Suggestions for the best Strategy games

[Rackhir]

I have heard good things about Galactic Civilizations II, if you're looking for some MOO style turn based 4E games.

http://www.galciv2.com/

UFO : Extraterrestrials is supposed to be a good update of X-Com for modern computers.

UFO:EXTRATERRESTRIALS - tactical and RPG Ufo styled strategy game

 

[Pinotage]

The Starcraft we're talking about was made by Blizzard (makers of Warcraft) between Warcraft II and Warcraft III. I don't think it could run in DOS so I don't know if you're thinking of the same thing we are.

No, my mistake. I was thinking about Starcontrol, a fun game from an era gone by.

 

[Croesus]

Similar to HOMM is Age of Wonders and Age of Wonders 2. Both are slightly different from HOMM 3 (the best version of HOMM, IMNSHO) - their actually closer to SSG's Warlord series. For example, you build troops, then have to pay upkeep for them each turn (which can limit army sizes) and the heroes act in tactical combats. If you're unsure, pick up the first one - it's dirt cheap and very, very good.

A good, simple game is Strategic Command. It's World War II in Europe, at grand strategic level. Think Third Reich (the old Avalon Hill boardgame) with 10% of the complexity. I recommend you pick up the original game, not Strategic Command II - the sequel added a lot of extra micromanagement that (IMO) detracts from the simplicity of the original game. Besides, you can get the original fairly cheap.

 

[Thanee]

Speaking of HOMM... there once was a game called King's Bounty, which clearly was the source of inspiration for HOMM (basically the same game).

Recently, a sequel was made... King's Bounty the legend.

Might be worth a look for everyone who likes HOMM.

Bye
Thanee

 

[jeffh]

I've recently become enamoured of Paradox Interactive's various startegy games - the Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron series, Victoria, Crusader Kings and others. These are very complex and ambitious grand strategy games, with a much higher degree of realism than anything else I've seen (e.g. build times are realistic, so in Hearts of Iron it takes over a year to make an aircraft carrier; you really need to plan ahead).

These have a steep learning curve, but the same detail that makes them intimidating to learn makes them incredibly addictive once you get past the initial hump. And they have very active fan (including modding) communities.

 

[Calico_Jack73]

One HUGE vote for Dawn of War. I can't stop playing it. If you have the core games and the 3 expansions there are 9 unique races and each race has totally individualized units. Each race has their own strengths and weaknesses and thus different strategies. The unit animations are spectacular. Morale and cover actually make a difference in this game.

I think my ideal game would be if they made Starcraft with Warcraft III's interface... I really hope that's what Starcraft II turns out to be.

I think you'll love the interface for Dawn of War.

Dawn of War 2 comes out next year.

Company of Heroes is alse extremely good. It has the same basic gameplay as Dawn of War (both are made by THQ and Relic).

Supreme Commander is a good one if you have a decently fast system and a few hours to kill per map.

If you are looking for fantasy/medieval I don't really know where to point you. IMHO Dragonshard was crap and Battle for Middle Earth was only "Okay".

 

[Pinotage]

Thanks all! Some really useful suggestions there. Now just to decide where to start!

 

[TwinBahamut]

...without the stupid WC3 style heroes.

Actually, I hope that Starcraft 2 does have something like that. I wouldn't want it to have the same constant multiplayer presence that the heroes in Warcraft 3 did, but the mechanics behind those heroes are incredibly useful for making fun campaign missions and unique custom maps. Even if they are not part of the basic game they are really nice to have.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

I like the Command & Conquer series, mostly the Red Alert spin-off, which is kinda goofier and (IMHO) more fun.

 

[Thanee]

...which is kinda goofier...

Definitely...

Bye
Thanee