Games about government. Political games on PC
The term 4X (global strategy) appeared, we explored, expanded, exploited and destroyed (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) - that is, we lived in fantasy worlds. The genre has been experiencing something of a renaissance over the last five years, and while it's great to have options, you shouldn't mindlessly grab everything.
Not every grand strategy title is a game for everyone, so I've taken a look at all the major titles that have come out over the past few years and tried to summarize why you might (or might not) want to play them.
Make your move
Let's start with something unusual. Dominions 5 is a 4X game about warrior gods and their fantastic armies. At the very beginning of the game you create a deity. This deity may take the form of a furious dragon or a magical stone. Step by step, you gather armies, recruit wizards to search for apocalyptic spells, and distract the attention of the other gods.
The graphics in the game are, let’s say, old school. You'll need to scour the community files to find a decent custom map. But if you do this, and also read the instructions for the game, you will get a detailed strategy that creates crazy stories. In 4X games I'm used to controlling spaceships and cavalry, but only in the Dominions game I can send friendly troops of satyrs, wyverns, elemental spirits and ghosts against the Atlanteans. After a few trial games, you should be able to beat the AI in the game without any problems. But the game really shines in multiplayer.
Who is the game suitable for?: People are willing to put up with poor graphics in order to get a detailed magic system and control over great and diverse factions.
A unique blend of 4X and real-time, Rebellion has a faster pace than the rest of the list. Not only is it a standalone expansion, but it's also an improved version of Sins, so you don't have to worry about finding the original.
Who is the game suitable for?: For current RTS fans who want to get into 4X, and gamers who like to hit the ground running while maintaining a high pace of play. However, some home turn-based generals may find it a bit chaotic.
This turn-based fantasy grand strategy revolves around the characters Heroes and a faction leader called the sovereign, who can undertake RPG-style quests and is involved in many aspects of management beyond just combat.
Who is the game suitable for?: Fans of classic RPGs will feel right at home thanks to the local quest system, while customizable fantasy armies will likely attract the attention of fans of Warhammer and Hordes miniatures.
One of the most interesting features of the Endless Space universe (and its sequel). Much depends on ancient empire, known as Endless, and the quasi-magical Dust they left behind.
Who is the game suitable for?: A good entry point into space 4X, yet still able to challenge experienced players, and a compelling story for anyone interested in a good story beyond galactic domination.
If we crowned the autocrat of global strategies, there would be few competitors in the struggle for the throne. Take and lead one of the civilizations through the centuries from antiquity to modern times, trying to achieve various conditions victories – there is simply no equal in this famous series.
Who is the game suitable for?: Given the release of Civ 6, it's hard to recommend its predecessor, but the "five" often appears on sale at ridiculously low prices, so if you're not sure that you'll like the series, give it a try without dropping the full price on the new product. It is rightfully called a great game, especially the “Brave New World” add-on.
While most of the other games on our list place the player in a randomly generated world or galaxy, EU4 recreates an unusually deep model of the Earth from 1444 to 1821. You can lead any nation on the planet, from France to the Comanches, leading them through centuries of colonization, exploration and technological discovery.
Who is the game suitable for?: Considering the high praise the game has received, it's easier to say who it won't suit. The complexity of the simulation and the intricate systems of trade, war and diplomacy can be intimidating for newcomers to grand strategy games, but EU4's interface and tips do everything to help you get involved in the process and feel at least comfortable in it.
Take on the role of a demigod, fighting with your kin for control of the fragments remaining from a destroyed world. Eador is another 4X game that's hard to categorize because it has 4X, RPG, and even tactical turn-based elements similar to board games.
Who is the game suitable for?: Eador's greatest strength is how it's structured compared to other grand strategy games. The game's world is broken down into shards, each of which is a smaller version of the strategy map in games like Total War or , giving you the opportunity to enjoy something different from the standard huge maps or masses of static planets in endless space.
Having transferred the formula, you are given the role of head of the first human colony on the alien planet, where you will have to lead its development and compete with other colonial concerns. The game mechanics will seem very familiar to you if you've played Civ 5.
Who is the game suitable for?: In my opinion, this is not a very good departure from the Civilization series, since Beyond Earth lacks the elements that made its relatives successful. While it does have some cool stuff, like a non-linear tech system that allows you to take your futuristic technology in many different directions, the game feels like a big-budget Civ 5 mod and fails to hold the player's attention for more than a couple of dozen hours.
Much like its sci-fi counterpart Endless Space, the epic story of Endless Legend is set in a richly detailed world with its own characters and backstory. Civilizations are highly customizable, and each has its own distinctive capabilities.
Who is the game suitable for?: Based on the time-tested elements of 4X, it was not afraid to go bigger and mix them up in a way that even old players who were already tired of the genre became interested. In addition, EL will be welcomed by those who are eager to explore a superbly crafted fantasy world in a new and interesting setting.
Warlock is very close to how I imagined a high-quality reworking of Civilization in a fantasy way. All the neutral factions on the map serve a greater purpose than just being an annoyance at the very beginning of the game.
Who is the game suitable for?: Due to its relative simplicity and adherence to genre templates, Warlock is a good first step for those who want to join the ranks of fantasy grand strategy fans. In addition, it has good humor, in comparison with such more severe and majestic colleagues as Endless Legend and Fallen Enchantress.
Allowing you to explore the stars in real time with the ability to pause, Distant Worlds boasts one of the strongest models of civilian economy (able to run on autopilot while you manage political objectives) that I have seen in a grand strategy game.
Who is the game suitable for?: In addition to being an overall great 4X strategy game, Distant Worlds is able to attract those players who value the ability to explore. The strategy succeeds where many other sci-fi games have failed: here space truly feels endless.
Like Sins of a Solar Empire, this game can also be written into 4X/RTS hybrids. It stands out for its deeply developed systems of diplomacy and planetary development.
Who is the game suitable for?: Star Ruler 2 is close to the maximum in its difficulty, and the huge amount of minute control of systems available to the player looks simply intimidating for a beginner. However, if you're a fan of massively animated space battles, the game may be worth the candle.
A contender for the title of “blockbuster” among global strategies, GalCiv III is by far the most polished and expensive project.
Who is the game suitable for?: If you're tired of the monotonous victory conditions, then one of the biggest positive changes that appeared in the series was the transformation of "victory" into a set of goals from which you can choose the appropriate one, which greatly diversifies the gameplay.
The first truly global strategy transferred to space. Stellaris takes the historic Paradox formula to the stars, allowing you to control the military, political and economic aspects of your space empire.
Who is the game suitable for?: Fans of grand strategy games will feel right at home in Stellaris, but players accustomed to more traditional 4X games will need to take some time to get the hang of it. The game focuses much more heavily on politics, and elements like the form of government and the will of citizens play a significant role in it.
The most recent incarnation of the famous series doesn't have a lot of innovation, but it still plays well, justifying the decent price with big-name voice actors.
Who is the game suitable for?: Despite its novelty, MoO is a typical global strategy, since its predecessor in 1996, improved only by new graphics. An excellent start for absolute beginners, and even seasoned ones get a shiver when John de Lancie cries about the war that is brewing between his empire and yours.
The game builds on the best ideas of its predecessor, this time offering even more unique stories for each of the interstellar empires.
Who is the game suitable for?: By this point on the list, it should come as no surprise that true connoisseurs of interactive storytelling should pounce on anything with the word “Endless” in its name. Endless Space 2 is perhaps a better introduction to the genre than the first game, as it has greatly improved the way it delivers immediately relevant information to the player.
Civilization has emerged from its cocoon to reveal the most incredible transformation and fresh approach in the history of the series. Plus, Sean Bean is there.
Who is the game suitable for?: Yes for anyone who likes . What can you add about Civ 6 that hasn't already been said? Even the most seasoned veterans of the series will find many new challenges and opportunities in it, but the game remains one of the most beginner-friendly grand strategy games.
Want to rewrite history? Make Scotland a superpower, pit Mexico against Europe, save Joan of Arc from burning, or simply repeat the feat of famous military leaders of past centuries? This is only possible with the help of global strategies. Companies involved in the development of computer toys provide a wide field for activity, so it is not at all necessary to get involved in politics “in real life” - no one is stopping you from conquering fantasy worlds or outer space.
The dominance of shooters, open-world RPGs, and other projects labeled “online” have made the genre almost exotic. Even smart indies come out almost every day, unlike good global strategies. Organizations and private projects on Kickstarter are trying to revive the genre, but they are not succeeding. All we have is, in fact, continuations of already existing ideas and universes with a prefix in the name - 2, 3, 4, etc., and something new and fresh, alas, is represented by isolated examples or is completely absent in game year.
So, let's try to identify the best global strategies that have distinguished themselves by their quality component, interesting plot, entertaining gameplay and positive user ratings. The list was compiled based on reviews from gaming publications, but ranking projects for the most part is pointless, because they all deserve attention, and a specific setting is not for everyone. Some people like space, some cannot live without a sword and armor, and some don’t even care where or how - as long as they conquer something.
The top global strategies look like this:
- Total War: Shogun 2.
- Crusader Kings 2.
- Europa Universalis 4.
- Sid Meier's Civilization 6.
- Stellaris.
- Endless Legend.
- Endless Space 2.
- Anno 2205.
Let's take a closer look at the games.
Total War: Shogun 2
Almost all the Total War series are divided into two main components - real-time battles and a global economic strategy in turn-based mode. The player, in addition to mass massacre, needs to develop settlements, hire military leaders, deal with taxes, conduct diplomatic negotiations and send special agents on risky missions.
The global strategy with the economy in “Total War” may not be as well thought out as in other projects, but this part cannot be called a “tick” at all. In Shogun 2, both components turned out to be well developed. And even though the turn-based mode on the global map is just a prelude to epic battles, it is no worse than massive battles.
On the plus side, you can add a very beautiful and well-recreated setting of 16th century Japan, as well as perfect balance and atmospheric musical component. The world of global strategies “Total War” has always been easy to master, and “Shogun 2” was no exception: the barrier to entry for new users is minimal.
Crusader Kings 2
As for the second “Crusaders”, the game interface and the process itself cannot be called friendly for beginners. The threshold for entry into the international global strategy is quite high, and in the first hours of the game the lion's share of the time will be spent studying the menu branches, maps and other tactical possibilities. But the material is correctly reinforced by the training campaign, so there are no serious problems here.
Once you understand the controls and thoroughly understand the process, you will realize that Crusaders 2 is one of the best global strategies among other representatives of the genre. Describing the game, we can say that it is an excellent generator of addictive stories and adventures, dedicated to family squabbles, betrayals, conspiracies and other intrigues that took place in medieval Europe.
In this global strategy, you can become a petty lord from some godforsaken Scottish county and, walking over the bones of your enemies, as well as through the diplomatic jungle, unite your lands and become a contender for the royal title. Each new campaign generates a chain of random events, so there is no need to talk about monotony. It is especially popular among fans of the series “Game of Thrones” due to its similar setting and similar intrigues. The latter feel at home in the Crusaders.
Europa Universalis 4
If in the previous game you had some individuals at your disposal, then in Europa Universalis 4 you will control entire empires. There is no place for small conflicts here - only grandiose military campaigns.
At your disposal are entire states that will need to be led to victory in various wars, be it colonial feuds or religious ones. In this case, the player becomes not the king of his subjects, but the leader of the nation, so there is no time to unravel the intrigues - you need to have time to conquer the world before someone else does it.
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
The Civilization series can be called a classic representative of the global strategy genre. Sid Meier managed to create an original and addictive product that you can lose yourself in for weeks, or even months.
Unlike other games of this type, Civilization is not tied to any specific period. The strategy takes the user through a whole chain of eras, starting from small ones. At first, you build a small settlement, engage in hunting, farming and fight with careless neighbors using spears, bows and axes.
Features of the strategy
But after a few hours or even days, under your leadership is no longer a small village, but an industrial developed country, where skyscrapers and nuclear power plants grow. The instruments of influence on neighbors, naturally, are also changing: tanks, fighters, laser weapons and nuclear warheads.
As for the sixth “Civilization” specifically, beginners will relatively easily master the basic controls and, thanks to a competent training campaign, will quickly get involved in the process. This is an extremely high-quality strategy, taking only the best ideas from previous series and bringing them to almost perfection. “Civilization” is truly a place where you can disappear for a long time and enthusiastically build your own world.
Stellaris
This is a global space strategy for those who are cramped and stuffy on the small planet Earth. An ambitious player is given the opportunity to conquer the entire galaxy for any of the presented races.
The player will have to colonize new worlds, develop existing ones, improve technologies, and also devote a considerable part of his time to diplomacy. If the last option does not suit you at all, then you can go exclusively along the military branch and, having assembled a huge fleet, exterminate all those undesirable and conquer the rebellious.
Distinctive features of the strategy
Random generation of events will not let you get bored in the huge universe. You never know in advance what awaits you on a particular planet. You may meet an unfamiliar alien race, find a valuable artifact, or activate a whole chain of additional quests, the completion of which will bring useful bonuses to you or your interstellar empire.
Just like in the case of “Civilization,” you can get stuck here for a very long time. Equipping one planet after another and getting involved in military feuds, you will not notice how the whole day (or night) flies by. This is a very thoughtful and high-quality project that can be recommended to all ambitious conquerors.
Endless Legend
"Endless Legend" is a kind of similarity to the above-mentioned "Civilization". But this doesn’t make the game any less quality. Both products have similar gameplay, but Legend is distinguished by its original and memorable setting.
Here we have a pun from science fiction and fantasy with a very competent implementation. "Endless Legend" is devoid of similar factions. Each individual group has its own distinctive features. For example, Lords of Dust (ghosts) do not require food and instead consume energetic resources. While monsters or necrophages do not have diplomatic relations with other races at all, they obtain food by devouring conquered tribes.
One of the main features of the “Endless Legend” is, first of all, survival, and only then wars and other feuds with neighbors. Seasons in the game change quite quickly and chaotically. The winters are harsh, and the ruler, who spent six months running away to neighboring tribes and did not pay enough attention to the internal economy and peaceful industry, risks not living until next spring.
Endless Space 2
"Endless Legend" and "Endless Space" are games from the same developer. And if the rulers of the first strategy did not leave the Earth, then for the second there are no longer any obstacles. The manner in which the campaign and development branches are presented are somewhat similar in the games, but there are still specific and critical differences.
The game attracts with its graphical component, which has been noticeably improved compared to the first part. You can choose which way to develop your empire. If you want to defeat your opponents with technical superiority, please invest in the appropriate branches, and not a single enemy military ship will even come close to your planets. The enemy fleet will simply disintegrate its defense systems into atoms. If you like managing beautiful interstellar ships and forcefully solving all pending conflicts, then the aggressive development branch is just for you.
At the beginning of the game, each player is given an equal number of planets and opportunities. By developing basic and specific skills, you choose your own play style, and “Endless Space” does not limit you in anything, but only indulges your desires.
Anno 2205
The Anno series is a city planning and economic simulator. The previous games in the series took place on land and underwater, but on planet Earth. The new strategy allows us to master our satellite - the Moon.
But in order to get there, you will first have to build several factories, research centers and launch mines on the ground. After the resources have been collected and the necessary buildings have been built, you can proceed to the development of the satellite with all the attendant space realities such as weightlessness, meteor showers and the anarchists who always confuse the plans.
Game Features
Despite the fact that the game is positioned by the developer as a city-planning and economic simulator, there is more than enough combat action in it, where global strategists can express themselves to the fullest.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the visual side of the project. Magnificent panoramas general view along with the meticulous detailing of the small details are simply amazing. Despite all its beauty, the game only slightly added to the system requirements, and the level of acceptable FPS was largely achieved through competent optimization.
As for the entry threshold, a smart training campaign will not let you get confused in the interface and will guide you step by step through all the hot spots of Anno. After an hour or two, the newcomers’ discomfort disappears, and they already feel at ease, ready to conquer the earth’s satellite.
26.08.2018 Pavel Makarov
One of the first strategies with the development of civilization was Sid Meier’s Civilization, released in 1991. The game was developed by MPS Labs and published by MicroProse. The player had to develop the chosen people. As the game progresses, you need to study technology, engage in diplomacy, participate in wars and develop the economy. The setting included the historical period from primitive system until the near future.
Civilization was the game that founded the turn-based grand strategy genre with elements of economic, political and scientific development. Sid Meier's Civilization introduced the concept of a "tech tree" for the first time. In this article we invite you to get acquainted with modern representatives genre of games in which you need to develop your civilization.
Sid Meier's Civilization V
Release date: 2010
Genre: global turn-based strategy with the development of civilization
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K
The player's task is to lead his civilization to one of the types of victory. Types of victory in Civilization: military, diplomatic, scientific and cultural. Turn-based strategy (TBS) develops on a global map consisting of hexes. Some hexes are allocated for various resources and improvements. The other part is under the Wonders of the World, city-states or controlled by competitors.
Two major expansions were released for the game: Gods & Kings and Brave New World, introducing significant innovations to the game mechanics. Numerous additions with new civilizations and game maps have also been released.
A special feature of the game is access to a huge number of mods, which can be downloaded through the menu. Fans have created many scenarios, civilizations and maps, the variety of which can satisfy the most demanding tastes.
Some shortcomings include the weakness of the AI (however, common for most strategies), but this pales against the background of the many advantages of this wonderful game. Facts that speak of incredible popularity: more than 10 million copies sold and a Metacritic rating of 90 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Release date: 1999
Genre: tactical strategy with the development of a medieval kingdom
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
This game is a continuation of one of the classic series in the RTS real-time strategy genre. She has won many awards. 2 million copies were sold in the first quarter of sales. The score on Metacritic was 92/100. The player has access to 13 civilizations with their own specifics to control. The Conquerors expansion added five more. There are also 5 companies in the game. Civilization passes through four eras, each of which opens up access to new units and improvements. The gameplay consists of building cities, collecting resources, and creating armies. As a result, it is necessary to defeat opponents by destroying their armies and destroying buildings.
In 2013, the game was re-released in an enhanced HD format, with significantly improved graphics. Later, three more DLCs were released in this format with new civilizations, maps and scenarios.
Forge of Empires
Release date: year 2012
Genre: online strategy with city development
Developer: InnoGames
Publisher: InnoGames
If you are not ready to get so involved in the intertwining of Sid Meier’s Civilization, but want to take people from the Stone Age to a world similar to science fiction, then there is a great option for you in the form of Forge of Empires. There is only one city on your shoulders. The game is available both for PC in the browser and for mobile platforms Android and IOS.
An important part of the gameplay is interaction with players around the world. Neighboring settlements may run away from you, but you are not fooled, you can answer!
Cossacks 3
Release date: 2016
Genre: tactical strategy with base development
Developer: GSC Game World
Publisher: GSC Game World
A remake of the 2001 classic RTS. The player has 12 countries to control, with 70 types of military units, 100 technologies and more than 140 historical buildings. Gameplay takes place in 17th and 18th century Europe, with units and weapons to match.
Cossacks 3 - screenshots
The peculiarity of the game is huge crowds of armies rushing across the map and being destroyed by the thousands in brutal, fast-paced battles. To win, army control must be combined with skillful management - the extraction of key resources and the construction of the necessary buildings.
For our time, the gameplay of Cossacks 3 is somewhat outdated, but for fans of the classics it can provide pleasant moments.
Total War: Rome II
Release date: year 2013
Genre: global strategy with the development of ancient civilization
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: SEGA
Total War is one of the most famous series of PC games, familiar to every strategy lover. In this genre, only the Civilization series is on its level. Rome II is the eighth game in Total War, and one of the most successful. It combines the strategic mode on the global map, in which they deal with macro-management of resources, movements, assignments, with the tactical one, in which battles take place.
The company begins in 272 BC. and is designed for 300 years. The game features 117 different factions fighting across a huge map of 173 regions, spanning Asia, Africa and Europe.
The main types of troops fight directly on the battlefield Ancient world(cavalry, infantry, elephants, etc.) taking into account the historical specifics of different factions (Greek phalanx, Roman legions, etc.). There are different types of battles available (siege, river battles, etc.), in which thousands of units fight.
Except exciting game Rome II offers a wealth of material on the history of the ancient world, especially its military part.
Stronghold Kingdoms
Release date: year 2012
Genre: online strategy with the development of a medieval state
Developer: FireFly Studios
Publisher: FireFly Studios
What is it like to manage a medieval castle? Stronghold Kingdoms tries to give the most simple but honest answer to this - this MMORTS (a genre that combines real-time strategy and multiplayer functionality) gives, although simplified, a complete idea of how to maintain your fortress with knights and dysentery.
One of the characteristic features of the game is that your successful passage depends not only on defeating computer antagonists, but also on interactions with other real gamers over the network.
Rise of Nations
Release date: 2003
Genre: turn-based strategy with RPG elements and non-linear plot
Developer: Big Huge Games
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
The game is similar in mechanics to Total War, combining strategic actions on a global map with direct command of troops in battle mode. Visually, it is much poorer than Total War, and in the field of combat and strategy it is inferior to this classic.
The player takes control of one of 18 nations, which he leads to victory in 8 historical eras development. About 100 different units are available to him, and each faction has its own unique fighters.
In 2014, a re-release of the game was released, with updated graphics and multiplayer.
Europa Universalis IV
Release date: year 2013
Genre: global strategy with the development of civilization during the Renaissance
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Global strategy from Paradox, one of the leading strategy developers.
The game covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the Early Modern era.
Gaming takes place taking into account real historical events ( geographical discoveries etc.). To achieve victory, the player must skillfully combine trade, diplomacy, colonization and military action.
The game is characterized by a strong strategic component, characteristic of Paradox, with a relatively poor military unit. There are no tactical battles, and the game only takes place on the global map. In this form, the game is similar to chess.
The “trick” of Europa Universalis IV is that the process depends on random events, both positive and negative, that are generated every year.
Vikings: War of Clans
Release date: 2015
Genre: MMO strategy with the development of a Viking settlement
Developer: Plarium
Publisher: Plarium
If you often watch videos on YouTube, then you have long known that if strategies from the nineties and early 2000s are dear to your heart, you should definitely try Vikings: War of Clans. Such intrusive, monotonous advertising can discourage anyone from trying out the game.
But for some reason, there are several times more people playing it than there ever were Vikings. And all because this is a thoughtful military strategy in which you equally get pleasure from profitable alliances with other players and from the thoughtless plunder of their lands.
Release date: year 2012
Genre: global strategy with the development of your own dynasty in the setting of medieval Europe
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Another global strategy from Paradox, covering the Medieval period, from 1066 to 1453.
The peculiarity of the game is that it is a simulator of a dynasty, and not of a civilization or state. The player, using wars, marriages and murders, works hard on the global map to achieve the success of his dynasty and eliminate competitors.
14 DLCs have already been released, adding new dynasties, events and expanding the period of the game.
The game has similar strengths and weaknesses to Europa Universalis IV: a strong strategic component with advanced AI combined with a poor military component.
Throne: Kingdom At War
Release date: 2016
Genre: MMO strategy with the development of a medieval kingdom
Developer: Plarium
Publisher: Plarium
The world of Throne: Kingdom At War can be described as an abstract, fascinating Middle Ages without inquisitions, but with knights. In the game you create a Hero, and everything depends on him - he improves your possessions and controls your soldiers in battles.
Once upon a time, in the fictional kingdom of Amaria, a wise monarch ruled everything. But his death plunged everything into chaos, and the Hero is one of the fighters for control of his domain. You can explore new lands and conquer the rebellious. Anything until you yourself are overthrown.
Release date: 2010
Genre: global strategy with the development of civilization in the modern era
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Publisher: Paradox Development
Another global strategy from Paradox. The game is more aimed at diligent fans. The player needs to spend many hours on political and economic decisions.
The player controls the state, combining its political, diplomatic, economic, military and technological aspects. The period of the game is 1836-1936. The game spans the entire Earth, with over 200 playable countries.
Victoria II is more focused on developing economic relations. The game has a complex system with more than 50 types of goods and factories, the prices of which are determined by millet and supply. In the realm of politics and diplomacy, the player interacts with 8 different types of governments and 7 ideologies. The military component, which is responsible for 20 types of land and naval forces, has less significance than in analogues.
Grand Ages Medieval
Release date: 2015
Genre: real-time strategy with the development of the economy of the Medieval state
Developer: Gaming Minds Studios
Publisher: Kalypso Media Digital
Not a very successful attempt to cross RTS with TBS. State governance is carried out on a global map in real time. The emphasis is on the economy, combat is less important. The factions are almost the same from each other, the battles are very boring, the only heavily developed part is trade. To build a strong economy, you need to carefully monitor commodity prices, compare alternatives, deal with logistics and trade protection.
Grand Ages Medieval can be called trading strategy, to which war and other components were attached “for show.”
Medieval II: Total War
Release date: 2006
Genre: global military strategy in the setting of medieval Europe
Developer: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Publisher: SEGA
The fourth game in the Total War series, one of the pinnacles of the strategy genre.
The game covers the Middle Ages; There are 17 factions available in the company. In the process, it is necessary not only to fight competitors, but also to take into account global events corresponding to historical periods. For example, the invasions of the Mongols and Timur. Important role Religion plays a role on the global map. For example, the Pope may excommunicate you and declare a crusade against you. If the population of recently subjugated territories professes a religion different from yours, then there is a high probability of uprisings.
The system of agents responsible for the spread of religions, espionage and other components of victory has also been fully implemented. Decisive battles are best carried out manually, rather than using automatic calculation, and here you can notice that the game engine has been improved in Medieval II. The soldiers received individual content and a variety of combat techniques. This visually distinguishes the battles from the “clone wars” of previous games in the series.
In addition to our article, we suggest watching a detailed video review about other strategies on PC with the development of civilization, including settings from the primitive period to modern days.
Warhammer 40,000 series
Release date: 1992-2011
Genre: Real-time strategy
The Warhammer 40,000 series is the most popular and one of the best-selling games. Fans are constantly waiting for the release of a new game. The most famous is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player selects a race (Imperial Guard, Space Marines, Tau, Necrons, Orcs, Chaos, Eldar; new races appear with each game) for which he wants to play, after which he selects a place on the planet or planets that he wants to capture and fights with the race that owns it earth.
The battle takes place in real time on the terrain where the battle takes place. Players capture special points that give influence and build generators that provide energy; these resources are used to build structures, troops and make improvements. Each race has its own troops, super units and heroes and abilities. The goal of the game in the campaign is to capture all the lands and become the patron of all lands.
Civilization Series
Release date: 1991-2013
Genre: Global turn-based strategy
In Civilization, a complete model of human development has been created from the most ancient times to the present day. The player must create and develop his mighty empire, among other competitors, the condition for victory may be a military victory over everyone, victory on points, The game ends in 2050 either by culture or build a spaceship and fly to Alpha Centauri. The strength and development of civilization consists of the development and creation of new cities, the creation of production of troops in cities, scientific and military research. You can also create wonders of the world in the game.
For a civilization to flourish, the player must be able to focus and balance between scientific progress, building up military power, replenishing the treasury, developing infrastructure and culture, diplomatic contacts and trade with other civilizations. The player can take part in historical events that took place, control leaders such as Stalin, Napaleon, Ramses II, Catherine II and so on. It's hard to say which of the series is the best. Some say that part is the best, others say the fourth. Adherents of graphics claim that the fifth is the best of this series.
Warcraft III
Genre: real-time strategy with RPG elements
Popularly called "Varik" was one of the most anticipated games: more than 4.5 million pre-orders and more than one million copies of the game sold in less than a month, making it the fastest selling computer game. The game received a large number of positive reviews, many publications awarded the game with the titles “Best Game of the Year” and “ Best strategy of the year". The game also received high marks from players.
There are 4 races in the game: Alliance (humans), Undead, Horde (Orcs) and Night Elves. Each race has its own unique heroes, who gain experience and new level. With each level, new hero abilities are unlocked. Heroes can also buy or pick up items from killed mobs that improve the combat characteristics of the heroes and the troops around them. On different maps players capture gold mines and extract timber, use these resources to build a base and units and improve their characteristics.
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Genre: Turn-based strategy with RPG elements
Heroes of Might and Magic III is a turn-based fantasy game, the third part of the series has become a cult favorite and has gained many fans around the world. Despite the now outdated graphics, it is still played by thousands of players around the world. The fourth and fifth parts of the game came out with better graphics and improved gameplay, so if you are not a fan of old games and love graphics, then it is best to play the latest parts.
The player travels across a global map with heroes who control mythical creatures, exploring new lands, capturing cities and fighting enemies. On the map, the player moves only one hero and can only walk a certain distance or do one or more actions, after which he misses a turn and the computer-controlled enemies make their move. By attacking enemies, you move into combat mode, the army of enemies and your army of creatures stand opposite each other, moving combat units in turn to destroy the enemies. As cities develop, new opportunities and spells can be discovered. Hire troops.
StarCraft II
Genre: real time strategy
StarCraft II is the second part of the cult first part, released back in 1998. The second part of the game became the most anticipated game of the year due to the great popularity of the first part and fully met its expectations among players. Many Russian and foreign gaming portals gave the game scores of over 9 points out of 10. In the player rating it received 9.3 points.
The plot of the game and all the actions take place in the distant future, or more precisely the 26th century in a remote part of the Milky Way galaxy. The three races of Terran, Zerg, and Protoss are opposed to each other. Players extract two types of resources: minerals and vespene gas, which they then use to build buildings and hire combat units. The main task is to destroy the enemy base. Each type of unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, so to destroy certain types of enemy troops you need to hire troops that are good at destroying them.
Total War series is the best Rome: Total War
Genre: turn-based grand strategy, real-time strategy
Total War rus. “Total War” is a series of games that already has seven games and various additions. Different games cover different historical time periods and states. The most popular and iconic is Rome: Total War, released in 2004. The action takes place in Ancient Rome during the Republic period from 270 BC. e. up to 14 AD e. For example, Shogun: Total War takes place in Japan Shogun: Total War in the 16th century, where reigning dynasties oppose each other. Empire: Total War - during the European colonial wars and so on.
The gameplay of the game is very similar to Civilization. The player controls troops, cities and settlements on a global point. After completing all actions, the player misses a turn, after which the AI-controlled competitors make their move. If you or your enemy attack each other, then you move to the tactical map, where you control real mode with all your troops, attacking with them and placing them in convenient positions on the map.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1,2,3
Release date: 1996 and 2000
Genre: Real-time strategy
Red Alert is a game that was released in the last century and captured the minds and souls of gamers around the world; thousands of people still play it, more than 30 million copies sold. The game takes place in alternative history, where Allied troops defend Europe from aggressive Soviet Union. The player can choose one of two warring parties: Alliance or USSR. Accordingly, the goal of the game for the Allies is to stop Stalin before he takes over the whole world, for the USSR - to achieve the complete capture of Europe. Depending on the side chosen, a player's victory results in one of two alternative endings.
Battles in the game take place both on land, on water and in the air. Each side can have its own base and can train ground forces, air forces and navies. Each side also has unique features. The game mechanic is that now even a simple infantryman can destroy a tank. A tank can easily destroy a machine-gun pillbox; a small group of grenade launchers can just as easily deal with a tank if it is not covered by anti-personnel equipment or its own infantry, which forced the use of different types of troops in battle.
Europa Universalis series of games
Release date: 2000-2013
Genre: turn-based global strategy,
Continues the series of global strategies Europa Universalis. Like previous games series, the third part invites you to lead one of the states of the world . The essence of the game: to develop national ideas that give the game power certain advantages; As new government technologies are discovered, it becomes possible to choose one of the national ideas. The game takes place in real time, but the player’s reaction speed is not required, since the game can be paused at any time. The game takes place on a schematically depicted world map, divided into more than 1,500 sea and land provinces.
The player can take control of any country that existed during this historical period (about 200 states in total). Under his control are the country’s economy, the formation and management of armies and navies, diplomacy, the introduction of new technologies, domestic politics states, changing the state religion and colonizing new lands.
A special feature of the game is its connection to real story(I note that in the third part of the series it is no longer tied to history and the gameplay is more free); there are historical rulers predetermined for each country, each of whom has certain abilities that influence the game, real-life commanders (such as Suvorov or Napoleon I Bonaparte), pioneers, explorers and sailors (such as Columbus, Ermac and Ferdinand Magellan ), as well as historical events that usually occur in the same country and at the same time as in real history (for example, in 1517 an event occurs that makes it possible to convert to Protestantism)
Company of Heroes 1.2
Release date: 2006
Genre: Real-time strategy
The gameplay of Company of Heroes is very similar to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player commands entire squads of fighters, but there are some unique units. Each unit has a life scale (not an individual fighter), and if the unit’s lives are damaged when the unit is damaged, the entire unit dies. The player can equip infantry units with various weapons, choosing which weapon is more promising in battle. After the death of a squad, weapons remain that can be picked up and equipped with them for another squad. This even applies to stationary weapons such as anti-tank guns, heavy machine guns and mortars.
Each side in the game is divided into three unique directions - infantry, airborne and tank for the Americans and defensive, offensive and propaganda for the Germans, advancement in which gives access to new combat units and attacks (for example, a stormtrooper raid). Another important difference is that squads and units in the game have three levels of experience. After destroying an enemy, a new level is obtained that increases the damage, speed, health, armor or viewing range of the combat unit, depending on its type.
There are three types of resources in the Game: weapons, fuel and personnel. Personnel are used to construct buildings, recruit new combat units, both infantry and armored vehicles, fuel, in turn, to build buildings and armored vehicles, and weapons - to provide units with additional weapons, such as a grenade launcher, for artillery and air strikes, or for to give your equipment new capabilities. Replenishment of resources is carried out using checkpoints.
Age of Empires III
Genre: Real-time strategy
Age of Empires III is a strategy that has earned worldwide recognition due to its innovative and exciting gameplay. Age of Empires received high ratings on gaming portals and magazines. A special feature of this game is its well-developed artificial intelligence (the opponent is controlled by a computer). The player controls one of the powers (Great Britain, Prussia, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Russian empire, Ottoman Empire, France), which set off to conquer the new world (America).
The main action takes place in the colonies, in the usual similar games map, but now each power has a home city in the Old World. He serves the sole purpose of helping his colony. There are three resources in the game: food, wood and money. Which produce various buildings. Transitions between eras, five eras: exploration, colonization, fortresses, industrial and empire. He trains military academies, bandages soldiers and sends them to colonies. The infantry depends on the nationality of the city, for the Spaniards it will be rodellers, and for the Russians it will be archers and Cossacks. The academy is also improving the parameters of the troops.
Battles take place in real time. The maximum size of a detachment and group of soldiers highlighted by a “frame” is 50 units. The shooting infantry has four formations: a regular line, which is convenient for firing in volleys, a sparse formation, which reduces losses from artillery fire, hand-to-hand combat and square. Melee infantry has three formations, two of the same, melee and square, and a circular formation to cover the riflemen. The cavalry learned three formations - the same close combat and square, as well as an offensive mode with reduced speed, but with damage inflicted over an area.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Genre: Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics, Tactical RPG
The game is a remake (remake) of the popular and old game X-COM: UFO Defense, released back in 1993. Aliens attack planet Earth and begin an alien invasion. The game is played from the perspective of the secret commander international organization XCOM (anti-alien division), which has the most advanced technologies, weapons and scientific developments of mankind. They work in it the best specialists world - military men and scientists. The organization must conduct combat operations against aliens that threaten existence human civilization.
The player is provided with the central XCOM base, from which the strategic management of the organization is carried out: monitoring the actions of aliens on the global world map using a satellite network, distributing funding for the development of scientific and technical potential, arming and deploying interceptors to destroy flying saucers, as well as conducting combat operations against aliens using existing fighters in ground skirmishes. The base is presented to the player in the form of an “ant farm” - a section of soil that allows you to look at the premises from the side.
IN Tactical combat fighters perform up to two actions in turn - running, shooting, throwing a grenade, using a first aid kit. Each fighter has only three characteristics: accuracy, willpower and health points.
After the first promotion in rank, a soldier receives a specialization. This could be an attack aircraft, a sniper, a heavy infantryman or a support soldier.
Homeworld
Genre: real time strategy
Well-developed graphics and three-dimensional gaming space - the implementation of six degrees of freedom (you can view the battlefield, the battle fleet from different angles) of the movement of game objects and the presence of thoughtful fleet management in three dimensions. A rich and complex plot that gradually reveals itself during the game. In the next game mission, the player receives the fleet with which he completed the previous one.
At the beginning of the game, the player can choose a fleet of two races, Kushan or Taidan: this does not affect the further plot in any way, only the combat units change. A key feature of both the Kushan and Taidan navies is the presence of a main mothership that serves as the main base of operations. The mothership has its own weapons and a hyperdrive, which allows it to overcome significant space.
The entire space fleet is divided into a combat fleet and a support fleet. The support fleet includes special ships, such as a resource collector and controller, a research ship, a probe, a stealth ship detector ship, and a gravity well generator. The combat fleet is divided into classes: Small ships - fighters, corvettes, Heavy ships - frigates, Super-heavy ships, Flagships.
Stronghold game series
Release date: 2001-2014
Genre: real time strategy
The game system of all games in the series is based on an economic simulator of a medieval city or castle. The games have a number of unique parameters that are typical only for games in the Stronghold series. Thus, in the first Stronghold, the “popularity” parameter was introduced for the first time, affecting the performance and population size. The combat system is standard for strategies - direct control of groups of units. The economic component is one of the main ones in the games of the series. There are quite complex and long production chains. As a rule, in the games of the series, more attention is paid to the economic rather than the military component of medieval castles.
All games in the series, except Stronghold Kingdoms, have campaigns (a series of story-related missions) and a map editor mode. Stronghold has a single campaign, while other games have multiple campaigns.
All games except Stronghold and Stronghold Kingdoms allow you to play against computer opponents on a selected map. Stronghold and Stronghold 2 have a siege mode (siege or defend a castle without running an economy). In the first games in the series (up to and including Stronghold 2) there is a free construction mode (running an economy without war).
Spore
Genre: Real-time strategy, god simulator
Spore game is a simulator of the evolution of life on the planet, as well as a strategy and space simulator. The goal of the game is to develop a creature from a microorganism to an advanced space race. While progressing through the game, it is possible to make changes to the creature, improving its characteristics. Also, as it develops, the player will independently create various equipment and buildings, or choose ready-made options from the catalog.
At the beginning of the game, the player takes control of a microorganism living in aquatic environment. At this stage of the game - To survive, the microorganism needs to feed on pieces of meat or algae, and also try not to be eaten by other carnivorous creatures. When food is eaten, the cell grows and turns into a microorganism. After which the creature gets out to the ground, where it also develops. Over time, under your leadership there will be a tribe, civilization and space that you will have to manage.
Ground Control 1.2
Release date: 2000, 2004
Genre: Tactical real-time strategy
This game was the forefront of its genre and won many awards. Ground Control has 3D graphics and a freely rotating camera, allowing the player to view the battle from any angle. The game completely lacks resource collection, base development and research. The player's goal is to control a limited number of combat units and perform various tasks with their help.
The main goal of the game is to destroy enemy troops and buildings using the terrain features and the strengths of your own army. Combat units include various types of armored vehicles, aircraft and soldiers, delivered to the battlefield by orbital shuttles. After the start of the next mission, the player cannot call for reinforcements, which requires careful selection of units and their configuration before the battle.
The most important element games require a tactical approach in any situation. Each squad has its own distinct strengths and weaknesses. Combat units are united into squads. The player can only give orders to units, although the units themselves will fight and take damage separately. There are four categories of units: infantry, armor, support, and aviation. The player can choose the configuration of each individual unit before the battle. For example, a Craven Corporation tank squad can exist in four configurations: reconnaissance, light, main, and heavy. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so different configurations are suitable for different tasks.
Tiberium Command & Conquer series
Release date: 1995-2010
Genre: Real time strategy
a series of successful computer games with the highest sales among strategy series. The game takes place in an alternative time reality, conditionally modern to ours, in which there is a war all over the world between two global groups - the international UN troops united in the Global Defense Initiative, and the military-religious Brotherhood of Nod, led by its charismatic leader Kane, fighting for possession of the alien substance Tiberium, slowly spreading throughout the planet.
The gameplay of the game is based on the principle of collecting resources, building a base, destroying the enemy. The only source of money (credits) in the game is Tiberium. Another important resource in the game is electricity, produced only by power plants. The various structures and units produced by the player collectively form a technological tree, in which access to technologically more advanced, and therefore more expensive, structures and units. The base can be protected by various structures, including defensive fortifications.
The thought comes to many people: if I were president, the first thing I could do... Everyone has their own continuation: started a war, annexed a new state, became the wisest ruler in history. Feel yourself in different political roles This is exactly what games about politics allow. Games related to politics usually have a strategic basis and invite participants to start building a state from scratch, build and develop their own people or city. Even the textbook Civilization can be classified as political games in the broad sense of the word, but still in the classical sense it is political simulators, where the player is offered the role of a politician or ruler. Depending on the features of the simulator, the player is asked to improve the country’s economy, engage in urban planning, increase the population, and make the state prosper. Usually there are no colorful battles with bosses, but there is more than enough political intrigue, negotiations and real situations that politicians have to face. Games about politics are preferred by born strategists, for whom flashy design and gameplay are not the main thing in a good game.
Political games on PC in modern times game world are represented mainly by simulators - the list of them is quite extensive.
Often games about politics for the computer are based on real events from world history, when the user finds himself in a real event and chooses the path for its further development. For example, the popular plot cold war between Russia and the USA at the end of the 20th century or World War II. There are plots from films and books on political theme, for example from the saga about Star Wars. In political games on PC, the player takes the place of the president, military commander, and leader of civilization. In this role, he can command troops, start and fight wars, engage in political transformations, in general, behave like a standard ruler. Games in the political strategy genre on PC involve both a single player and the participation of an entire team of up to 6 people. Often, games about politics on PC turn to the popular plot of the beginning of the Third World War - and again, the instigators here are usually Russia and the United States. Here is just a small list of games about politics on PC:
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Command & Conquer
President for a Day: Flooding.
The list of the best strategy-based political games on PC is different for everyone, but we tried to collect the best representatives of this popular genre in one list. We present to your attention the top 10 games about politics.
10. The Political Machine 2016
Rounding out the top ten best games about politics is a simulator set in the USA, and the player will have to compete for the position of president of this country. The current hero, suspiciously similar to the current head of the United States, Donald Trump, makes a raid across the states and receives bonuses there, thereby increasing his rating and earning money, which will ultimately lead him to his goal.
The game location is a city founded in 1820 and since then experiencing 5 different eras. Through them, the city is led by the player, who has to build new buildings and create districts, pass laws, manage the economy, distribute powers and even enter into political intrigue.
The basis of the game is the real protracted conflict between Palestine and Israel. The player needs to make social, economic and military decisions. The game is realistic and immerses the player in the very essence of the conflict problem.
7. President for a Day: Corruption
Another simulator that takes place in a specific country - one of the African states. Otherwise, the situation is standard: the player takes on the role of president and leader, constantly making decisions on which the development of the situation in the country depends.
6. Crisis in the Kremlin
The game is dedicated to events in the USSR during perestroika, and the action lasts until 2017. The player chooses a real character for whom he will play: Gorbachev, Yeltsin or Ligachev. The game is very colorful, the action is interspersed with political jokes of those times, the graphics are full of details that remind us of those times.
The player can choose any of 271 states as his fiefdom. The time period is a century from 1836 to 1936. Any action of the player affects the state of affairs in the state, and a set of conditions fulfilled during the game leads to certain historical events.
You become the mayor of a small tropical city and begin working on its development. Much emphasis is placed on the economic side of the politician’s work, but you can also resolve issues of religion, political regime in your city, calling elections - in general, everything is like in a regular administration. The game will delight you with an abundance of details, high-quality sound and convenient gameplay.
A strategy on a global scale - there are about 200 countries and multiplayer for 32 players. Here the player is invited to deal mainly with foreign policy, intrigue, alliances, and wars. However, you shouldn’t get too aggressive - then the rest of the world will rebel against the instigator of the conflict.
Classic political strategy. The player becomes the president of the country and tries to lead it to prosperity. Each of his steps, as expected in a strategy, leads to certain consequences that are impossible to predict. This game conveys the burden of political power as realistically as possible - there are no flashy colors or action, just the hard work of creating a sustainable economy, maintaining political power and strengthening your own status.
1. Power and Revolution: Geopolitical Simulator 4
Topping the list of political games on PC is a popular simulator where the player takes the place political leader countries. He bears the full burden of power, overseeing the economy, politics, social transformation, leading the country to geopolitical success. The universe of this game is detailed and pleasing with its graphic design; besides, here you can not only play the classic role of the president, but also play for the opposition.
Typically, colorful games with complex graphics, multiplayer and an expansive universe place special demands on the computer's operating system, its processor and video card. Therefore, the game may simply not work weak computer or go with such bugs that you will not feel any pleasure. But if you still want to feel like a president, there is a good alternative - online games about politics. Browser political games do not require powerful hardware; minimum system requirements are enough for them. Despite such unpretentiousness, online political games can seriously captivate and brighten up free time even the most fastidious gamer. For example, on the site you can find a lot of fun games about politicians for every taste.
Political duels will allow you to have a lot of fun, taking the place of any politician in the ring. Challenge your opponent to your liking and fight with him, forgetting about all the rules. On this battlefield, as in big politics, any dirty tricks are allowed.
Counter-Strike Politicians 3D is a classic shooter game, but diluted with humor and parody figures of politicians. Choose any real head of state, prime minister or chancellor and fight. No diplomacy, only hardcore!
The fool with Ukrainian politicians is known to everyone card game, in which you will have to compete with famous Ukrainian politicians.
On the site you can find other different games, no less exciting, for all age categories of players - for girls and boys, shooting games and puzzles, educational games, adventure games and strategies.
