Germany,...
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Real Time Strategy

Z

Released in 1996 by The Bitmap Brothers, Z (pronounced “Zed” in the UK) was a unique and bold entry in the real-time strategy genre. Departing from the standard RTS formula of base building and resource management, Z emphasized fast-paced, territory-based gameplay with a heavy dose of humour. Set in a futuristic, industrial world, the game cast players as the commander of a robot army engaged in a brutal war for dominance against a rival AI force. Its distinctive style, irreverent...
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City Builder

Stronghold

In 1993, Stronghold was released by Stormfront Studios, offering a unique mix of city-building and real-time strategy within a medieval setting. Unlike the more widely known Stronghold game series developed by Firefly Studios nearly a decade later, this original Stronghold was a lesser-known entry in the strategy genre, blending resource management, kingdom-building, and a turn-based tactical layer. It tasked players with building, defending, and expanding a fortified kingdom, all while managing the needs of their citizens and navigating a dangerous...
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Grand Strategy

Hearts of Iron

In 2002, Paradox Interactive released Hearts of Iron, a ground-breaking grand strategy game that aimed to simulate the complexities of World War II on a scale rarely seen in video games. Hearts of Iron offered players the opportunity to control any nation between 1936 and 1948, navigating the intricate political, economic, and military challenges of one of the most turbulent periods in modern history. Unlike many World War II games, which focused primarily on battlefield tactics, Hearts of Iron required...
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Turn Based Strategy

Worms

In 1995, Team17 released Worms, a turn-based strategy game that introduced a unique blend of chaotic fun, tactical depth, and dark humour. Set on destructible 2D landscapes, Worms pitted teams of armed worms against each other in a battle to the last squirming soldier. While seemingly simple at first glance, the game brought a surprising amount of strategy to the genre, attracting a wide range of players and quickly cementing its place as a cult classic. With its addictive multiplayer...
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Real Time Strategy

Rise of Nations

In 2003, Big Huge Games released Rise of Nations, a real-time strategy title that distinguished itself through a mix of turn-based depth and real-time intensity. Developed by Brian Reynolds, a veteran designer from the Civilization series, Rise of Nations aimed to capture the complexity of global domination while retaining the excitement of a faster-paced, action-driven format. It successfully combined elements of classic turn-based strategy with real-time mechanics, resulting in a game that appealed to fans of both genres. Rise of...
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City Builder

Utopia: The Creation of a Nation

In 1991, Utopia: The Creation of a Nation introduced gamers to a new type of strategic experience, one that mixed the elements of city-building, resource management, and planetary colonization. Developed by Celestial Software and published by Gremlin Graphics, Utopia was an early and innovative entry in the strategy genre that set the stage for future city-building and management simulators. Set on an alien world, the game challenged players to build and sustain a thriving colony in hostile conditions. Utopia may...
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Editorial

Strategy Games of the 2000s: A Decade of Strategic Masterpieces

The 2000s were a remarkable era for strategy games, a period when developers significantly advanced the genre by creating some of the most iconic and enduring titles in gaming history. These games not only defined a decade but also set the standards for future generations of strategy enthusiasts. From real-time strategy masterpieces to intricate turn-based games, the 2000s were a demonstration of creativity and innovation in game development. Let’s look at the most influential and memorable strategy games of that...
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Turn Based Strategy

Jagged Alliance

In 1994, Jagged Alliance emerged as a standout in the tactical strategy genre, blending turn-based combat with role-playing elements in a way that had rarely been seen before. Developed by Sir-Tech, the game introduced players to a complex, character-driven world set on the fictional island of Metavira. The narrative, while straightforward, created an immediate hook: players were tasked with reclaiming the island from a ruthless dictator, using a mercenary force they had to recruit, manage, and command. The Mercenary System...
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Turn Based Strategy

X-COM: Terror from the Deep

When we talk about classic strategy games that defined the genre, X-COM: Terror from the Deep is X-COM: Terror from the Deep is a defining title in classic strategy gaming. Released in 1995, this sequel to the critically acclaimed X-COM: UFO Defence (Enemy Unknown) transported players from outer space to the depths of Earth’s oceans. While its predecessor set the gold standard for tactical strategy games, Terror from the Deep is remembered for pushing difficulty to new extremes, challenging even...
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Real Time Strategy

Metal Marines

Metal Marines is a peculiar title in that it was initially released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) before being ported to the PC. It remains one of the few real-time strategy games which debuted on console. Developed by Namco, the game stood out for its innovative mechanics and strategic depth. The PC port offered a nuanced experience that leveraged the strengths of the platform. Plot and Setting Metal Marines is set in a dystopian future where Earth has...
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City Builder

Tropico

Tropico, released in 2001 by PopTop Software, emerged as a distinctive entry in the city building genre, offering players the unique role of a dictator presiding over a Caribbean island. With its blend of city-building mechanics, political strategy, and a satirical take on Cold War politics, Tropico quickly carved out a niche for itself. Its gameplay, lore, and subsequent influence on the gaming industry warrant a comprehensive look back. Gameplay Mechanics Tropico is a city-building simulation where players must manage...
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City Builder

SimCity 2000

In 1993, Maxis released SimCity 2000, the highly anticipated sequel to the revolutionary original SimCity game. With its release, SimCity 2000 marked a significant leap forward in the simulation genre, offering a wealth of new features, improved graphics, and deeper gameplay mechanics. Evolution of the SimCity Concept SimCity 2000 took the foundational ideas of the original SimCity and expanded them in almost every conceivable way. While the original game introduced players to the joys and challenges of city planning and...
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Turn Based Strategy

Medieval: Total War

Released in 2002 by Creative Assembly, Medieval: Total War marked a significant evolution in the Total War series, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Shogun: Total War. Set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, the game combined grand strategy and real-time tactics to offer players a deep and immersive experience. The Campaign: A Grand Strategy Masterpiece Medieval: Total War’s turn-based campaign mode is a key facet of the game’s grand strategy ambitions, providing an extensive and intricate experience...
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Real Time Strategy

Command and Conquer: Yuri’s Revenge

In our last article we explored Red Alert 2, now its time to take a deep dive into Yuri’s Revenge, the expansion pack for Red Alert 2 released in 2001 by Westwood Studios. This expansion introduced significant new content, further enriching the already compelling universe of Red Alert 2. With the introduction of a third faction, new units, and an expanded campaign, Yuri’s Revenge provided a fresh and engaging experience for both new players and veterans of the series. Setting...
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Real Time Strategy

Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2

Red Alert 2, released in 2000 by Westwood Studios, built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Red Alert, and delivered an experience that resonated with players and critics alike. As a continuation of the alternate history saga, Red Alert 2 enhanced its gameplay, introduced new factions, and offered a captivating campaign mode, securing its place as a classic in the real-time strategy genre. Setting and Story Red Alert 2 follows directly from the events of the original Red Alert,...
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City Builder

Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress, initially released in 2006 by Tarn and Zach Adams of Bay 12 Games, is a monumental achievement in the indie game development scene. This game, officially known as Slaves to Armok: God of Blood Chapter II: Dwarf Fortress, has garnered a unique and dedicated following, largely due to its deep, complex simulation and the sheer scale of its world-building capabilities. The game’s development journey is a testament to the passion and perseverance of its creators, who have continuously...
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