Looking to buy an RTS for the first time.

[Murlin]

If you have an Xbox: Halo Wars is really softcore, however you might get used to console controls that way, I'd advice the C&C franchise but keep away from the online for some time, starcraft is also a real delight unless you really need the cutting edge graphics.
And if not: there's this board game called 'Chess'.

 

[epikAXE]

LOTR: Batle for Middle-Earth. The skirmish is fun, but its also good to play scenes from the film in a different perspective

Also C&C: Generals

 

[Grey_Focks]

not entirely sure why people are recommending starcraft as an introductory to RTS's. I can tell you right now, you will NEVER be able to play that game online, custom maps aside. The player base has had 13 years to perfect every aspect of the game, and they are ALL better than you can be. I honestly am not trying to say you suck at gaming, but let's just be realistic.

I'd say Warhammer 40k Dawn of war 1 AND 2 are both good introductions, with DoW2 being a very unique game. I'd also say Warcraft 3, since I love RTS's that incorporate RPG elements into gameplay, but again, same problem with the multiplayer as starcraft.

 

[Cabamacadaf]

Warcraft 3. It's pretty easy compared to Starcraft for example and it has a pretty good campaign and a lot of mods if you get tired of the original game.

 

[Joey245]

May I suggest Rise of Nations? It's an older game, but if you want a simple, historical RTS, that would be your best bet.

Or, if you want Steampunk, Arabian myth, AND Space Mayans all in one game, I recommend the follow-up; Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends. It's pretty simplified, and the campaign is dull and cliche-ridden, but if you want to take a first step into the RTS formula, I would highly recommend that. Pretty steep hardware requirements, though.

 

[biggles1]

the total war series is very good, I reccomend it well, however...

WORLD IN CONFLICT = best rts ever, why?

great story
great explosions
high quality gaming
great unit balance
epic fun (nukes)
nukes
more nukes
epic nuke mode
did I mention nukes?

basically, total war+WIC= rts heaven

 

[Void(null)]

Warhammer Dawn of War II, good game overall, made by the same fine folks as Company of Heroes, so it has a large similarity, but the "hero" makes it different enough to take a look at. Another game with a rediculous curve in online play.

Except online where its tiny numbers of units, tiny maps and rush tactics, low skill cealing, DoW II has some of the worst MP I have ever seen in any RTS.

SP the game is a treat to play, MP the game is an abomination, especially when compared to how amazingly good DoW 1's MP is.

DoW II does offer a co-op campaign mode which is unique among RTS games, its also very fun so DoW II certainly has a place, but that place is anywhere but competitive MP.

 

[razing32]

Here's a list of RTS games through the "ages" , and some info on each :
http://www [dot] rakrent [dot] com/rtsc/rtsc_gameslist2.htm (not sure uf i'm allowed to post links)

In order of ease of gameplay I'd recommend:
1.Starcraft
2.Company of Heroes
3.C&C : Generals / Tiberium Wars
4.Age of Mythology.

Also , Starcraft 2 and C&C 4 are coming out this year, so that may be worth a look ;-)
PS: If you want a pleasant RTS experience try to avoid the Warhammer 40000 series, although starting of strong the first game stagnates and the second one has repetitive single-player and boring multi-player.

Just my opinion, hope it helps.

 

[PrimoThePro]

try rise of nations.
(oh and starcraft is a must. no exceptions)

 

[ninjapenguin981]

If you want a classic get Age of Mythology. That game is awesome, with a kickass community and editor.

 

[ottenni]

Command and Conquer generals is a pretty good game to ease into, its not too complicated and it has very varied difficulty settings. Total war games may be a bit complicated for a begginer but they can be very rewarding. After generals Warcraft 3 is a good game, if a little more difficult and Dawn of War is also a very good newer game. If you want to try older games Age of Empires is very very simple. And other than that Red Alert 2 is absolutely priceless and Starcraft is good too once you can master micro management.

 

[Volafortis]

Warcraft 3
Dawn Of War (1, not 2, although 2 is good, it's barely RTS)
Starcraft

 

[thenoblitt]

Warcraft 3 battle pack, has a great story in itself and its expansion, and then it has an astounding catalog of custom games

 

[razing32]

AVOID : Order of War , World in Conflict , Universe at War
-> gameplay is poorly implemented and may turn people off from the RTS genre

 

[DoctorObviously]

I heartily recommend World in Conflict.

 

[Aeshi]

Multiwinia is worth looking at as well.Very basic controls

 

[FretfulGnome]

Might try BattleForge, I haven't played it but since no one has mentioned it I thought I'd throw it out there. It's an RTS/card game mix, and it's free to play which is always nice.

 

[Brownie101]

Command and Conquer: The First Decade, 13 RTS games in one box.
And it's cheap too.

This. I mean, yea...The new CnC's are good, but for true RTS gaming, you have to play Tiberian Sun or Tiberian Dawn. I mean, about 10 years on and I'm still playing Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. It was just that good of a game.

Generals is alright, as it was made at the turning point, where EA took Westwood and the games were still decent.

Just, I'd suggest anything by Westwood. Specifically, Tiberian Sun, Red Alert 2. Those are my top RTS Picks. And I play a lot of RTS...

 

[The Eupho Guy_v1legacy]

Command and Conquer: The First Decade, 13 RTS games in one box.
And it's cheap too.

This. I mean, yea...The new CnC's are good, but for true RTS gaming, you have to play Tiberian Sun or Tiberian Dawn. I mean, about 10 years on and I'm still playing Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. It was just that good of a game.

Generals is alright, as it was made at the turning point, where EA took Westwood and the games were still decent.

Just, I'd suggest anything by Westwood. Specifically, Tiberian Sun, Red Alert 2. Those are my top RTS Picks. And I play a lot of RTS...

Agreed, although if you want Tiberium Sun, why not just download it from EA? They've recently made it and the Firestorm a free download, as well as Command & Conquer Tiberium Dawn and Red Alert (The original). There is an article in the news room, if you want to know more: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.175507-EA-Gives-Away-Command-Conquer-Tiberian-Sun