Brianna ParkerStrategy games have become popular among both kids and adults alike. These games are complex and challenging. They involve planning, observing and well-thought solutions that ensure the victory of the gamer. It takes critical thinking and practice to get used to the gaming environment before you can overcome the hurdles coming your way.
Here is a quick overview of the best strategy games.
21. Age of Empires Definitive Edition
Year released: 2018
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 63% Metacritic
The Age of Empires initially began in 1997 but its 2018 edition, you can choose among 16 given civilizations. It is best to start with the Stone Age and then move on to defeat your opponents and achieve victory. You will require sufficient strategies to achieve your win. It involves building a base, gathering resources and recruiting soldiers.
20. Halo Wars 2
Year released: 2017
Developer: 343 Industries Creative Assembly
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 70% Metacritic
If you enjoyed the alien vs. space marines game the first time around, the chances are that you will fall in love with Halo Wars 2 faster. Much of its strategy revolves around attacking, gathering resources and building units. It requires attentiveness especially in terms to action sequences and graphic details.
19. Spellforce III
Year released: 2017
Developer: Grimlore Games
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 73% Metacritic
Spellforce is a fantasy game in which you can create your own heroic character and choose attributes and skills according to your liking. Its fantasy world will allow you to utilize a myriad of spells and magical abilities during your battles.
Apart from the wars, the game also provides you with an economical arena where you can create your own colony and ensure the survival of your people.
18. XCOM 2
Year released: 2016
Developer: Firaxis Games
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 88% Metacritic
The levels of combat undertaken in XCOM are impactful, tense and rewarding all at the same time. The levels keep changing which may provide you with disastrous scenarios. You will have to engage in tactical thinking in your efforts to avoid such obstacles. The soldiers in XCOM 2 are complex but one you can identify with.
17. Stellaris
Year released: 2016
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 78% Metacritic
Stellaris is a captivating strategy game giving you the platform to conceive, create, build and advance your very own civilization in space.
You can either create your own species with features or choose some already made empires. The game is set in the year 2200 where you are already in space. So, you take certain measures to protect your colonies and fight your enemies to ensure their survival.
16. Civilization 6
Year released: 2016
Developer: Firaxis Games
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 88% Metacritic
The Civilization Game, in general, is a strategy game whose target goal is to maintain a selected civilization from its inception to the modern era. The choice of civilization depends entirely on the player. He is required to gather information to enhance his understanding of the culture, military, and technology in the game.
15. Total War: Attila
Year released: 2015
Developer: The Creative Assembly
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 80% Metacritic
Total war has been golden for many gamers owing to the era and periods it covers. The historical figure, in this case, Attila makes for an ideal choice given his historical background. His character has to deal with the enigmatic century that encompassed the Dark Ages. The Huns have to make serious decisions as to their alliance, bribe, and migrations.
14. Stronghold Crusader II
Year released: 2014
Developer: Firefly Studio
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 65% Metacritic
If you take an interest in the medieval world, then Stronghold Crusader is a fantastic game to indulge in. It is set up in the Middle East where you can pick either an Arabic or Crusader campaign
The storylines vary, and you will have to concentrate your efforts on missions to win at every level. The castles and civilization depicted in the game make for majestic visuals.
13. Crusader Kings II
Year released: 2012
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 82% Metacritic
If you know enough about the Crusades, the chances are that you will find the Crusader Kings to be a pleasurable experience. With the storyline based on invasions and political betrayals, it is your mission to lead your men to victory.
The player can strategize by engaging in different war tactics, assassinations, and even matrimony — the choice of historical figures to pay the game which makes for a knowledgeable experience.
12. Mount & Blade: Warband
Year released: 2010
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 78% Metacritic
How you choose your troops and how you lead them in battle will be tested in Warband. Your entire journey will be based on the methods to triumph over your opponents as well as how you handle betrayal, conquest, and marriage throughout your course. The feudal atmosphere in the game makes for an unrefined experience.
11. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Year released: 2010
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 93% Metacritic
StarCraft starts on a period where the world has gotten too overpopulated, and mankind is sent to colonize a new territory within the Milky Way. But their computers crashed, and they lost communication with planet Earth.
This military science fiction game is focused on their survival requiring different strategies. This involves them taking on an alien species while trying to defuse conflict between separate human factions.
10. World in Conflict
Year released: 2007
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 89% Metacritic
Set during the Cold War period, World in Conflict focuses on a mission that involves switching formations and confronting constant attacks. You may have to wait for more backup units considering the state of the battle. The game stands out for its informational matter where you can overwhelm your rival through immediate action.
9. Sid Meier’s Civilization V
Year released: 2007
Developer: Firaxis Games
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 90% Metacritic
In this legendary Civilization series, you will have to deal with Kings and Gods alike. Some of the civilizational choices include Venice which makes for an enlightening experience. Once you pick out your military, you can lead them and your civilization to a sustainable future.
8. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
Year released: 2007
Developer: Gas Powered Games
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 81% Metacritic
Although it is more tactical than strategic, Supreme Commander is far more superior in terms of production. The game revolves around the troops that are needed in a specific location where they are sent on a mission to capture an opponent off guard. The time limit of the game ranges from five to ten minutes.
7. Company of Heroes
Year released: 2006
Developer: Relic entertainment
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 93% Metacritic
If you are fascinated by the era of World War II, then the Company of Heroes is the strategy game for you. It consists of multiple missions that you can tackle with your friends as you make your way to build bases, crush your enemies and recruit your soldiers. With its tanks, jeeps and other vehicles, you can avail a real wartime experience.
6. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Year released: 2004
Developer: Relic entertainment
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 86% Metacritic
The Dawn of War revolves around a group of elite space marines with each character has its own combat role and distinct personality. The space marines move as a team together proving for a futuristic feel within the war game. The game provides different war missions, but where it stands out is the inclusion of twists that create a lively aura within the game design.
5. Age of Mythology
Year released: 2002
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Game type: Video Game
Popularity: 89% Metacritic
The Age of Mythology is not the kind of game that limits itself to only the ancient Greek world. It incorporates Egyptian and Norse mythologies as well. The civilizational game is properly designed which makes it all the more fun to play especially when slaying legendary beasts to gain divine favor.
4. Master of Orion II Battle at Antares
Year released: 1996
Developer: Simtex
Game type: PC
Popularity: 84% Metacritic
Master of Orion II is a space-based genre that allows users to create and design their own alien race. Through the control of the players, the aliens are directed to engage in a planetary battle with the help of boarding actions and superweapons. The originality of the system along with the strategically planned action utilized to defeating their opponents makes the game unique and enticing.
3. Settlers of Catan
Year released: 1995
Developer: Klaus Teuber
Game type: Board Game
Popularity: 7.2 rating on BoardGameGeek.com
Settlers of Catan is a multiplayer competitive game. Each player has to earn 10 points to achieve victory. They can do this by building settlements, armies, cities, and infrastructure. The more they build, the more points they receive.
What makes this game interesting is its trade component that can open you up to negotiations. It takes legitimate practice through the number of games to become skilled. This makes the game all the more challenging but promising.
2. Risk
Year released: 1957
Developer: Hasbro
Game type: Board Game
Popularity: 5.6 rating on BoardGameGreek.com
Risk is a board game that has been widespread in the USA. It is one of the earlier modern games that allows its players to choose wherever they want to move once they get a turn. Once the player amasses a sizable army in a single province, he can take action and conquer a continent.
This provides for an exhilarating experience for the player. Many beginners tend to play this game in elementary school however this game is not limited to any age factor. Even the elderly enthusiastically participate in this strategy game.
1. Chess
Year released: 6th Century
Game type: Board Game
Popularity: 600 million according to Chess.com
Initially termed as Chaturanga, chess has been a game that has had its presence in India since the inception of Hindu mythology like in the Mahabharata epic. The game flourished in the 6th century and has been considered a favorite by many of its kings and Gods like Krishna and Radha. Many theories have floated as to why the game gained so much popularity and development in Indian civilization. A more acceptable theory associates it with India’s mathematical enlightenment which eventually led to the game’s formation.
The game continues to remain popular in India’s modern culture. Vishwanathan Anand became a grandmaster and garnered International acclaim since 2007. Chess has seen a resurgence in popularity since then
Which Is The Best Game?
It honestly depends on the gamer. There are plenty of strategic games that will quench your thirst for excitement and adventure. It produces different worlds, different timelines and different scenarios where you can operate. Some are based on a specific civilization where you can command your army or a planet where you must battle for your clan’s survival.
What is true is that all games involve forming your own plans and method of approach to ensure that you win the game in the end.
Tell us what you think? Did you find this article interesting?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
S.K. Gupta
Add comment