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...
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...
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,...
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...
Released in 1993 by Sensible Software, Cannon Fodder emerged as a unique entry in the action-strategy genre. Its distinct gameplay, controversial themes, and lasting influence on future games have solidified its place in video game history. Gameplay and Mechanics Cannon Fodder stands out for its innovative blend of action and strategy. Players control a squad of soldiers from a top-down perspective, navigating various missions that range from simple search and destroy objectives to more complex rescue and reconnaissance operations. The...
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2010, stands as a monumental achievement in the real-time strategy genre. A sequel to the pioneering StarCraft, Wings of Liberty not only built upon its predecessor’s legacy but also set new standards for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and competitive gaming. This retrospective explores the rich tapestry of its story, innovative gameplay, advancements over the original, impact on esports, and the challenges it faced. A Compelling Narrative The story of Wings of...
In the vast landscape of strategy video games, Demonworld, released in 1997, is a notable adaptation of the tabletop wargame created by German developer Hobby Products. This transition from physical miniatures to digital format was a remarkable endeavour, capturing the essence of the original while leveraging the advantages of the PC gaming medium. Setting and Lore Demonworld is set in the rich and immersive world of Garuda, a land ravaged by conflict and inhabited by diverse races and factions. The...
In 1990, the world of simulation games was graced with the release of Moonbase, an early city builder that transported players to the moon, offering a unique blend of strategy, education, and entertainment. This innovative game stood out in an era when city-building simulations were still in their infancy, laying the groundwork for more sophisticated titles in the genre. Pioneering the City Builder Genre Moonbase distinguished itself as one of the pioneering city-building games, setting a precedent for future titles....
Fragile Allegiance, released in 1996 by Gremlin Interactive, occupies a distinctive niche in the realm of real-time strategy games with its incorporation of 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) elements. The game offers a unique blend of real-time strategy and the strategic depth typically found in 4X titles, creating an engaging and multifaceted experience. Story and Setting The game is set in a distant future where humanity has ventured into the far reaches of space. Players assume the role of...
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, released in 2002 by Blizzard Entertainment, is a monumental chapter in the history of real-time strategy games. Building on the success of its predecessors, Warcraft and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, Warcraft III introduced significant advancements in story, gameplay, and mechanics, propelling the franchise to new heights. Story and Lore Warcraft III’s narrative depth and complexity set it apart from many contemporary RTS games. The game is set in the high-fantasy world of Azeroth, embroiled...
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, released in 2005, is, unsurprisingly, the fourth instalment in the revered Civilization series. It brought substantial enhancements over its predecessors, establishing new benchmarks for strategic depth, customization, and player engagement. The game’s innovative features, combined with its ability to evolve through expansions and community mods, have solidified its legacy as a cornerstone of the genre. Evolution and Enhancements Civilization IV built upon the foundation laid by its predecessors with a suite of improvements that...
The early 2000s was a period of transformation for the gaming industry, particularly in the realm of strategy games. Among the titles that emerged during this time, Hearts of Iron stands out as a seminal work that redefined the grand strategy genre. Developed by Paradox Interactive, Hearts of Iron offered a complex and immersive simulation of World War II, captivating strategy enthusiasts with its depth and historical accuracy. An Ambitious Undertaking Hearts of Iron was released at a...
In 1992, Impressions Games released Caesar, a title that would come to define and innovate within the burgeoning city-building genre. As the brainchild of designer David Lester, Caesar captivated players with its intricate simulation of ancient Roman urban planning and governance, setting a high standard for future games in the genre. Over three decades later, it remains a landmark in gaming history, celebrated for its depth, complexity, and engaging gameplay. The Foundations of a Classic Caesar places players...
Hammer of the Gods stands out as a quintessential example of early 90s innovation in strategy games. Released by Holistic Design in 1994 and published by New World Computing, this turn-based strategy game has retained a dedicated following thanks to its intricate gameplay, thematic depth, and pioneering mechanics. With its blend of mythological elements and strategic conquest, Hammer of the Gods not only captured the imagination of players at the time but also laid the groundwork for many...
