The term 4x (global strategy) appeared, we investigated, expanded, exploited and destroyed (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) - that is, lived in fantasy worlds. In the last five-year-old, the genre is experiencing a kind of revival and, although it is great, it is perfect, one should not mindlessly grab everything.

Not every global strategy can be called the game for everyone, so I went over all the main titles that have come out over the past few years, and I will try to summarize why you may want (or not want) to play them.

Make your own move

Let's start with something unusual. Dominions 5 - a game in the genre of 4x, about the militant gods and their fantastic armies. At the very beginning of the game you create a deity. This deity can have an image of a fierce dragon or magic stone. Step by step you collect an army, recruit wizards to find apocalyptic spells, and distract the attention of the rest of the gods.

Graphics in the game, let's say so - Oldskul. You need to search the community files to find a decent custom card. But if you do it, and even read the instructions for the game, you will receive a detailed strategy that creates insane stories. In 4 games I used to control spacecraft and cavalry, but only in the game Dominions I can direct the friendly troops of Satir, Vivenn, the spirits of the elements and ghosts against the Atlanta. After several trial games, you can easily defeat artificial intelligence in the game. But a truly game is revealed in a multiplayer.

To whom the game is suitable: People are ready to endure a wretched chart in order to get a detailed magic system and management over magnificent and varied fractions.

A unique mixture of 4x and in real time, Rebellion has a faster pace than other participants in this list. This is not only an independent addition, but also an improved version of SINS, so you do not need to worry about the search for the original.

To whom the game is suitable: For the current RTS fans, who wish to join 4, and players who like to take from place in a quarry, maintaining a high pace of the game. However, some home step by step it may seem somewhat chaotic.

This step-by-step fantasy global strategy revolves around the characters of the heroes and the leader of the fraction called sovereign, which can perform quests in the Spirit of RPG and is activated in many aspects of management, not limited to battles alone.

To whom the game is suitable: Fans of classic RPG Thanks to the local quest system will feel at home, and the custom fantasy armies will most likely attract the attention of lovers of the Miniature Warhammer and Hordes.

One of the most interesting features of the Endless Space Universe (and his sequel). Much is tied to an ancient empire, known as Endless, and quasi-magic dust, which they left behind.

To whom the game is suitable: A good threshold entry into cosmic 4x, nevertheless, able to challenge experienced players, and a tempting plot for everyone who is interested in good history in addition to dominance in the Galaxy.

If we crown the autocrat of global strategies, then in the struggle for the throne, there would be some competitors. Take and spend one of the civilizations through the eyelid from antiquity to modernity, trying to achieve various Victory Conditions - in this famous series there are simply no equal.

To whom the game is suitable: Given the CIV 6 output, it is difficult to recommend its predecessor, but the "five" often appears on the sale on a ridiculous low price, so if you are not sure that the series will like, try it for it, without throwing out the full price for the novelty. It is rightly referred to as a magnificent game, especially the addition of "Brave New World".

While most of the rest of the games from our list places a player in the world or galaxy generated by randomly or galaxy, EU4 recreates an extraordinarily deep model of the Earth from 1444 to 1821. You can head any people of the planet, from France to the Team, spending them through the centuries of colonizations, research and technological discoveries.

To whom the game is suitable: Taking into account the high assessment that the game has earned, it is easier to say who she does not fit. The complexity of the simulation and the confusion of trade systems, war and diplomacy can scare up newcomers in global strategies, but the EU4 interface and prompts do everything to help you get into the process and feel yourself at least cozy.

Take the role of the demigod, fighting with their parents for control over the fragments, remaining from the destroyed world. EADOR is another 4x game that is difficult to attribute to any category, since it is also present in it 4x, and rpg, and even tactical step-by-step elements similar to desktop games.

To whom the game is suitable: The greatest advantage of EADOR in how it is arranged compared to the rest of the global strategies. The world of the game is broken into fragments, each of which is a reduced version of the strategic card in games like Total War or, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy something different from standard huge maps or mass of static planets in endless space.

The formula was transferred to you the role of the first on the planet of the allegedly human colony, where you will have to lead its development and compete with other colonial concerns. Mechanics of the game will seem to you strongly familiar if you played Civ 5.

To whom the game is suitable: In my opinion, this is not too successful retreat from the Civilization series, as Beyond Earth lacks the elements that led her relatives to success. Although it has enough steep pieces, such as a nonlinear technical system, allowing to develop their futuristic technologies in a variety of different directions, the game is felt like a high-budget Civ 5 mod, and it is not able to keep the player's attention to more than a couple of tens of hours.

Like its science fiction double Endless Space, Epic History of Endless Legend unfolds in a richly detailed world with its characters and prehistory. Civilizations are configured in more detail, and each has its own distinctive capabilities.

To whom the game is suitable: Based on the time-tested elements 4, it was not afraid to become more and mixed them in such a way that even old players became interested, already tired of the genre. In addition, EL will be pleased with those who crave to study the superbly worked fantasy world in a new interesting setting.

Warlock is very close to how I imagined the qualitative processing of Civilization to the fantasy way. All neutral fractions on the map serve as a larger goal than a simple stimulus at the very beginning of the game.

To whom the game is suitable: As a result of its relative simplicity and commitment to genre templates, Warlock is a good first step for those who want to join the ranks of fans of fantasy global strategies. In addition, there is a good humor in it, in comparison with such more severe and majestic colleagues as Endless Legend and Fallen Enchantress.

By exploring real-time stars with a pause, Distant Worlds can boast one of the strongest civil economy models (capable of working on autopilot while you are managed with political tasks) that I have seen in global strategies.

To whom the game is suitable: In addition to the fact that this is generally an excellent 4 strategy, Distant Worlds is able to break down those players who are important to research. The strategy has succeeded where many other SCI-FI games have failed: here the cosmos is really felt endless.

Like Sins of a Solar Empire, this game can also be written in 4x / RTS hybrids. It is distinguished by deeply developed systems of diplomacy and planetary development.

To whom the game is suitable: Star Ruler 2 in its complexity is close to the maximum, and the huge amount of the smallest control of systems, an affordable player, it looks just frightened for a beginner. However, if you are a lover of mass animated cosmic battles, the game can cost a candle.

The challenger on the loud rank of "blockbuster" among global strategies, Galciv III is today the most shaded and expensive project.

To whom the game is suitable: If you are sick of monotonous Victory Conditions, then one of the biggest positive changes that appeared in the series was the transformation of the "victory" into a set of goals from which you can choose a suitable, which is very diversified by gameplay.

The first truly global strategy transferred to space. Stellaris raised the historical formula Paradox to the stars, giving charging military, political and economic aspects of your cosmic empire.

To whom the game is suitable: The fans of global strategies will feel themselves in Stellaris as at home, but players who are accustomed to the more traditional 4x will have to spend time to get used. The game is much more focused on politics, and items like the form of the board or will of citizens play a significant role in it.

The most recent embodiment of the famous series does not have many innovations, but is still played not bad, justifying the decent cost with loud names of speaking actors.

To whom the game is suitable: Despite its novelty, a typical global strategy, since the predecessor of the 1996 issue, improved only by new graphics. Excellent start for absolute newcomers, and experienced trembling pierces when John de Lancy cries about the war, which boils between his empire and yours.

The game is built on the best ideas of its predecessor, this time offering even more unique plots for each of the inter-storage empires.

To whom the game is suitable: To this point, the list should no longer be surprised by the fact that the true connoisseurs of interactive narrative should be pounced on everything that has the word "Endless" in its title. Endless Space 2 may be the best opportunity for newbies to join the genre than the first part, since she seriously improved its ways to deliver the player a momentary important information.

Civilization got out of his cocoon, in order to reveal the world, the most incredible transformation and a fresh approach in the history of the series. In addition, there is Sean Bean.

To whom the game is suitable: Yes, for anyone who likes. What can be added about civ 6, what is not said yet? Even the most experienced veterans of the series will find many new challenges and opportunities in it, but at the same time the game remains one of the most friendly new global strategies.

The genre, which today will be discussed, can hardly be called superpopular among gamers, but all new step-by-step strategies and RTS are coming annually, in which you can fight with other nations, tribes or aliens. At the same time, among thousands of underfloor games there are those in which each self-respecting gamer should play. We offer the top 20 of the best strategies in history.

Cities: SkyLines.

Until last year, the best urban simulator was uncleanly considered simcity 4. In 2013, EA tried to restart the franchise, but it was waiting for this fiasco: the fans were unhappy with the many bugs and the unsatisfactory scale of the new game. After the release of the Cities: Skylines in 2015, gamers have forgotten about the existence of SimCity: a new project hit its scale, customization capabilities, as well as high levels of city details. Moreover, the developers have released the official tools for modding, allowing the gamers to change the game as it is pleased. Users immediately began to release fashion, thanks to which new modes appeared in the game, types of buildings, junctions, cars and much more.

In September, the first update for Cities: Skylines, which adds a dynamic time change of time, as well as makes the economic model more complex and realistic.

Endless Legend.

The global strategy in which fantasy and science fiction elements are organically combined, gives gamers the opportunity to play both for the race of carnivorous insects of necrophages and for strange sectarians, expanding their own ownership due to the "absorption" of other fractions. In total, 8 races with unique features and mechanics are available in the game.

The plot of the project some moments resembles the "Gaming of the Thrones" - the gamers to fight for survival in the gloomy era of the sunset of the planet Aurigi - the harsh winter comes unexpectedly and carries the death of all races. The game has all the elements of the classic strategy - a huge game world, a developed technological tree, scarce resources, a system of diplomacy and trade. The developers have provided many major and secondary quests.

Crusader Kings II.

Another global strategy in the medieval setting. Gamers are transferred to the monarch, by all the forces of seeking to expand their influence in medieval Europe (the period of 769 - 1453 is covered). To achieve this goal, he rows complex intrigues, trustly attacks the closest allies, it is not bent to kill friends and relatives if they get up on his way. The game is designed for thoughtful gamers who love to understand the challenging menu, as well as study the features of the area on the maps in front of bloodshed battles.

In the center of the project there are not abstract nations and states, but dynasties. In the game you can meet many really existed historical characters, each of which has its strengths and weaknesses. Over time, players are tied to dynasty members who grow, getting married, give birth to children, die.

Civilization V.

It is unlikely that there is a gamer in the world who would not hear about this game. Civilization is the most famous, popular and successful global strategy in the history of gemina. The developers added a lot of mechanisms, heroes, resources, units, technologies that make it fascinating and dynamic. At the same time, the authors did not bother with realism: for example, Mongols and Aztecs can become the most highly developed nations, and bloodthirsty Gandhi can be the first to click on the "nuclear button" and start the war against everyone. However, this anti-historicality and absurd scenarios just make the game with a real hit.

The game has to make difficult decisions on the development of the economy, military and social sphere, choose political regime. All this has a decisive influence on the reputation and trajectory of the development of the nation. The Civilization V graphic is significantly improved compared to previous series, also a revised battle system makes fascinating battles. In addition, the strategy fans are constantly laid out new fashion and cards in Steam, so you can enjoy the game endlessly.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War

In many aspects of Dawn of War, the traditional RTS - gamers have to build a base, to produce resources, releasing opponents attacks. At the same time, in the game you can already see the elements that will soon appear in the company of Heroes: new mechanics, factions, moral spirit of detachments and much more.

Most of all in Dawn of War attracts tension, permeating all mission: you need to constantly move forward, capture and retain the territory. At the same time, the generators and the strategic resource of the captured points are rapidly depleted. Therefore, the players often do not have time to translate their breathing - you need to be in motion all the time.

New fractions and unique mechanics have appeared in the Dark Crusade update: gamers can play for Eldar, Orcs and the Imperial Guard.

Total War: Shogun 2

Sequel to popular RTS can be called the most successful game Total War series. The Creative Assembly learned the mistakes made in the previous project - Empire, which was an ambitious project with a bunch of bugs, and decided to polish Shogun 2 gameplay to perfection. It was about her with glitter: the shogun card is diverse and makes gamers to solve many tactical puzzles. At the same time, it is relatively small, which will undoubtedly like the lovers of battles.

If we talk about a visual aspect, Shogun II at the moment is the most attractive game of the series. Of course, Rome and Attila boast a significantly more realistic graphics, but Shogun II has something much more important - a unique style. The fate of large-scale battles is solved in individual duels, and the petals of the colors of the cherry tree fly over the battlefield.

Formers have released many new maps, modes and updates for Shogun 2.

XCOM: ENEMY UNKNOWN / WITHIN

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a step-by-step strategy in which gamers are opposed to the alien invasion. Players are sent to the fight with the detachments of the aliens of the detachments of six elite fighters. Battles unfold in the fields, cities and on board the spacecraft.

The central base of XCOM is similar to the forming farm in which there is a scientific department (responsible for the development of technologies), a bear (in which the characters are restored after the battles), as well as the intelligence department (where gamers are watching the movements of the aliens). The players themselves decide whether to invest available in the development of new types of weapons, placement of interceptors or combat operations.

Thanks to the update Enemy Within, which came out a year after the release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a new fraction has obedized in the game - Exalt's terrorists, as well as new mechanics.

Starcraft II.

Sci-fi RTS STARCRAFT 2 - a game of confrontation between caved in iron armor cowboys, disgusting aliens and cosmic elves. This is a classic real-time strategy, in which you need to collect resources, build army and try to kill the opponent before he kills you. Often, the fate of combat is solved as a result of a successful strategic stroke or a series of fast mouse clicks.

Multiplayer mode is the most important aspect of Starcraft 2. Play against people is much more complicated than against AI: they are running faster by units and take more thoughtful solutions. Starcraft 2 has many tournaments, a cybersport community has quickly formed around RTS.

Single-user regime is no less interesting: Blizzard has developed many interesting missions. In 2015, the last part of the STARCRAFT 2 trilogy called Legacy of The Void was published.

Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault

COMPANY OF HEROES 2: Ardennes Assault US military forces fight against German troops for control over Ardennes - a mountain range with the most important strategic importance. Unlike the original game and Sicvel, in Ardennes Assault, the gamers have to go through three nonlinear campaigns that unfold on the strategic map. German troops are in constant motion, so the battles can be replayed several times, and every time they will pass differently.

You can only play for Americans: in each of the three companies you can upgrade skills characters. Unlike previous projects, in Ardennes Assault, the results of battles affect the entire campaign: if in one of the battles, players lost several fighters at once, they will begin the following battle with a smaller personnel.

Age of Empires II

With this classic RTS, a career of many gamers began: Age of Empires II easily master, it is fascinating and dynamic. Users start a campaign with several workers, but after an hour of the game they will have a huge city. The game needs to produce food, forest, gold and stone, building buildings, create your own army.

The project covers the era from the Middle Ages from the Renaissance. Gamers can pass many campaigns, create their own cards, choose from 13 fractions ... In general, Age of Empires II will not bother in several dozen game hours.

In 2013, Hidden Path Entertainment released the HD version of the game in Steam. A multiplayer mode and support for modes appeared in the rem.

Wargame: Airland Battle

In the Wargame: Airland Battle project combines elements of RTS genres and a military game: gamers will have to think through the route of the units, as well as participate in fierce battles. The game is a sequel Wargame: European escalation dedicated to the confrontation of NATO and the participating countries of the Warsaw Treaty during the Cold War.

The authors carefully worked on the details of the battle fields and special effects. On the strategic map, gamers control the course of hostilities, distributing orders for the movements of units and exciting new territories. However, Wargame: Airland Battle's highlight is definitely the ability to manage one of hundreds of military vehicles to choose from. The developers tried to reflect the unique characteristics of the machines, their strengths and weaknesses. Within the framework of the multiplayer regime, it is possible to participate in battles of 10 by 10.

Tropico 4.

Tropico 4 is an atmospheric urban planning simulator. Gamers are reincarnated in the dictator of a fictional island state, which should bring their people to greatness.

Gamers themselves choose the path to prosperity: you can mercilessly exploit natural resources and turn the island into an industrialized state, or attract tourists, taking care of the flora and fauna. Or combine both strategies. Each of the players decishes certain consequences: for example, if you agree to accept migrants, it will be necessary to provide them with housing and work, and for this you need to improve the economy and the service industry.

With the growth of the economic power of the state, the need to negotiate with leading world powers - the United States, Russia, China and the EU, each of which will try to influence the processes unfolding on the island. They will offer money in exchange for the construction of a military base or waste disposal.

In general, this is a prevailing game: elements of the city planning simulator are perfectly combined with economic and political aspects.

SINS OF A SOLAR EMPIRE: Rebellion

In Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, like any other similar game, you need to colonize the planets, build economy, to establish relationships with other races. However, the main focus is made on large-scale space battles. They look incredibly impressive: battles occur in 3D, the sheathing of ships is breaking away from rockets and lasers, and the traces of shots dissect black space of space.

In the game there will always be a lot of movement: scouts will be blown from the planet to the planet in search of new resources and worlds, shopping ships will transport goods, and military cruisers will be releasing the attacks of opponents either pirates.

The game itself is quite complicated, even if you play against AI. Three races are fighting for world domination - industrial trade coalition (earth colonists), going (cyborgs) and Vasari (technocratic race). The title provides a developed system of diplomacy. Gamers can enter into unions with both opponents and neutral fractions, or bribe the pirates so that they attacked enemies.

Defcon is a game in which the gamers have to do the impossible: try to win in the global nuclear war. The goal of the project is to apply the maximum damage to the enemy, having completed minimal losses. At the beginning, players choose one of six territories (North America, South America, Russia, Europe, Africa and Asia are available), then set up military units and fleets. For meditation and exploration, the gamers gives 18 minutes. At the first level of danger (Defcon 3), the units begin to automatically attack the enemy's equipment (you can use aviation and fleet), on the second (Defcon 2) you can run bombers with nuclear missiles (though, the rockets themselves cannot be used), on the third (Defcon 3) - Nuclear apocalypse begins.

The game is quite realistic describes the possible scenario of the nuclear war - it is impossible to save all units. It is usually wins by the player who has time to destroy the missile mines of opponents before launching rockets.

SUPREME COMMANDER.

Supreme Commander - the spiritual heir to Total Annihilation in futuristic setting. The minimum system requirements of the project, published in 2007, were so high that far from every gamer could play this colorful RTS. The Gas Powered Games Studio simplified the resource management system (there are only two-matter and energy) and concentrated on battles - the main objective of the project is to create the perfect murder machine (experimental units).

The game hit the imagination to its scale: the army could consist of 1,000 units in the air, on the sea and on land. As in most similar projects, players must ensure uninterrupted production of new combat vehicles to dominate the opponent. To do this, you need to capture and hold resource sources.

Supreme Commander was one of the first RTS supporting the second monitor. This gave a decisive advantage in battle: on the first display, the gamers were controlled by the movement of the enemy on a scalable map, on the second - managed their own units.

Star Wars: Empire At War

This game will have to taste all the fans of "Star Wars": Empire AT WAR is a strategy based on the original trilogy. Gamers can play both on the side of the empire and the rebels, manage huge armies, send the heroes of Sagi to battle (like Skywalker's Luke or Darth Vader), as well as to build a star of death.

The best part of the game is, of course, large-scale tactical battles in the Galactic Conquest mode, deploying in space. Up to five people can play on one map: each of the participants will have its own space station and fleet, with which they must destroy the base of opponents. Ships and heroes have specific features that, in effectively use, can have a decisive effect on the result of the fight. Experienced players will easily find weak places of large ships and give an order to attack them. Watch how the X-Wing squads are trying to destroy the star destroyer, delivers the pleasure of any fan of cosmic saga.

In addition to space battles, developers will allow gamers to participate in land operations. This means that players will have the opportunity to control air motorcycles and AT-AT jetters.

Europa Universalis IV.

This global and incredibly difficult game from Paradox Development Studio was recognized as the best strategy of 2013. Europa Universalis IV is a real breakthrough, because the developers have taken into account previous mistakes and corrected most bugs that have nirived from the series in the series. Moreover, they tried to explain in detail all the places that caused questions from gamers (due to the enormous scale of the game, some mechanics remained incomprehensible), improve the interface and optimize AI. Of course, to understand Europa Universalis IV still have to spend tens of hours for training. But this game is the most understandable and simple from the EU series.

The nation seek to expand their influence through trade, diplomacy, economy, research of new lands, as well as the development of new technologies. You can try to colonize America, or conquer India, you can start the game in the role of one of the local tribes in North America. In this project, gamers can change the history of mankind - for example, the Venetian Empire can capture the Apennine Peninsula, to attach or conquer all the tribes and go to war with the Ottoman Empire. France can conclude an alliance with England and divide Europe on the spheres of influence.

Distant WORLDS: Universe

Perhaps this is the most ambitious global step-by-step strategy in the history of gaming. The developers have created a whole galaxy - 1400 star systems with more than 50 thousand planets, lunas and asteroids, as well as a variety of astronomical objects (black holes, gas giants, supernovae).

The gamers have to create their own civilization to establish world domination. The authors of Distant Worlds: Universe offer gamers wide opportunities for customization: you can start the game on one planet with several light ships, or to become a leader of technologically advanced civilization that has already created a hypervigator.

The highlight of the game is the ability to automate various processes in the Empire: For example, you can not interfere in the economy, concentrating exclusively on diplomacy and battles. In any case, beat opponents will not be easy: AI is surprisingly effectively.

Age of Wonders III

The project is a restart of the classical franchise, the last series of which was published in 2003. The action of this three-dimensional step-by-step strategy unfolds in a fantasy world, in the era of the fierce confrontation of the Imperial Commonwealth and the Alliance of Elf.

The game can be played for one of the 7 races: people, elves, gnomes, goblins, orcs, draconides, half amenities. Heroes can belong to one of the 6th grades (military leader, theocrat, robber, supreme druid, magician or technocrat), and also have a specialization (master of elements of water, fire, air, land, adept creation, destruction, research or construction).

The system of diplomacy and management of cities are not strong features of the project. However, the authors managed to make battles truly exciting: units can be connected to each other and turn into gigantic armies to then deposit the enemy fortress. The scale of the battle reminds Total War, but the Age of Wonders III is the ability to use magic.

Order of Battle: Pacific

Everyone knows about the importance of battles unfolding in the Pacific during World War II. The authors of Order of Battle: Pacific offer to take part in the bloody battles on the side of the Japanese Empire or allies.

In this step-by-step strategy, which his style reminds the old Good Panzer General, the gamers will be carefully thought out every move. Total are available three campaigns in which you can change the course of history and, for example, to win the war on the side of Japan. Players can manage more than 500 units like the legendary M3 Stuart and Type 97 CHI-HA tanks, A6M Zero fighters and F4U Corsair or Montana linear ships and Yamato.

During the fighting, you can unlock the heroic commanders (Commanders), which can give a decisive advantage in the fight.

From the beginning of the 90s and until the middle of the 00 strategy, the players robbed over the minds, receiving honored honor and respect. Alas, but their golden time passed: RTS (real-time strategies) cannot compete in entertainment with the next Battlefield, with the Overwatch dynamics or the plot of Witcher 3. Therefore, the gamers have to be content with the next overpower of the old-kind classic or expect the release of a new "civilization".

However, not everything is pessimistic. Our rating of the best strategies will allow you to establish the most worthy representatives of the genre, as well as learn about the latest releases that have given some classical strategies to the second life. We hope this top 10 will be informative. If not: comments and voting at the bottom of the article to help.

Rating of the best strategies

Stronghold was published in the RTS Golden Epoch - in 2001. At that time, most strategies tried to imitate either C & C, or Warcraft, but Stronghold had other plans.

The game had a well-developed economic component. Although the number of available resources is not far from standard "Wood / Iron / Gold / Stone / Food", an unusual parameter appeared - "Popularity". She provided the influx of new residents to the city and depended on many factors: taxation, diversity of accessible food, entertainment.

To hire soldiers, it was not enough to build a barrack. It was necessary to build buildings producing weapons. Provide gunsmiths with the desired building material. Wait while the chromasant grandfather of the Valya-gait takes a focused onion to arsenal ... you can now hire one archer. And so with all types of troops! It is impossible to simply put the barracks and "promote" any units - this was preceded by the organization of a full cycle of weapons and ammunition production. It is not surprising that the game had a number of economic missions that were not inferior by the complexity of the military.

Normal serene morning in Stronghold Crusader

However, it was not particularly popular in the first part, but its continuation: Stronghold Crusaders, which appeared next, 2002. As follows from the name, the game was devoted to the confrontation of Arabs and Crusaders. Unfortunately, the mode of attack / protection of the castle (the only thing, for which it is worth paying attention to the first part), but more units appeared, some of which could be hiring for gold without weapons production. For the money hired exclusively warriors of the desert, while European soldiers were further equipped with arms of their own production.

The game remains popular so far thanks to the multiplayer and exit enclosage Crusaders Extreme. It also contributes to this simple, but a fairly diverse system of building fortifications: Stronghold allows you to damage the castle with gear walls and high towers, equip them with protective guns and archers, set additional traps and dig up with water.

The first part of Command & Conquer was published in 1995, becoming a real breakthrough of the genre at that time, and a major competition of Varcraft and Dunes. Many of the most familiar gameplay features at that time looked revolutionary:

• Allocation and direction of a group of units with only one click;
• The presence of neutral units, buildings and other objects with which you can interact (read "spread in trash");
• Unit division system by classes. The principle of "stone, scissors, paper" appeared - the first type of unit is effective against the second, but vulnerable to the third, etc.;
• The game began to use videos and animated screensavers. In a pair with a cool soundtrack, they allowed players to "penetrate" the history of the Universe C & C, and not to perceive it as another nameless chessboard to catch up with their tactical abilities;
• The presence of just one resource, Tiberius is precisely for it and all wars in the universe of this game are being conducted.

C & C was gained popularity with all the resulting: many elements of the gameplay were separated by other games, becoming familiar elements of most strategies. In addition to the classic C & C series, which pleases their fans with new releases so far, two "alternative" versions of the Universe game appeared over time. This is Command & Conquer: Generals (2003) and has become a very popular RED ALLERT game line.

• Red Allert.

Tips as it were to transmit the flame hello old man Einstein

Red Allert fully deserves a separate article. This game absorbed an incredible amount of madness and "cranberries" on the topic of the Cold War and the confrontation of NATO and the USSR. Here is a brief description of the prehistory of the Universe Game: After watching the horrors of the Second World War, in 1946, the old man Einstein decides to make a time car and return to the past to retrieve Hitler. As a result, the scale of the scales swung on the other side: Comrade Stalin decides to build his own, Communist Reich, and Europe, together with allies, have to fight.

As far as the game was successful, judge by ourselves: 35 million copies were sold throughout the world. In the book of Records, the Guinies appeared an entry that assures that RED ALLERT is the most-selling RTS in the world. In 2000 and 2001, RED ALLERT 2 and RED ALLERT 2 came out: Yuri's Revenge, which still remain a classic choice of Oldfag. However, for admirers of more modern graphics, there is a third part of the RA.

Warhammer is an extensive fictional universe, on the basis of which many books, comics, films, computer and board games are built. There are two versions of this universe: Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000. In the first case, as follows from the name, Varhammer is faithful to the canons of fantasy and pleased the fans of Tolkien and other "elves". And Warhammer 40,000 creates a certain mix of fantasy and, pushing the confrontation closer to the stars.

Games associated with Warhammer 40,000, you can count about 20. But only one of them from any fan of strategies is always associated with the word "Warmmer": this is the only and unique Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, released in 2004.

Strategies, in the usual understanding of this word, the place is not given and much: the tactic is in the spotlight. Buildings are built quickly, and resources are provided for only 2: the energy for which the generators should be built, and special scores that can be obtained by holding the check-point under the Nachis enemy.

The creators of the game as if from the first minutes directly declare: Leave all this from building a base and economic development for nerds. The WH40K Universe is created solely in order to force paratroopers to fight various monsters in the lats (from orcs to more exotic creatures). So no long-term economic development in it is foreseen: only battles from the first to last minute.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 It seemed to be created for Jeremy Clarkson from the "Top Gir": with the scream "Power !!!", the player hooks all enemies on his way. Tactics? No, have not heard.

In 2009, the release of Warhammer 40 000: Dawn of War 2, which received high players' grades, was thoroughly praised by many playing publications, but ... Suddenly it was not a strategy. The faithful fans of the first part with horror found that the long-awaited Dawn of War 2 became more reminding RPG type Diablo than the same 5 years ago. True, it did not prevent the game to find his fans who assure that the multiplayer saved all the necessary elements of RTS and is quite satisfactory.

7. Total War

It's funny that Total War and Warhammer 40 000: Dawn of War are located next to the ranking of the best strategies, because at once in May this year, Total War came out: Warhammer is the first TW dedicated to the Warhammer Universe. True, not Warhammer 40.000, and Warhammer Fantasy - so it will, first of all, will have to taste fans of fantasy worlds. However, let's be about everything in order - after all, the release of this game was preceded by 9 other parts, which brought TW worldwide fame.

The main distinguishing feature of Total War is a successful compound of step-by-step mode and RTS: the level of each of them is selected separately. The main action unfolds on the global map of the world, in which everything happens step by step. But battles are loaded separately and rapidly develop in real time. Players will have to use the field features and various types of units, which allows you to get an advantage even over the superior enemy forces.

The first TW came out in 2000. But the world's world fame brought her third part, Rome: Total War, in which a three-dimensional engine was used. As follows from the name, the action took place during the Roman Empire. In addition to the "classic" European nations, the Arab Empire (Egypt) and even barbarians were available in the game. Depending on the chosen side, not only units were different, but also the architecture of cities. The popularity of this part of the subsequent TW was never able to flip.

In 2013, Rome was published: Total War II - initially amateur, but later brought to mind with the help of numerous patches. Probably inspired by the "civilization", the developers of Rome 2 added the ability to win not only by conquest, but also with the help of culture and trade. However, this is not the only part worthy of attention: Napoleon, Attila, Shogun 2 and previously mentioned Warhammer is also interesting in its own way.

If I managed to create such a successful product like Warcraft, I would have reached 20 years on laurels, keeping all the money any absolutely meaningless way. But the guys from Blizzard are not like that: thoring deserved ovations after the output of Warcraft 2, the little closures took up work on space RTS. True, as a result, they still turned out Warcraft: beta version was mercilessly criticized and perceived as "orcs in space." Fortunately, the developers listened to criticism and completely redesigned the graphics engine and setting. So in 1998, the legendary Starcraft was born.

The game presents 3 races: zergs, protosss and terrans, which are borrowed from the Universe of Warhammer 40.000 (Tiranches, Eldars, Imperial Guard). However, the similarity is exceptionally superficial: appearing on the light, Starkraft went on its own development - the universe of this game has covered with its own characteristics and now has little in common with Warhammer.

In most strategies to preserve a fragile balance, all nations have the same set of units and buildings + several unique buildings / soldiers who make a certain variety, but do not fundamentally affect the tactics of the game. Starcraft has shone on these canons. All 3 races are absolutely different:

• Mergi. far from technology and science, seeks exceptional superiority.
• High-technical protoss They are the complete opposite of the Zerg: Each Protoss changes an important person with a rich inner world, so there are quite a few resources, but also beats, respectively, hurts and strongly.
• Terrans (From the word "terra") represent in the game of people. Are "golden mid" between the mings and protosss.

Beautiful lights Star Craft 2 lure the gullible schoolchildren and cause a skeptical smile of Oldfag

Such stripping differences between the races gave the game a solid advantage over the rest of the RTS, won it by the reputation of the "smart" strategy, in which it is necessary to not just "slip" as much as possible army, but to think over its actions in advance, showing strategic and tactical skills. The microcontrol is also played by the microcontrol: if the protosss are not particularly demanding on the accuracy of the control, the success of the offensive operations of other races, especially the zergs, directly depends on the speed and accuracy of the player's response.

In 2010, Starcraft II came out. Modern graphics and an excellent multiplayer allowed the game to return to the former glory and take his right-handed place in cybersport. Although Oldfagi assure that the unique balance of the first SC is partly lost, Starkraft 2 received high estimates of a variety of gaming publications (on average 9 out of 10) and presented her second life.

5. AGE OF EMPIRES

In 1997, the first part of the Age of Empires was published: all the same Varcraft, only in the profile. Instead of fantasy races in the game, 12 human nations were presented, which could develop from the Stone Age to Antiquity. Furora In the game world, this game did not accomplish, but in general was perceived favorably that inspired her creators to start working on the second part.

Two years later, Age of Empires II came out: The Age of Kings, which became truly legendary. She overshadowed not only the first part, but also many then "whales" of this genre, having assured himself a decent army of fans. In 2000, Addon Age of Empires II appeared: The Conquerors, which added 5 new nations to the game with unique units, as well as additional missions and technologies. It is this part of the game that has become the most popular in the Age of Empires series. What is the reason for her success?

• Variety of nations. The Conquerors numbered 18 nations, many of which were pretty exotic: Gunns, Teutons, Sarazin, Celts, Persians, Aztecs, Maya, etc. In fact, it was this game that laid a fashion on strategy with many different civilizations.
• The possibility of development. The second "chip", which was for the first time among the strategies implemented precisely Aoe 2 - the transition from one historical era to another. All this was accompanied by a rather extensive tree of technology, for which it was necessary to build various buildings and spend resources.
• Balance. Of course, the nation was distinguished not only by color and different designs of buildings. Each of them had its own bonuses and unique units. Some had an economic advantage, other stronger cavalry, third cool siege guns, fourth long-range fleets, etc. All this variety was rather balanced without explicit favorites. As a result, Age of Empires 2 attracted many lovers of network battles.

As it turned out, a beautiful picture cannot replace an interesting gameplay.

In 2005, AGE OF EMPIRES III was published. She was good, but until the success of his predecessor and did not reach closely. As a result, after several addons, Microsoft surrendered and, on the joy of fans, returned to Age of Empires 2. In 2013, they released Age of Empires 2: HD Edition, and then 2 more addon: The Forgotten (5 new nations, including Slavs) and The African Kingdoms (4 more nations and "African" campaigns). So today AoE 2 continues to develop and delight fans with new additions.

4. Cossacks

The success of Age of Empires attracted the attention of many Izrodelov: they stopped trying to create their own "Varcraft", switching to the Epoch of Empires (which undoubtedly was created under inspiration from Warcraft). Here are the guys from the Ukrainian company GSC Game World created RTS, which conceptually has a lot in common with AOE.

The game "Cossacks", published in 2001, was so successful that in the eyes of many domestic strategists, the "era" was overshadled. If you believe "Game", then in one time the "Cossacks" became the most sold domestic game (more than 1 million copies).

"Cossacks" continued the idea of \u200b\u200bnumerous gaming nations. In the second addion of the first part, which was called "Again War", 20 different countries were available. And if there was no Slavic nation in the "epoch", not only Russia was available in the "Cossacks", but also Ukraine (which is logical, following the names and geographical location of the developers). There were also more refined nations, such as Piedmont and Saxony.

Unlike other strategies, in the "Cossacks", resources were spent not only for the acquisition of units, but also on their content. No meal began hunger, and mercenaries acquired for gold raised the uprising, it was worth the execution of the execution. To use firearms, iron and coal were needed - without them arrows and artillery turned out to be defenseless.

Also in the game it was possible to capture some enemy buildings, artillery and peasants (except Ukrainian, with them as usual: the will of Abo death). In comparison with the "Epoch of Empires", "Cossacks" seemed more dynamic, allowing you to create an incredible amount of some insane and fearless units - in a network game, the fighting of such pollens looked epic and exciting.

• Cossacks 2.

In 2005, "Cossacks 2" were released: despite the high estimates of many gaming publications, the game did not cause that delight that the first part. It was reworked absolutely everything: it became more realistic and thoughtful. No "controversial" nations, raids of the Horde of fearless madmen and upgrades of ancient rifles to such an effectiveness that even Kalashnikov becomes envy.

The battles in the "Cossacks II" were forced to take into account the peculiarities of the terrain, to recharge the guns for a long time and follow the combat spirit of soldiers who can join and rush into the scattering. It sounds, it seems, not bad, but there is no trace in the network game from the former fun.

• Cossacks 3.

And on September 21, 2016, the long-awaited "Cossacks 3" came out, which no one had ever dreamed of. And everything would be fine, if it were not for the number 3 in the title - everyone expected the continuation of the series, and Remastering the first part. The old game was transferred to a new graphic engine, the gameplay was completely taken from the original "Cossacks". Add to this a decent number of bugs that GSC Game World have been actively corrected after the release with the help of various patches, and you will understand why many gamers felt deceived. Still, GSC cost to declare that the game is remastering the first part before release, not afterhis.

3. HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC

The first part of the step-by-step strategy of Heroes of Might and Magic was back in 1995. Its predecessor was King's Bounty, which appeared back in 1991. But universal love and recognition to HOMM came gradually, covered by Heroes of Might and Magic III with a head somewhere closer to 1999.

The action of all "heroes" occurs in a certain fantasy universe. There are races, but the player is not tied to them: the hero can conquer the locks of any fractions and hire any available units. So, under some banners, the most diverse and wild brothers can be gathered: elves and skeletons, centaurs and dragons, people and elemental.

Battles occur on the field divided into tiles (hexagons). The units of one type occupy one cell, regardless of their quantity. The moves are carried out in turn, the hero looks at this action from the side, from time to time trying to help his army, Casta various spells. Gradually, the hero receives experience, studies new skills and collects various artifacts that make it better and higher.

Homm IV came out in 2004 and were perceived, to put it mildly, ambiguous: too much innovations turned out. The main and key innovation concerned the heroes: they turned into active participants in the passive observers, which could move, apply damage and put an attack like the rest of the units. Heroes could travel at all without troops: one by one or having gotten into a gang of 7 characters. Having rolled down as it should, the lonely hero could independently endure the numerous army.

There was a reverse side of the medal: if you managed to kill the enemy hero at the beginning, it was possible to get a solid advantage. For example, it made sense to organize a sabotage attack on the enemy, to put the leader of the troops and retreat - the declined army lost the opportunity to seize the mines and castles, which made her retreat and drag a homemade carcass home.

All these innovations gave rise to immeasurable expanses for disputes and hollyarov: since 6 years have passed from the output of the third part, the new generation of gamers appeared, which did not see the "heroes" before - Homm4 had to do. But those who grew up in previous parts, tested Batthert mixed feelings.

• HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC V

Disputes between supporters and opponents of the fourth part stopped the release of Heroes of Might and Magic V, which took place in 2006: yesterday's opponents united their efforts in the general tool to express complaints about the cartoon charts for anime lovers. If you close your eyes to the picture, the Gameplate "Heroes 5" was a reasoned copy of the third part - obviously, the developers did not experiment in order to ease on the nostalgia of the series fans.

This is the classic "heroes" and something completely incomprehensible begins. HOMM 6 and 7 turned into a certain alternative product, so far from the original that, on their background, even "Heroes 4" looks the berrystone. Therefore, most "heroev" fans prefer to play earlier versions, from 3 to 5. But the most popular remains third chiron. Moreover, in 2015 the HD version of this game was released.

2. Civilization

The first "civilization" appeared in Lohmat 1991 and, as they say, was a digital version of the same name of the table game of the early 80s. Since in those days, computers have no hard mortals, a few of the strategic toy were suspected of a new strategic toy: mainly employees of the Research Institute and other interesting enterprises.

Nevertheless, the game turned out to be quite successful: what engineer could resist the temptation after a tense work shift to try on the role of Stalin or Gandhi? The presence of a civopedia, a detailed game encyclopedia, favorably distinguished Civilization from other strategies of those times.

• Civilization II.

In 1996, LED Meyer and the company released the second part of Tsiva, which, thanks to the greater prevalence of computers, became a completely successful commercial product. Despite the mediocre schedule, there were cool moments in the game: for example, when building a miracle of the world, a video firm of a real newsreel was played. It was possible to see the launch of Apollo or Nuclear Rocket, the shooting of the Sistine Chapel or Notre Dame de Paris. In the subsequent parts of the movie replaced the usual animation.

• Civilization III.

2001 marked with the release of Civilization III: the first tie with nice graphics. Even now it looks quite attractive, and in 2001 this picture caused real delight. Gameplay also underwent certain changes. In CIV 2, players tried not to collect many units on the same cell, because In the case of enemy attack and the death of one of them, everyone who stood on the cage died. In CIV 3, nothing like this happened: to clean the cell from the host, it was necessary to destroy them all.

Therefore, the obvious and only tactics of war in the third Tsive: the creation of the so-called stack - the crowd of various units on the same cell. From time to time, a leader appeared, which could combine 3 units under his own banners. This formation was called the army and was a kind of fat unit from the 20n rubles. With the help of the army, almost anything could be cut off.

The city window is the best thing in Civilization III

The signature chief of the second and third Tsiva was the situation in which technologically backward unit, having more combat experience, could calmly destroy some wonderful weapon of the future. For example, in the order of things there was a situation where a copier with an accurate blow to the shreds enemy tank or an archer, as he should pull the tent, he knocked up an enemy bomber. Particularly amused by the fact that the plane was shot down the same successfully not only an archer, but also a sword. In subsequent parts, this problem was partly solved, but in front of the heads such events generated many attacks of hysteria.

Civilization III was a number of innovations that moved to all subsequent series of the series: a variety of resources on the map, the golden age, cultural influence on neighboring cities, with which it was possible to assimilate the neighboring settlement, technology tree (in previous parts I had to remember or write a sequence in previous parts discoveries of various sciences).

• Civilization IV.

Civilization IV, published in 2005, acquired a three-dimensional image. Players who are accustomed to the third Tsive, walusedly perceived the unusual schedule, so not similar to the previous part. The game appeared religion and espionage (Addon Beyond The Sword), and the actions of aviation became more realistic: the aircraft made raids from the city and could not be shot down by some kind of harsh speaker. The problem of clusters of a large number of units on one cell partly decided by aviation or artillery: damage from their attack received all units in the stack.

Civilization V has come in 2010 and came out Civilization V. More convenient and practical hexes came to replace the square cells: with them the boundaries of states got rid of strange linear angularity and became more believable. The system of accumulation of a huge number of units on the same cage was demolished under the root: now only one military unit could be placed on one hexagon. At the same time, they were made more efficient and stronger.

The content of certain units was required to spend strategic resources: horses, iron, oil, coal or uranium. Without having them at hand, the state risked to remain without cavalry, battleships, nuclear weapons and aviation, which not only added realism, but also forced players to carefully dispose of resources instead of sticking in incredible quantities all that wakes up.

Building tactics as much as possible cities also talked their own: large empires received fines on culture and science, and the population began to show discontent. So there are several different tactics: development through 4-5 cities with a large number of people or the construction of more settlements, but with a smaller number of residents in cities. It became possible to victory and with one single city (hello from Venice).

Another innovation: the emergence of cities - states that do not claim world domination. Friendship with them brought various bonuses: resources, science, culture, culture or religion glasses, units and additional voices in Congress.

It is worth noting that many of the functions, as in previous numbers, were added in addons: religion and espionage, caravans, the opportunity to take various resolutions in Congress and the UN - in the initial version without adduction there was no whole. Therefore, reading reviews about the game is not difficult to trace how the anger of the fans of the series gradually replaced by mercy.

On October 21, 2016, Civilization VI release was released. Among notable innovations: 2 wood technologies, cultural and scientific, which open independently of each other. Cells around cities need to be built up with special areas: scientific, cultural, military, religious, industrial, etc. It will not be enough to build everything - trite not enough cells. Moreover, each miracle of light also requires a separate tile.

Describe all the innovations and features of the sixth tsiva is difficult due to its freshness. But the game has already received the highest assessments of various gaming publications, and incentive reviews, in more account, very positive. And it is despite the fact that usually the first version of Civilization turns out to be damp and only with time, with the help of several addons turns into a masterpiece. But, apparently, the sixth civilization can be the first representative of the series, which is good initially.

The plot Warcraft: Orcs and Humans tied at the confrontation of people and orcs. As in the film, the orcs fall into the world of people from the portal and between them begins the struggle for the place under the sun. However, the first part attracted not so much attention - all glory went to her Sikwell, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, which was released in just a year. But only see what changes in the chart occurred during this short period! Add interesting videos and a good plot to a pleasant picture, and all - the masterpiece is ready.

As if "before" and "after" - the year was not in vain

• Warcraft III.

But the continuation of the banquet had to wait a long time - as many as seven years. And the first response of the game community was ambiguous: too many suspicious innovations appeared in the game:

• Three-dimensional engine;
• 2 races grew into 4 (night elves were added and undead);
• Many neutral units and monsters appeared on the maps;
• The characters who accumulated the experience were added to the game, pumped skills and told all sorts of pieces (than not rpg?);
• Rollers have become also brighter and more beautiful;
• The plot is still twisted and pappy.

The vertex of the third part of the third part was the output of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne in 2003, which gave rise to everyone a commemorative dot (I can hardly open America, if I remind you that Dota was created in the usual editor of Warcraft 3 cards and was not considered a full-fledged independent game).

Was Warcraft by the RTS genre? Of course not. Is it possible to say that this is the best strategy in the world? I am sure that many will not agree with this: C & C and Civilization, Homm and Total War have solid fans armies. But, undoubtedly, Varcraft made a significant contribution to the genre of strategies and, since it turned out to be in the first place of our rating, it means ... * There should be a life-affirming thesis, but I do not have a single similar thesis associated with Warcraft. Syan, boys. There will be options - Write in the comments *

Series Warhammer 40,000

Release date:1992-2011

Genre: Real-time strategy

The Warhammer 40,000 series is the most popular and one of the best-selling games. Fans are constantly waiting for the release of a new game. The most famous is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player chooses a race (imperial guard, cosmodeant, tau, necrons, orcs, chaos, eldars every game appears all new races) for which he wants to play, after which it chooses the place that wants to capture and fights with that race that owns this Earth. Warhammer 40.000: Dawn of War is included in.

The battle occurs in real time on the terrain on which the battle occurs. Players capture special points that give influence and build generators giving energy, buildings, troops are built on these resources, improvements. Each race has its own troops, super units and heroes and abilities. The goal of the game in the campaign to capture all the land and become the patron saint of all lands.

Civilization series

Release date:1991-2013

The game has 4 races: alliance (people), undead, hordes (orcs) and night elves. Each race has its own unique heroes, which in battles receive experience and a new level. With each level, new Hero's abilities are opening. Also, the heroes can buy or lift the objects from the mounted mobs that improve the combat characteristics of the heroes and the surrounding troops. On different cards, players capture mines with gold and extract the forest, these resources are building base and units and improve their characteristics.

HEROES OF MIGHT AND MAGIC III

Genre:Step-by-step strategy, RPG

The player travels on a global map heroes that manage the mythical creatures, exploring new lands capturing cities and fighting enemies. On the map, the player moves only one hero and can only go through a certain distance or to make one or more actions, after which he misses the move and already enemies under the control of the computer make their move. Attacking the enemies you move in combat mode, the army of enemies and your army of creatures stand opposite each other, moving in turns of the combat units need to destroy enemies. With the development of cities, you can open up new features and spells. Hiring troops.

Starcraft II.

Starcraft II is the second part of the cult first part of the first part of the 1998 part of the game became the most anticipated game of the year due to the great popularity of the first part and fully justified their hopes from the players. Many gaming Russian and foreign portals put the game with an estimate of over 9 points out of 10, 9.3 points received in the player ranking.

The plot of the game and all actions occur in the distant future, and the most accurates of the XXVI century in the distant part of the Galaxy Milky Way. Three races terrans, zergs, and protozes oppose each other. Players produce two types of mineral resources and gas supplies to which after which build buildings and hire combat units. The main task is to destroy the base of the enemy. Each type of units has its strong and weak parties, so to destroy certain types of troops of the enemy, you need to hire troops that are well destroyed.

Total War Series Best Rome: Total War

Release date:2000-2015

Genre:step-by-step global strategy, real-time strategy

Total War Rus. "Total War" series of games that has already seven games and various additions. Different games cover different temporary historical periods and states. The most popular and cult is Rome: Total War released in 2004 the actions in which occur in the period of the republic from 270 years before. e. until 14 years old e. For example, Shogun actions: Total War occur in. Shogun: Total War in the XVI century where the ruling dynasties oppose each other. Empire: Total War - during the days of European colonial wars and so on.

Gameplay games are very similar to Civilization. The player manages troops, cities and settlements at the global point. After completing all actions, the player misses the move after which competitors managed AI make their move. If you or your enemy attack each other, then you move to the tactical map, where you are managed in real mode by all your troops, attacking them and placing in convenient positions on the map.

COMMAND & CONQUER: RED Alert 1,2,3

Release date:1995-2009

Genre:Real-time strategy

Red Alert - the game released in the last century and capturing the minds and souls of gamers around the world, thousands of people are still playing in it, more than 30 million copies sold. The action of the game unfolds in an alternative story, where allies troops protect Europe from the aggressive Soviet Union. The player can choose one of two warring parties: Alliance or USSR. Accordingly, the goal of the game for the Allies is to stop Stalin, until he seized the whole world, for the USSR - to achieve full seizure of Europe. Depending on the side of the selected side, the victory of the player leads to one of the two alternative endings.

The battles in the game are held on the ground, so on the water and in the air. Each party can have its base and can train land forces, air force and navy. Each party also has unique features. Game mechanics is that now even a simple infantryman can destroy the tank. The tank can easily destroy the machine-gun dot, a small group of grenadeometers will also easily cope with the tank, if it is not covered with anti-personnel technique or infantry, which forced various types of troops in battle.

EUROPA Universalis Game Series

Release date: 2000-2013

Genre:step-by-step global strategy

Continuing a series of global EUROPA Universalis strategies. Like previous games of the series, the third part invites you to head one of the states of the world . The essence of the game: Develop national ideas that give the game powers of certain advantages; As new state technologies are discovered, it is possible to choose one of the national ideas. The action of the game takes place in real time, but the reaction speeds from the player is not required, since at any moment the game can be paused. The game occurs on a schematic shown world map, broken into more than 1,500 marine and ground provinces.

Playing can take control of any country from those who existed in this historical period (about 200 states). Under his control is the country's economy, the formation of armies and fleets and the management of them, diplomacy, the introduction of new technologies, the internal policy of the state, the change in the state religion and the colonization of new lands.

The feature of the game is to bind to real history (I note that in the third part of the series is no longer attached to the history and gameplay more free); There are predefined historical rulers in advance for each country, each of which has certain abilities affecting the game that existed in reality of the commander (such as Suvorov or Napoleon I Bonaparte), pioneers, researchers and navigators (such as Columbus, Ermak and Fernan Magellan ), as well as historical events that usually occur in the same country and at the same time as in real history (for example, in 1517 an event occurs, which gives you the opportunity to go to Protestantism)

Company of Heroes 1,2

Release date: 2006

The Gameplay of Company of Heroes is very similar to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player commands whole detachments of fighters, but there are separate unique units. Each detachment has a scale of lives (not a separate fighter) and if during damage to the detachment of life ends, the whole detachment dies. A player can equip various weapons, fading of infantry, choosing some weapon for a promising in battle. After the death of the detachment there is a weapon that can be chosen and arm a different detachment. This also applies to the stationary type weapon, such as anti-tank guns, machine guns and mortars.

Each party in the game is divided into three unique direction-infantry, landing and tank Americans and defensive, offensive and propaganda in Germans, the promotion of which gives access to new combat units and attacks (for example, attacks of attack aircraft). Another important difference is that squads and units in the game have three levels of experience. After the destruction of the enemy, a new level is obtained which increases damage, speed, health, armor, or a combat units overview, depending on its type.

The game has three types of resources: weapons, fuel and personnel. Personal composition is used to build buildings, hiring new combat units, both infantry and armored vehicles, fuel, in turn, for building buildings and armored vehicles, and weapons - to provide detachments with additional weapons, for example, a grenade launcher, for artillery and air strikes or for In order for your technique to receive new opportunities. Resource replenishment is carried out using checkpoints.

Age of Empires III

Genre:Real-time strategy

Age of Empires III Strategy deserved worldwide recognition due to its innovative and fascinating gameplay. Age of Empires received large ratings on gaming portals and magazines. A feature of this game is a competently worked artificial intelligence (the opponent whom the computer manages). The player manages one of the powers (United Kingdom, Prussia, Holland, Spain, Portugal, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, France), which went to conquer the New World (America).

The main action takes place in the colonies, on the map usual for such games, but now each power has a native city in the old world. He serves the only goal - the help of his colony. In the game three resources: food, tree and money. Which produce various buildings. Transitions between epochs, five era: research, colonization, fortresses, industrial and epoch of the Empire. Military Academy training, bandages sends soldiers in colonies. The infantry depends on the national affiliation of the city, the Spaniards will have Rovelero, and the Russians - Sagittarius and Cossacks. The Academy also has improved troops.

Battles occur in real time. The maximum number of squad and a group of soldiers allocated by the "Frame", - 50 units. The shooting infantry has four buildings: ordinary Sherga, which is convenient for firing salvo, rarefied system, reduced losses from artillery fire, hand-to-hand combat and kara. There are three buildings of melee, two of the same, the same neighbor and kara, and a circular construction for the cover of the shooters. Cavalry learned three buildings - all the same short battle and kara, as well as the onset of low speed, but with damage to the area.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Genre:Step-by-step strategy, tactical RPG,

The game is a remake (alteration) of the popular and old X-COM game: UFO Defense released from 1993. Aliens attack the planet and the aliens begin to the alien invasion. The game is being conducted on behalf of the commander of the secret international organization XCOM (division to combat aliens), which has the most advanced technologies, weapons and scientific developments of humanity. It employs the best specialists in the world - military and scientists. The organization should conduct combat actions against aliens, threatening the existence of human civilization.

The player is provided by the central base of XCOM, which is carried out by strategic management of the organization: observation of the actions of the aliens on the global world map with the help of a satellite network, the distribution of funding for the development of scientific and technical potential, weapons and placement of interceptors for the destruction of flying plates, as well as carrying out combat operations against Aliens by the forces of existing fighters in ground skirmishes. The base is represented by the player in the form of a "ant farm" - the slicer of the soil, allowing to look at the room "side".

In the tactical battle fighters to perform up to two steps in turn - a run, shot, throwing grenades, the use of a first-hand aid kit. Each fighter has only three characteristics: accuracy, willpower and health glasses. After the first progress in the rank of soldiers receives a specialization. It can be an attack aircraft, sniper, heavy infantryman or support soldier.

Homeworld

Genre:real-time strategy

Early graphics and three-dimensional gaming space - the implementation of six degrees of freedom (you can consider the battlefield, a combat fleet at different angles) movement of gaming objects and the presence of a thought-out fleet control in three dimensions. A rich and complex plot, gradually dropping directly during the game. In the next gaming mission, the player receives that fleet that completed the previous one.

At the beginning of the game, the player can choose a fleet of two races, either Taidan: on the future plot it is not reflected in any way, only combat units are changing. The key feature of the fleet both Kushan and Taidan is the presence of the main parent ship that performs the role of the main base of operations. The maternal ship has its own armament, and a hypervigator that allows you to overcome a significant space.

The entire space fleet is divided into a combat fleet and a support fleet. The support fleet includes special ships, such as a collector and resource controller, research ship, probe, ship detector of invisible ships, gravitational well generator. The combat fleet is divided into classes: Small ships are fighters, corvettes, heavy ships - frigates, superheassed ships, flagships.

Series of Stronghold Games

Release date: 1993-2014

Genre:Real-time strategy

The game system of all games of the series is based on an economic simulator of a medieval city or castle. The games have a number of unique parameters characteristic only for games of the Stronghold series. So, in the first stronghold, the "Popularity" parameter was introduced for the first time, affecting the performance and number of the population. The combat system is standard for strategies - direct management of groups of units. Economic component is one of the main games in the Games. There are quite complicated and long production chains. As a rule, in the Games series, the greater attention is paid precisely the economic, not military component of medieval castles.

In all the games of the series, except Stronghold Kingdoms, there are campaigns (series of plot-related missions) and map editor mode. In Stronghold, a single campaign, in other games there are several campaigns.

In all games, except Stronghold and Stronghold Kingdoms, there is an opportunity to play against computer opponents on the selected map. In Stronghold and Stronghold 2 there is a mode of siege (siege or lock protection without conducting the economy). In the first games of the series (to Stronghold 2 inclusive) there is a free construction regime (economy without war).

Spore

Spore game is a simulator of the evolution of life on the planet, as well as a strategy and space simulator. The goal of the game is to develop a creature from a microorganism to an advanced space race. During the passage of the game, it is possible to make changes to the creature, improving its characteristics. Also, as far as development, the player will independently create various equipment and buildings, or choose ready-made options from the catalog.

At the beginning of the game, a microorganism living in aquatic environment falls on the player's control. At this stage, the game is to survive, the microorganism must be eaten by pieces of meat or algae, and try not to eat other carnivorous creatures. With eating food cell grows and turns into a microorganism. After that, the creature is chosen on the ground, where it also develops. Over time, under your leadership, a tribe, civilization and space that you will have to manage.

Ground Control 1,2

Release date: 2000 g, 2004

"Deity: original sin" - With a speech step-by-step RPG with a top view. The actions of the game occur in a fictional fantasy universe, where two heroes are sent to a dangerous adventure in search of a mysterious order called "Source". Adherents of the Order use prohibited magic and practice sacrifices for their dark purposes. One of the best indie projects has recently. The game was made for money from donations of players and thanks to this it turned out a piece project made with a soul.

The project is characterized by a good graphic performance, a large and interesting universe, as well as many quests and side tasks, but the main feature was the interaction with the surrounding world. The player can combine various items, use them in the role of barricades and weapons, or use the power of elements. I became the best indie projects according to many game magazines.

Cities: SkyLines.

Release date: 2015

Genre: Urban planning simulator

Town planning strategy with elements of economics and logistics. The game is an advanced simulator in which the player must build a modern megapolis and create the best conditions for the comfortable life of citizens, having in stock limited finances and resources.

The game will be able to please the wide opportunities in building buildings, creating communications, as well as in the development of the infrastructure of your city. Special attention is paid to small details like electrification of houses, laying water supply and sewage, as well as creating good conditions for business.

Xcom 2.

Release date: 2016

Genre: Step-by-step strategy, RPG

XCOM 2 is a step-by-step tactical strategy with RPG elements. The plot of the game will tell about the land that aliens captured. The interventories broke the resistance and fully colonized the planet setting constant surveillance and control over the remnants of humanity. But on one of the outskirts of a big city, the XCOM organization again starts. This game was very waiting for this game and she succeeded. Most game magazines recognized her best game of the year, as well as the best strategy of the year.

Gameplay as in the first XCOM. Swing the flying base is planted on the tasks with your detachment and on hexagonal maps in step-by-step mode, we destroy all aliens we get experience, fighters and swing their peppers. In the process of passing, you can try out a large set of alien weapons, pump skills and specialization, as well as to fight with superior forces of cosmic invaders.

Stellaris.

Release date: 2016

Genre: Global Space Strategy.

Cosmic 4X real-time strategy. The plot of the game lies in the opposition of extraterrestrial civilizations, which explore the cosmic depths, colonize new planets, produce valuable resources and strive for complete dominance in the entire galaxy.

A player will be able to choose one of the many races, identify political views and main directions in development, and then bring the created civilization to world domination. Key features of Stellaris are generated galaxies and planets, a wide arsenal of warships, as well as the ability to use military force or diplomacy.

Release date: 1996-2008

Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

Real-Time Strategy Series Red Alert tells an alternative version of history. Events unfold after the Second World War, and this time western countries in the face of the Alliance and the Soviet Union are shielded in the global confrontation. Who will be the winner in the fight - entirely depends on the player and the decisions taken by it. All events are served with humor, and battles are mixed with cinematic inserts.

An important difference between Red Alert from other strategies - there is no limit on the limit, the number of combat units. That is, the player can produce so many fighters as its economy will allow. Impressive and a variety of samples of military equipment - there are heavy tanks, and aviation, and atomic submarines. In some mission to take control of special units, the analogues of the heroes.

Series of Games Cossacks

Release date: 2001-2016

Genre: RTS.

Cossacks - a cult series of strategic games. The battles in which the player will have to participate, belong to the period of the XVII-XIX centuries. No tanks or aircraft, no steam machines, machine guns and other deadly mechanisms that have appeared a hundred years later. Instead, infantry squares, massized attacks of the cavalon and cannon on horse racing reign in battles. Corresponds to the historical period and tactics in battle.

Depending on the game of the series, various European countries and some Muslim Empires of Africa and Asia are presented in the Cossacks. The mechanics as a whole differs little from other strategic platforms. The player must collect resources (wood, gold, coal and not only), then invest them in construction and hiring troops. The battle diplomacy is extremely large and beautiful.

Sudden Strike.

Release date: 2000

Genre: RTS, Vagyam

Confrontation 3, also known as Sudden Strike, is a large genre-forming game. It was in it that first managed to fully combine the mechanics of real-time strategy and historical realism. In confrontation 3, the landscape is the most important component of the gameplay. Without exception, all objects on the battlefield are destroyed, can and should be used to achieve victory.

The battles are conducted during the Second World War, and the parties are represented by the Soviet Union, Allies and Third Reich, for each of which has its own campaign. Each party has its own, historically reliable technique, but then how to manage it, - to solve the player. It is also noteworthy that in the confrontation in principle there is no economic component, it can be completely immersed in battle.

Warcraft 3.

Release date: 2002

Genre: RTS, Strategy with RPG elements

Masterpiece of strategic games - Warcraft III. In her fatal martial arts, four races came together - people, elves, undead and orcs. Each party has its own game style, their combat units, their own characteristics of the economy. The races are so diverse that at the first passing to learn all the details is unlikely to succeed - a wonderful reason to come back to the game again and again!

The preference of the Varics is that, in addition to the army, the player is offered to manage and the heroes, such commander, which after death can be resurrected. The battles in the strategy proceed with low speed, and the microcontrol is of particular importance, the ability to control each unit separately. In such conditions, only the fastest and most creative will be able to win. In addition to the exciting gameplay, there is an epichny plot.

Command & Conquer: Generals 1 and 2

Release date: 2003

Genre: RTS.

In Generals 1 and 2, it is told about the global military conflict of the near future. The United States and China together oppose the terrorist group known as the Global Liberation Army. The fighting is carried out mainly in Asia, as well as in the air and the sea. The gameplay is very similar to the similar strategy of Red Alert.

The plot in Generals is divided into three companies, one on each fraction. Historical reliability is generally observed well. So, the Americans fight technologically advanced weapons, the Chinese make a bet on the number of army, and terrorists on partisan actions and rocket strikes. Each of the factions is applied to super-weapons in the form of a laser gun, nuclear bomb and ballistic missiles.

Blitzkrieg 1 and 2

Release date: 2003-2005

Genre: RTS, Vagyam

Idean Blitzkrig 1 and 2 is a continuation of the strategy standing 3, but with many improvements. It is narrated by the most important battles of the Second World War, the parties of the conflict are the same - the USSR, Germany and the Western Allies. The player is invited to participate in the most significant conflict battles, starting with Blinka in Poland, ending with Berlin's storm with Soviet troops.

As in the confrontation, Blitzkrieg 1 and 2 fully exempt the player from the need to produce resources and build buildings. Instead, all the time is given to the management of armies and endless battles in real time. The events occurring on the screen are as close as possible to reality - all objects on the map are destroyed, and the characteristics of military equipment are reliably transmitted.

Warhammer 40.000: Dawn of War

Release date: 2004

Genre: RTS.

War Hammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Strategy for those who love space entourage, futuristic military equipment, entertaining plot and many destroyed enemies. There are several races in the battles of the future, among whom are traditional orcs and people for fantasy. In general, the game resembles Warcraft III, especially due to the presence of heroes and associated element of the RPG. But there are also differences, for example, an unusual economic model.

Although resources in Warhammer 40.000 are present, their value is minimal - the entire economy is reduced to capturing the control points that give energy. Most of all in the game is impressive combat model. In addition to heavy machinery, firearms and lasers, an important role is played by hand-to-hand. Each unit also strives to remove swords and go to the near battle, because of which the battles are obtained very large-scale.

In the rear of the enemy 1 and 2

Release date: 2004-2006

Genre: RTS.

In the rear of the enemy 1 and 2 - not just strategic games in the plot of the Second World War. They also implemented such genres as role-playing game and arcade, that is, the possibility of point control of each combat unit is added to the global battle. The effectiveness of the units has influence such factors such as fatigue, ammunition, and the like. In general, in the rear of the enemy is suitable for those who wish total control over what is happening.

On the gameplay, the game is very similar to blitzkrieg and a series of confrontation. The economic component is not in principle, all the time goes to planning and conducting operations. At certain points in time, reinforcements are suitable for the player, and its task is to introduce them into battle with maximum efficiency. In the rear of the enemy 1 and 2 gives an unprecedented freedom of creativity for the commander.

Age of Empires III

Release date: 2005

Genre: RTS.

The Epoch of Empire III, like all the games of this series, provides the user with the opportunity to develop a state literally from scratch. Starting with a tribal system, and ending with developed capitalism, the player will have to improve culture and technique, in parallel, fighting with the people's enemy. The variability of development paths is very large, which adds fascination to the game process.

In contrast to the previous games of the series, in the third part, the number of nations has been reduced to eight. There are among them and Russia, which will especially delight our players. Each fraction has its own unique features, characteristics and types of military units, buildings and features of development. The reliability of historical events is no significant, but the gameplay is still fascinated. The game is quite complicated in the development, but the time spent is worth it.

Company of Heroes.

Release date: 2006

Genre: RTS.

Company of Heroes is another real-time strategy based on the events of World War II in Europe. This time here only two opposing parties are Americans and the Third Reich. The style of the game for both fractions is generally identical, but there are at the parties and unique features, for example, special buildings and types of troops. Three types of resources in the game - fuel, weapons and people.

The battles are very similar to those in the Warhammer 40,000 strategy - there are no individual combat units, instead they are connected to the divisions. The fighting qualities of each detachment depends on the morality, the training and weapons of each fighter separately. The player will have to pay a lot of time on the recruitment of the joints, without this, to achieve victory over the enemy will be very difficult. The distinguished detachments can be transferred to the following missions.

World in Conflict.

Release date: 2007

Genre: RTS.

The World In Conflict tells about the global world conflict, which will reach the strength of the three factions - the Soviet Union, the North Atlantic Alliance and the United States. Moreover, the aggressor is the USSR, the Western coalition, as usual, only reflects the attack. The battles are conducted not only in Europe, but also in Russia and the United States. Protagonist Games - Brave American officer Parker, from whose face and all the plot events are presented.

Each of the three fractions has its own, unique technique. In total, in the world in conflict, four types of combat units: infantrymen, armored vehicles, aviation and auxiliary parts. At the beginning of the company, the player chooses one of the specializations, and during the entire passage, bonus opportunities will be available in one of the four types of units. Battles go in real time, equipping the economy and the database is not necessary at all.

Starcraft II.

Release date: 2010

Genre: RTS.

Starcraft II is one of the most famous strategies. Differs in modern graphics and carefully thought out gaming balance. As in the previous part of the franchise, there are three races in Starcraft - earthlings, zergs and protozes. Each of its interests, as a result, the majestic events are intertwined into a fascinating plot - this is exactly the series of games and is famous among the hardcore users.

The game battle and economy play an equally important role. Only two types of resources - minerals and gas supplies needed for the construction of buildings and hiring troops. The battles take place with dizzying speed, require the user's intelligence and microcontrol. In the course of the story campaigns will have to receive heroes, but there will be no such opportunity in a simple game. Starcraft 2 is one of the most popular cybersport disciplines.

Total War: Shogun 2

Release date: 2011

IN Total War: Sogun 2 There are practically no innovation. The gameplay is the same as in other games of the series, that's just actions from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East moved to the Japanese islands of the era of feudal fragmentation. Accordingly, the types of combat units and the appearance of cities have changed. In the mortal battle, the provinces of the state came, and the task of the player is to take on control of one of them and combine the country into the empire.

In Shogun, 2 gameplay is divided into two stages - the global map of Japan, the moves in which occur in step-by-step mode, and the tactical battle card on which the battles go in real time. At any time you can put a pause, after which the orders to give parts. In addition to battles in the open field, the opportunity to conduct siege, which makes a variety of in the game. The diplomacy also plays a big role.

Wargame: european escalation

Release date: 2012

Genre: RTS.

Wargame: Europe in fire is a game that simulates the events occurring in the hypothetical global European war between NATO and the Soviet block of states. In total, there are four campaigns, and two of them - for the Soviet Union. The goal is to capture the territory and the destruction of the enemy forces. EUROPEAN ESCAOLATION presents the richest choice of units - about 800 units of several European countries.

A distinctive feature of Wargame: European escalation - the economic system is simplified as much as possible. It is not necessary to produce resources and build cities, instead of reinforcements are bought for experience points obtained in successful solutions to missions. In combat characteristics of each unit, many factors are influenced - morality, experience, security by ammunition, etc.

Wargame: Airland Battle

Release date: 2013

Genre: RTS.

Wargame: Airland Battle - Continuation of the previous game of the European Escation series, telling about the conversion of a cold confrontation superpower to a hot conflict. Events occur in the same period of time, that is, the border of the 70s and the 80s of the last century. In a military clash, Western and Eastern European countries agreed, but the fighting was transferred to the expanses of Scandinavia.

AIRLAND BATTLE is still a huge number of equipment units (over 800) and a simplified economic system without resource mining. But there are important innovations, for example, the course of battles depends on changing weather conditions, the nature of battles in the urban art was changed. An element of nonlinearity is given a single campaign, which gives a player some freedom of choice.

Total War: Rome 2

Release date: 2013

Genre: Step-by-step strategy, global strategy, RTS

Total War: Rome 2 is a continuation of a cult series of strategic games. The basics of the gameplay as a whole are all the same, but curious innovations were added. For example, the number of states increased to 117, and the number of types of military detachments exceeded 500. By adding an increased number of units to this, we obtain the battles unprecedented before the battle with the participation of tens of thousands of fighters.

The rest of the gameplay is familiar to the previous games Total War - a global map where the economy is being carried out, and diplomacy is being built, and diplomacy is underway, and the tactical card is being carried out, where the battle goes in real time. Rome 2 is a unique example of a platform, equally interesting for connoisseurs both combat and economic strategies. The passage of even the base campaign is stretched for months of fascinating gameplay.

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