Let's Countdown The Top 10 Games Like Starcraft
Starcraft changed the landscape of RTS back in 1998 and Starcraft 2 was a much needed update in 2010. It’s been a few years since Legacy of the Void dropped and there may be some players out there looking for the next game to scratch that RTS or strategy game itch. Here are my picks of games that some of you might have missed and new releases that I think will more than satisfy the lover of a good sci-fi strategy game.
10. Planetary Annihilation: Titans
Planetary Annihilation: Titans Gameplay
Planetary Annihilation promised a lot and had a rather large stumbling block when it was released in 2014. Even after numerous patches and updates, Uber Entertainment could not fix the bad taste that the game left in everyone’s mouth. Roughly a year later, Titans was released and was a virtual standalone sequel to the previous game and seemingly fixed and improved upon all the systems and gameplay of the first.
Want to start a war across a planet? This game lets you do that. Want to perform an orbital strike from the moon? This game can do that. Want to control multiple armies on multiple planets all in the same solar system? This game has you covered. The ultimate multi warfront game, Titans brings with it, large scale robots that enhance your effort and can even destroy entire worlds on its own. A traditional RTS at its core, this game brings a massive scale that should appeal to even the most casual players.
9. Endless Space 2
Endless Space 2 Gameplay
The past few years have seen a great resurgence of sequels and revamps of classic games, and Endless Space 2 is one such iteration. Based in the same universe as the previous, the game has been revamped to be a truly strategic space opera game, utilizing the turn based method popular now, you will lose track of time with how much you want to finish a new tech or place new fleets throughout the galaxy.
The enhanced graphics and depth of 4x play will warm any strategy game lovers heart and the diversity of the various races is a lot of fun to play around with, especially with their varied strengths and weakness. Some are recognizable from the previous game, but others are brand new and each have their own lore and story behind them. It makes for a much deeper experience to a usually “narrative-lite” game genre.
8. Sins of the Solar Empire: Rebellion
Sins of the Solar Empire: Rebellion Gameplay
We are going to go back a few years to 2012 and talk about this classic, Sins of the Solar Empire: Rebellion. This game still sells well even to this day as a RTS 4x strategy hybrid and any sci-fi fan needs to have this in their game library. Built around three factions at war with one another, players pick one of these factions and duke it out on a galactic scale.
Each faction has a titan class warship to use along with new warships. The visuals to this game may appear dated down in 2018, but the gameplay still feels fresh and fun as ever. What makes this such a mainstay is how original the gameplay was and how it was the first of its kind back when it first released. Jump on this one if you want to feel the grand strategy that spans a galaxy to full effect.
7. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak Gameplay
Just released two years ago, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a RTS prequel to the other Homeworld games. A beautiful game that’s immediately recognizable. Strictly an RTS on the ground, players will navigate the harsh world of Kharak, where danger is afoot everywhere.
Something is found in the southern desert of Kharak and an expedition is sent. Players will follow Rachel S’jet as she leads her people to their destiny in this fun, exhilarating campaign. The narrative is an origin story at its core that is fun for both veterans of the Homeworld games and for new players. And as typical with all RTS games there are all the hallmarks of ones that have gone before; the resource management, tactical placement of units, and different units to choose from and formulate an army from. Overall, a great game and a good addition to the genre as a whole.
6. Star Wars: Empire at War
Star Wars: Empire at War Gameplay
Hailing all the way back from 2006, Star Wars: Empire at War is the RTS game of the franchise that many players should not forget. Bringing all the typical elements of a RTS to the table, Petroglyph did not skimp on the Star Wars universe when they developed this game.
The original game was strictly between the light and dark side vying for control over the galaxy. You took control of either side’s classic units, like TIE fighters and X-wings to win out control of classic Star Wars locations like Tatooine or Dagobah. With the added DLC of Forces of Corruption you play as Tyber Zann and your goal is to rule the underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. This changes up the gameplay some and keeps the game fresh, which is welcome in a decade old game.
5. Sid Meier’s Beyond Earth
Fans of Sid Meier games may remember Alpha Centauri and Beyond Earth is in some ways, the spiritual successor of the former. It was met with some mixed reviews and press, but I personally love the game and it brings all the classic elements from the Civilization games with it, including the turn-based system and gradual research. The research web that is used is especially fun, as players pick different technologies and end up following certain “paths” called affinities, which is new in this game.
Fans of Civilization should enjoy this and even players of sci-fi strategy should enjoy this as well, with the fun theme of colonizing an exotic world. The added DLC of different maps are also welcome, since they can introduce a more dynamic element to the game as well. I found it to be a refreshing take on the Civilization games, since instead of going back through time, humanity takes the leap forward!
4. XCOM Enemy Unknown
XCOM Enemy Unknown Gameplay
This game may have slipped under people’s radar in 2012 with being rated Mature, but with the release of XCOM 2, it should be put back into the spotlight. Players are placed in control of a secret organization named XCOM. It is up to you to push back the global alien invasion and reclaim earth for humanity.
What I love about this game is how it combines turn-based elements with tactical on the ground combat. You recruit and train unique soldiers and maintain them in order to then deploy them on missions where you control them on battlefield. It truly makes an impact when you lose a soldier through combat and makes you want to fight all the harder against the alien threat. Back in home base, you have to juggle your resources in order to place build what you think is necessary, but you have to be careful, because your choices have consequences. It was a marvel when it was first released for the strategy genre and still has a devoted following.
3. Dawn of War 2
Dawn of War 2 Gameplay
Coming back to true RTS roots is Dawn of War 2, which embraces traditional RTS play, while embodying the world of Warhammer 40K. You take control of one of three races and vie for dominance on the outskirts of known space. Built around a dynamic fast-paced RTS style, Dawn of War 2 should keep anyone’s attention, especially for as good as this game looks, even if it was released in 2009.
Warhammer 40k has a very distinct style that incorporates both range fighters and brutal melee and the game uses both types to full effect. Players of starcraft may see the resemblance of races between the Eldar and Tyrannids to the Protoss and Zerg, and that might alienate some players, but this is an RTS down to its core. The non-linear campaign is also quite welcome and makes for replability a viable option. With two expansions that really add to the game, this would be a great game to include one’s library.
2. Halo Wars 2
Halo Wars 2 Gameplay
A classic returns and it was one of the more anticipated games last year. Just like the first, you lead Marines, Spartans, and Warthogs into battle with the Covenant as you attempt to wrestle away control of the Ark away from the other side. Players can build up bases and use UNSC forces to blast their way to victory.
There are several ways that Creative Assembly decided to make this game new and included in the multiplayer modes, a brand new one in the form of Blitz, which gives players a “deck” of forces that you use to instantly deploy forces against one another as you seek to control more points. The first to 200 points wins of course. This mode showcases the fast paced action of the game and highlights how great this looks on PC. While the campaign might be a little lackluster for some, the multiplayer modes offer a plethora of fun and dynamic play that any RTS lover will enjoy.
1. Stellaris
This is my personal favorite, even if some players have a hard time breaking into a grand strategy game of this type. Stellaris is for all intents and purposes a strategy game centered on exploration and expansion. Players take control of various civilizations (or make their own!) and use them to achieve victory either by conquest or alliance or colonization. The game released with solid reviews in 2016 and since then with the addition of multiple DLCs and updates, it has only gotten better.
The galaxies that players have to conquer are enormous and with the inclusion of opposing civilizations who will either loathe or love you based on complimenting ethics and values, it makes the gameplay so deep. Add in random anomalies you can stumble on or other random events that occur over the decades inside the game, and you have game that you can play over and over and over. I enjoy making my own custom civs that then use custom ships, decked out in crazy technology to fight pirates and other civilizations that dare get in my way. Do yourself a favor and pick this game up.
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