Summary
Strategy gamesare some of the most popular among the gaming community. They’ve earned this title not only because they’ve been around for decades, but also because they’re very interesting and fun to play. From the different strategic approaches players can take to defeat their enemies in battle, to the enticing stories most titles tell, there’s always fun to be had.
Games likeAge of Empires 2laid the foundations for many other strategy games that would come in later years. And while resource management, harvesting and observing the growth of civilizations is fun, the stakes are raised when a strategy title is focused on war, specifically in a tumultuous period like World War 2. Here are some of thebest strategy games that focus on wars.
Set during the difficult period ofWorld War 2,Company of Heroes 2puts players in command of Soviet and Axis forces and pits them against each other. Prioritizing tactical warfare and strategic approaches, players will have to deal with extreme weather conditions, as well as other potential dangers. The game features cover systems, destructible environments and many other elements that add realism to this title set in such a crude period.
Focusing entirely on warfare and with heavy involvement of infantry and large artillery management, the game has everything players need to have hours of fun and feel like powerful commanders in this global conflict’s enemy lines.
Diving into the grand strategy aspects of World War 2,Hearts of Iron 4allows players to control any nation involved in the conflict and influence the war on a worldwide scale. Unlike other strategy games that only look at certain aspects of war, this title places full focus on conflicts of this nature, showing every gruesome detail that takes place on the battlefield. To survive and defeat the enemy, players will have to manage their resources carefully and allocate them to different areas to keep them from being damaged or taken.
Players can also choose to avoid engaging in open combat and opt for diplomacy, exchanging deadly bullets for a sharp silver tongue. Decision-making is key, as one false step can detonate a large armed conflict that costs the lives of hundreds of soldiers and precious resources.Hearts of Iron 4can accommodate many playstyles, allowing players to go about their military campaigns in almost any way they choose.
Realistic Destruction Models And Destructible Environments
Another great title set in the tumultuous period of World War 2,Men of War: Assault Squad 2, offers playersreal-time strategy game mechanicsthat plunge them into direct, adrenaline-rushing combat. Like other similar games, this title will have players commanding different soldier units, tanks, and other heavy artillery vehicles as they engage in warfare-centric missions throughout the game.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2also features destructible environments and realistic damage models that emphasize the seriousness of war and the potential for destruction that such tragic armed conflicts have. Players looking for an extremely immersive experience that will make them feel like they’re the last line of defense between the Axis powers and the free world will certainly love this title and play it over and over.
When most people think about great empires and unstoppable forces, the first thought that likely comes to their minds isthe Roman Empire. This is not thanks to the 2005 seriesRome,or Ridley Scott’s blockbusterGladiator, but rather to the astounding historical evidence of Roman prowess.Rome: Total Waris the perfect tribute to the massive fallen empire of the ancient world, as it accurately depicts Roman commanders and their legions of soldiers as they marched to conquer new territories.
Rome: Total Warcombines real-time warfare tactics withturn-based game mechanicsand has a strong focus on expansion through war. Players will no doubt spend hours devising different strategies to lay siege to any opposing forces and eventually bring them to heel under the rule of the one true empire.
Lastly, there’sEuropa Universalis 4, which gives players control over a nation from the late Middle Ages and tasks them with helping it evolve and thrive throughout the centuries until they reach modern history—the 18th century, to be precise. In this title, war is a central aspect and often necessary; however, it’s also possible to take diplomatic approaches to certain situations, which can save many lives and tons of resources.
Europa Universalis 4also features elements of trade and politics that add another layer of complexity to the game and provide players with additional hours of fun. Unlike some other games in this genre,Europa Universalis 4stands out because it focuses on territory expansion over the centuries, rather than remaining in a single era. Granted, this isn’t anything new, asAge of Empirespopularized the concept several years ago, but can there ever be enough games revolving around the advancement of civilization? Probably not.
