Looking to buy an RTS for the first time.
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Surprised I haven't seen AOE here. Well anyway, Age of Empires was the RTS that got me into the genre. It was the first one I played back in elementary school and I'm still playing it even today. AoE 1 and 2 involve lots of strategy, but aren't too hard for the new player to break into. It's dirt cheap nowadays and I've seen the whole package (AoE 1 and 2 + all of the expansions) going for $10 (can probably get the AoE2 Gold for half that). I'd recommend getting some friends to buy some copies as well, b/c there is nothing quite like an AoE 2 LAN party over wireless.
I apologize, I assumed it was an RTS after playing it a couple of times. No need to get excited.Fr331anc3r said:
Another point toward Company of Heroes, it really is an *excellent* game.
The features a clever cover system meaning units gain protection from hiding in craters, behind walls etc. There's also a fair amount of focus on unit compositions such as mixing infantry types to create an effective fighting force. Squad morale influences combat ability and you can select to upgrade the weaponry of squads etc.
It really allows for a great amount of depth, but it's certainly playable for newcomers to the genre too. All you need to do is to take it easy and start off with the campaign, which is quite fun, by the way.
The same company (Relic) also made the Dawn of War series, I haven't played Dawn of War II, but Dawn of War 1 can be very addictive too.
The total war games are very different from what you'd normally call an RTS, but they can be worth a try too. My personal opinion is that Medieval II: TW is the best overall game of the series, a view which is shared by quite a few - but it's just that, an opinion, you may like the more recent Empire : TW more.
The features a clever cover system meaning units gain protection from hiding in craters, behind walls etc. There's also a fair amount of focus on unit compositions such as mixing infantry types to create an effective fighting force. Squad morale influences combat ability and you can select to upgrade the weaponry of squads etc.
It really allows for a great amount of depth, but it's certainly playable for newcomers to the genre too. All you need to do is to take it easy and start off with the campaign, which is quite fun, by the way.
The same company (Relic) also made the Dawn of War series, I haven't played Dawn of War II, but Dawn of War 1 can be very addictive too.
The total war games are very different from what you'd normally call an RTS, but they can be worth a try too. My personal opinion is that Medieval II: TW is the best overall game of the series, a view which is shared by quite a few - but it's just that, an opinion, you may like the more recent Empire : TW more.
Age of Empires 3 I would say. Just don't like it too much, because then you'll be dissapointed in the fact that there will be no sequel 
I haven't read this thread entierly, but if anyone says Warcraft 3, then don't trust them.
The community online is horrible. You'll get kicked if they notice you don't follow the tactics of those sic Korean super pros, within 30 seconds of the game starting.
I haven't read this thread entierly, but if anyone says Warcraft 3, then don't trust them.
The community online is horrible. You'll get kicked if they notice you don't follow the tactics of those sic Korean super pros, within 30 seconds of the game starting.
I would recommend the Warcraft 3 battle chest. The campaign has a pretty good story, the factions have a good mix of similar and unique mechanics, and you can get a basic handle on things fairly quickly.
Age of Mythology, as mentioned a few times is a stellar RTS. Great for beginners, with added God Powers to mix things up; It's one of my favourite RTS's ever.
Alternatively, Dawn of War: Dark Crusade is brilliant, as is Warcraft 3, Starcraft and the Total War games (preference: Rome, Medieval 2).
Alternatively, Dawn of War: Dark Crusade is brilliant, as is Warcraft 3, Starcraft and the Total War games (preference: Rome, Medieval 2).
Sorry, I have a problem with that game, it's a pretty rough console version of one of the greatest Turn Based Strategy games of all time, and it irks me to no end that Firaxis thought it relevant to destroy a franchise by sending it to the console.SeanthePsycho said:
I would recommend Age of Mythology, Age of Empires 3 (I guess 2 as well), and Rise of Nations. Shoot, thinking of these games makes me want to play them so badly.
Star Craft(Classic! My first RTS btw),
Warcraft III(3) The Frozen Throne,
Age of Empires II(The Conquerers or The Age of Kings doesn't really matter) and III,
Dragon Throne(a very unfamiliar title,but still good),
Celtic Kings,
Command and Conquer(basically all of them would be good and NOT Uri's Revenge! Personal Opinion)
Heroes of Might and Magic III(Gold/Platinum edition preferably.Though it's kinda different from the others and is commonly mistaken as an RPG,which it ain't)
In my opinion the new rts-s kind of suck ballz.So most of these classics should indeed fill you in on the amazing world of the RTS Hope I've helped.
Warcraft III(3) The Frozen Throne,
Age of Empires II(The Conquerers or The Age of Kings doesn't really matter) and III,
Dragon Throne(a very unfamiliar title,but still good),
Celtic Kings,
Command and Conquer(basically all of them would be good and NOT Uri's Revenge! Personal Opinion)
Heroes of Might and Magic III(Gold/Platinum edition preferably.Though it's kinda different from the others and is commonly mistaken as an RPG,which it ain't)
In my opinion the new rts-s kind of suck ballz.So most of these classics should indeed fill you in on the amazing world of the RTS
Hope I've helped. Starcraft is a good place to start. It's pretty cheap and very easy to pick up and play. After you play a bit with that I suggest you play Company of Heroes. It's a good game to introduce you into the "Action-RTS's" where the focus is completely on action instead of resource management and base building.
After you become more familiar with the RTS bunch I suggest you pick up/play these games: Sins of a Solar Empire, Command and Conquer 2, any Total War games(You might not like Shogun and Medieval 1 due to the graphics being shit), Populous: The Beginning(This is a unique little flower that deserves to be played), Supreme Commander, Age of Empires 2 and 3.
After you become more familiar with the RTS bunch I suggest you pick up/play these games: Sins of a Solar Empire, Command and Conquer 2, any Total War games(You might not like Shogun and Medieval 1 due to the graphics being shit), Populous: The Beginning(This is a unique little flower that deserves to be played), Supreme Commander, Age of Empires 2 and 3.
You should check Dungeon Keeper 1&2 in my opinion, if you don't mind the dated graphics. Other than that, Starcraft is the king. Some other good ones: Warcraft 3 + Frozen Throne, Dawn Of War + expansions (NOT the sequel), Age Of Empires 3, pretty much everything with the name C&C on it... And Homeworld has the most emotional and impactful story ever in the genre, you absolutely need to check it out. Also, if you like resource management, you should check out Settlers 4, it's awesome.
It's mostly about what are you interested in RTS's. And depending if you want them to be really intense and complex: Rise of Nations, or just focus to some more basic things, say the Red Alerts or C&C.
Command & Conquer Generals if you want to start soft.
Rise of Nations is the best RTS ever made, but it's very complex and requires some learning, but that comes by itself. Yet awesome.
If you like The Lord of The Rings, then you should try The Battle For Middle-Earth II.
Warhammer 40.000: Dawn of War is a very good RTS as well.
Also I must include Warcraft 3 and The Age of Empires series.
Command & Conquer Generals if you want to start soft.
Rise of Nations is the best RTS ever made, but it's very complex and requires some learning, but that comes by itself. Yet awesome.
If you like The Lord of The Rings, then you should try The Battle For Middle-Earth II.
Warhammer 40.000: Dawn of War is a very good RTS as well.
Also I must include Warcraft 3 and The Age of Empires series.
Starcraft, Warcraft 3, and Dawn of War are all awesome RTS's to start with. Dawn of War also has an awesome tutorial.
