Turn Based Strategy

Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War

Released in 1999 by DreamForge Intertainment and published by SSI, Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War brought the grim darkness of the far future into a turn-based strategy format. Inspired by the mechanics of Panzer General II, Rites of War merged the tactical depth of turn-based wargaming with the rich lore and factions of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. While it stood apart from other titles in the franchise, which often leaned heavily into real-time strategy, Rites of War carved out its...
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4X

Thousand Parsec

Thousand Parsec, formally maturing as a project in 2010 after years of open-source development, was an ambitious framework for creating and playing 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) space strategy games. Unlike traditional standalone titles, Thousand Parsec was a platform rather than a single game, designed to enable developers and players to create and engage with highly customizable, turn-based strategy experiences set in the vastness of space. Its modular design and flexibility allowed for a wide variety of rulesets, game mechanics,...
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Turn Based Strategy

Silent Storm

Silent Storm, developed by Nival Interactive and released in 2003, is a tactical turn-based strategy game set during an alternate-history version of World War II. Players take command of a squad of elite operatives from either the Allied or Axis forces, engaging in a series of missions that mix historical themes with science fiction elements. Known for its deep mechanics, destructible environments, and role-playing elements, Silent Storm was praised for its tactical depth and innovative approach to squad-based combat. Squad-Based...
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Real Time Strategy

Dungeon Keeper

Dungeon Keeper, released in 1997 by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts, offered a unique and subversive take on the strategy genre. Instead of commanding heroes or kingdoms, players assumed the role of an evil dungeon overlord tasked with building and defending their lair from invading do-gooders. Combining real-time strategy, resource management, and dungeon simulation, Dungeon Keeper became an instant classic, lauded for its innovative gameplay and dark humour. Building and Managing the Perfect Dungeon The core of Dungeon...
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Real Time Strategy

Alien Legacy

Developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra On-Line, Alien Legacy debuted in 1994 as a blend of real-time strategy, resource management, and science fiction storytelling. Set in a distant future, the game tasked players with colonizing a new star system while unravelling a mystery left behind by a failed previous mission. With its focus on exploration, resource management, and narrative-driven gameplay, Alien Legacy stood out as an ambitious and innovative title. While it wasn’t a massive commercial success, the game’s...
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4X

Master of Orion

Released in 1993 by SimTex and published by MicroProse, Master of Orion is widely regarded as one of the founding titles of the 4X genre – eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate. Set in a procedurally generated galaxy filled with alien species and uncharted worlds, Master of Orion challenged players to lead their chosen civilization to galactic dominance through diplomacy, technological advancement, and military conquest. Its innovative mechanics and elegant design established a template that would influence countless strategy games in the...
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City Builder

Cities XL

Released in 2009 by Monte Cristo, Cities XL aimed to revolutionize the city-building genre by combining traditional urban management with ambitious online multiplayer features. Building on the foundation laid by classics like SimCity, Cities XL offered players the chance to construct and manage sprawling metropolises while tackling the challenges of balancing economic growth, environmental sustainability, and citizen satisfaction. What set Cities XL apart from its predecessors was its attempt to integrate a persistent online experience, where players could trade resources...
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4X

Star Ruler

Released in 2010 by Blind Mind Studios, Star Ruler aimed to deliver a grand-scale real-time 4X strategy experience, where players could build sprawling galactic empires and command massive fleets. Known for its focus on scale and customization, Star Ruler stood out in the 4X genre by offering an unprecedented level of control over ship design, resource management, and automation. The game’s massive, procedurally generated galaxies and complex mechanics appealed to players who craved depth and flexibility in their strategy games....
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Ep.6: The Strategy Games That Made Us

In Episode 6 of Critical Moves, the hosts take a personal journey through the games that shaped their strategy gaming paths. Shane, Al, Nuno, and Tim discuss the first strategy games they ever played, the ones that cemented their love for the genre, and the titles currently keeping them engaged. Here’s what the episode covered: The discussion began with the hosts recalling their earliest experiences with strategy games. Al’s introduction to RTS came with a ground-breaking classic that combined fast-paced...
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Turn Based Strategy

Dark Legions

Released in 1994 by Strategic Simulations Inc. (SSI), Dark Legions was an innovative strategy game that combined elements of tactical combat, resource management, and role-playing. Developed by Chris Kraus and Ted Carron, who had previously worked on The Summoning and Veil of Darkness, the game placed players in command of a fantasy army, where the ultimate goal was to annihilate the opposing force and capture their leader. What set Dark Legions apart was its hybrid gameplay. It offered a mix...
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4X

Pax Imperia

In 1992, Changeling Software released Pax Imperia, a title that would become one of the early forerunners of the 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) genre. Published by THQ, the game offered a deep and complex take on interstellar empire-building. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Pax Imperia focused heavily on micromanagement and customization, allowing players to control virtually every aspect of their galactic empire. With its real-time mechanics, expansive galaxy maps, and detailed approach to empire management, Pax Imperia stood out...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Ep.5: Franchises That Should Games

In Episode 5 of Critical Moves, the hosts explore franchises that could make exceptional strategy games. From cult sci-fi books to blockbuster IPs, Al, Joe, and Nuno share their dream picks and discuss how these concepts could translate into engaging strategy experiences. Here’s what the episode covered: The discussion kicked off with Joe’s pitch for a Bobiverse strategy game. Based on the sci-fi book series, it would place players in the shoes of Bob, an AI tasked with exploring and...
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Real Time Strategy

Siege

Released in 1992 by Mindcraft Software, Siege brought the gritty reality of medieval siege warfare to life in a unique tactical strategy game. Set in a fantasy world loosely based on the Empires of Steel series, Siege focused on the intense and methodical battles surrounding castle defences. Players could either defend a fortress from waves of attackers or take on the role of the besiegers, aiming to breach the walls and claim victory. This duality provided a comprehensive look at...
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Grand Strategy

Crusader Kings

In 2004, Paradox Interactive released Crusader Kings, a grand strategy game that broke new ground by shifting the focus from nations and empires to dynasties and personal relationships. Unlike traditional grand strategy games that centred on territorial conquest and resource management, Crusader Kings emphasized the intricacies of medieval politics, family dynamics, and succession. Set in the medieval period, spanning from 1066 to 1453, the game allowed players to assume the role of a feudal lord, ranging from minor counts to...
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Grand Strategy

Strategic Command WWII Global Conflict

In 2010, Fury Software released Strategic Command WWII: Global Conflict, a grand strategy game designed to encompass the full scale of World War II. This title took on the ambitious task of recreating the entire global theatre of WWII, allowing players to manage every aspect of the war, from large-scale military campaigns to intricate political alliances. With a focus on realism and historical accuracy, Strategic Command WWII: Global Conflict gave players control over the world’s major powers, challenging them to...
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Critical Moves Podcast

Critical Moves Ep.4: Total War: Past, Present, Future

In Episode 4 of Critical Moves, the hosts delve into the Total War franchise, discussing its past successes, recent challenges, and what the future might hold. Al is joined by Nuno, Joe, and Tim as they explore the series’ evolution, from its historical roots to the popularity of Warhammer and the potential for new settings like 40K or Star Wars. Here’s what the episode covered: The conversation began with a nostalgic look at the early Total War games, focusing on...
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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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