Table of contents
50+ strategy games
30 August 2020
Reading time: 11 minutes
In this article, we will talk about creating a game in the strategy genre. Recall that this is the name of one of the popular game genres, in which the user’s ability to think logically, analyze the situation and win due to this is of paramount importance not the speed of the user’s reaction. You can learn more on the topic by reading articles about Unity engine, location optimization methods, design development documentation. A significant part of the material is devoted to the top in the development of a game in the genre of strategy 20 for Windows and 10 for Android.
Strategy development steps
The main ones are:
- Shaping the main idea
What will be the result? What must a gamer achieve in order to win? The more original your idea, the higher the probability of success.
- Engine selection
The latter is understood as a complex software solution that allows you not to do everything from scratch. There are two proven options available: Unreal or Unity. The latter is more preferred by beginners, the second by more experienced ones.
- Drawing models and characters
First, images of objects (backgrounds, maps, secondary and main characters) are made. Then 2D models and 3D models are designed. 3D animation is programmed for moving objects. Next comes work on special effects, where they are needed.
- Logic programming
Indicating what event B should occur when event or condition A occurs. For example, what happens if 5 characters with strength 3 attack 4 characters with defense 7 or try to take the city. All this should be calculated by the program, be encoded.
- Network
This is perhaps the main way to make the game truly popular. When many users connected via the Internet can be simultaneously involved in it.
- Testing
Divided into closed and open. One follows the other. The main goals of the first one are the elimination of critical bugs, problems with logic and game design errors. The main goals of the second one are optimization for heavy loads and receiving significant traffic, as well as checking the effectiveness of monetization.
A very successful example of development is the Cossacks strategy, its detailed description can be found at Cossacks 4.
Top 20 examples of creating a strategy on Windows
Let's briefly describe each of them.
20. StarCraft II
A sequel to Blizzard. Space, battles of different races, etc. The original plot, creative missions and companies, a lot of surprises and surprises for the gamer.
19. Cities: Skylines
The most famous and popular city planner. You can design everything, including the subway and the sewage system. Provides maximum gamer control over the appearance of each street and building.
18. Ultimate General: Gettysburg
Easy to operate and tactically sound US Civil War simulator. A gamer can play for one or the other side. Although the plot deals with the history of the United States, the game has earned popularity around the world.
17. Stardew Valley
Farming simulator. The gamer is required to decide what season, what crops to plant, plan their activities in such a way as to get the maximum profit. There are role-playing elements.
16. FTL: Faster Than Light
Space simulator. The gamer has to constantly solve a lot of difficult tasks: find resources, simultaneously fight the rebels and various alien races, repair holes in the ship's hull. The walkthrough varies greatly depending on the choice of the latter.
15. WarCraft III
The project has gone far beyond the epic struggle between orcs, humans, and their allies. The gamer is waiting for a lot of exciting tasks, unpredictable plot twists, the emergence of new heroes and characters.
14. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
The plot centers on the adventures of a small band of Space Marines, each with distinct personality traits. The passage is very reminiscent of the participation of a gamer in a futuristic war film.
13. Age of Mythology
The game covers Greek, Egyptian, Scandinavian mythology. Various civilizations look somewhat caricatured, but generally decent. The theme and mechanics are very well done.
12. Master of Orion II
Unlike many other space simulators, the gamer in it has the opportunity to create his own space race. Depending on the list of selected traits, she participates in certain space battles.
11. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
In the simulator, a lot of attention is paid to the gamer's control over resources, production, calculating how many troops will be needed at a particular moment to defeat the opponent.
10. Rise of Nations
Essentially an improved Age of Empires. Fortifications are made somewhat differently, which requires different tactics for raids and assaults, creates new opportunities and risks for the gamer.
9. Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault
The game is dedicated to World War II. Naturally American look. But the main thing here is not to capture the enemy base, but the control of resources, their distribution, well-conducted reconnaissance. The battle space looks peculiar.
8. Mount & Blade: Warband
Simulator of the Middle Ages. Battles of the times of feudalism. Everything matters, from the choice of troops to dynastic marriages, vassalage, etc. To win, you have to think very carefully.
7. Total War: Warhammer II
Perfect for all fantasy enthusiasts. Dragons spewing fire, knights in shining armor, terrible demonic creatures. A map of colossal dimensions, many races, a plot that can develop in the most unpredictable way.
6. Sid Meier's Civilization V
At one time it was very popular in our country. The number of civilizations vying for dominance is enormous. A participant can (albeit pretend) change the course of World history. Well-designed map, characters, plot.
5. XCOM 2
Compared to its predecessors, it has a more intense plot. The situation for a gamer can change dramatically literally out of the blue. To win, it is important to keep your cool and be constantly prepared for the unexpected.
4. Europa Universalis IV
Simulator of the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries and the beginning of the New Age. Gorgeous, intuitive interface. Gorgeous map of the world. All aspects that affect the strength of a particular power are affected, including not only the military component, but also trade, the economy, etc.
3. Total War: Attila
One of the most exciting campaigns offered by Total War. Covers the period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of medieval Europe. Climate change is forcing the barbarians to leave their northern territories, to which is added the great invasion from the East. The task of the gamer is to win a place for his character in this cruel world.
2. StarCraft: Brood War
The plot is sci-fi in nature. Several factions are trying to find a balance in relations between themselves, make alliances and, of course, fight. The simulation is very addictive, you don't notice how quickly time passes.
1. Crusader Kings II
The simulator is not for children, at least those brought up in the traditional system of values. Please note that we are writing about the world ranking, not the Russian one. So incest and a lesbian queen shouldn't surprise you. The main thing in the simulator is not nations and armies, but people, famous and not very historical characters.
Top 10 Android Turn-Based Strategy Examples
They are somewhat less than for Windows, but still worthy of attention.
10. Tropico
The gamer is assigned the role of managing tropical islands. You can become a tyrant or a good leader. Either way, you will have to deal with the development of the territory, the construction of roads, the hiring of foreign workers, etc.
9. Mindustry
The gamer manages a lot of things, extracting resources for construction, protecting conveyor belts, etc. Everything is simple, but interesting.
8. Civilization Revolution 2
A simplified version of a project with a similar name. Not as perfect as for PC, although many are fascinated.
7. XCOM: Enemy Within
Released a long time ago, but still remains popular. XCOM: Enemy Unknown Upgrade. The goal is to confront aliens who seek to take over the Earth.
6. Fire Emblem: Heroes
Nintendo's first approach to Android development. All the main characters from the series are involved in the new story. The goal is to save the Emblian Empire.
5. Pandemic: The Board Game
It originates from the desktop prototype of the same name. Choose your character endowed with a certain talent and save the world from a global pandemic.
4. Hearthstone
Comed out a long time ago. The gamer summons creature cards and casts spells based on the Warcraft universe. There are rating matches, weekly brawls in the tavern, etc.
3. The Escapists 2: Pocket Breakout
The gamer character must escape from prison. To do this, he can earn money to bribe guards, steal supplies, organize prison riots, etc. There are 5 prisons in total.
2. Chess by AI Factory Limited
Everyone knows chess. There are 12 levels in total, designed for both beginners and professionals.
1. ROME: Total War
A project of the same name, ported to the mobile platform. The goals and objectives of the gamer are the same. Everything is somewhat simplified, nevertheless addictive.
The cost of developing and creating a strategy varies from 2-5 million rubles for a simple mobile strategy to 20-45 million rubles for a game with AAA graphics.
You might be interested in how to make arcade, mobile apps, quests. Read, learn, become wiser, more experienced and richer.
