Thread: RTS this season?

I'm putting together a little bit of a "Christmas list" for an upcoming podcast, naming the most exciting games in various genres that have recently come out. Sort of for people who are looking to get someone a game, but don't know where to start, that kind of thing.

Since RTS isn't my area I'm wondering what all you RTS fans suggest.

I'm sure many of your favorites aren't the newest games, but for the purpose of this list I'm not looking for the "best rts ever!" I need yo know which games that have recently been released (talking 3rd and 4th quarter, so maybe not quite released) are getting players excited or have been a big hit.

Maybe there aren't too many, in which case we'll have to look a little farther back.

Any help is appreciated, since I haven't played an rts since Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds.

Red Alert 3


Do you want only Real-Time Strategies, or do Real-Time Tactics count as well?

Originally Posted by Blah64

Red Alert 3


Do you want only Real-Time Strategies, or do Real-Time Tactics count as well?

I think they're the same to me. Whats the diff?

Real Time Tactics means no base-building, and generally no resource gathering (though sometimes there are resources of a sort, see World in Conflict).

Real Time Strategy would be the classic "chop lumber, mass zerglings, RUUUUUUSH!!!!!"

Anyways, if you'd go for an older game, Medieval 2: Total War is still one of the most badass games out there. But Red Alert 3 got good reviews, I think, even though it came in under the radar.

Real-Time Strategies have buildings and resources that need to be managed such that strategies are needed on what territory to fight for and control.

Real-Time Tactics usually don't have things like territory or buildings. In these, you are given a certain amount of units or you can just buy 're-enforcements' with a money supply. With these, all that matters are tactics and micro-management. You control unit movements more directly, and don't manage economy/territory. Kill, kill, kill. No reason to decide what enemy facilities need to be taken out or what is a top priority, its just keep your units alive and kill everything.

edit: . Benandorf is back...

Look into the reviews of Tom Clancy's End War. I don't own it, but it was very hyped. You might add what the critics are saying about it in your podcast.

Originally Posted by Benandorf

Anyways, if you'd go for an older game, Medieval 2: Total War is still one of the most badass games out there. But Red Alert 3 got good reviews, I think, even though it came in under the radar.

Just a point of order, M:TW 2 is a Turn Based Strategy game for all intents and purposes. Even considering the real-time elements it is a Real Time Tactics game. Most put it in the TBS category because that's the core gameplay. Not that you can't put that in the podcast, but be aware that it is a contested point typically.

I'm pretty sure that End War is also a RTT not an RTS.

OK, you're going to think that I'm crazy, and that's alright, but my honest pick for a grat RTS game for a gift would be:

The Settlers - Rise of an Empire.

This game combine aspects of Real-time Strategy and Real-time Simulation. It's got your classic civilization requirements, and it's got full Battle scenarios; Archers, Cavalry, Cannons, etc, etc.....

You have full control over the design of your fotification, civilization, and military force; and it's in full 3D with full 3D rotation, and zoom capabilities.

Just about every building and every object has moving parts, so the entire place looks graphically alive; it's a fun game I think and only over a year old.

these are fairly old but still kick ass even though (and some people may not have them)

Company Of Heroes (duh, probably most that like RTS/RTT have it)
World in Conflict (a RTT i guess, still IMO it is awesome though again well-known)
Civ 4 (okay its turn based but damnit it still kicks ass)

EDIT: Here is a list from gamerankings of the best avg. rating RTS games
http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrank...pleratings.asp

If that link isn't showing anything you can at least use it to sort a list of RTS games of 08. I know Sins of The (or A cant remember) Solar Empire was on the top followed by, i think, C&C Red Alert 3 and Multiwinia