Age of Mythology: Retold – the return of the strategy that conquered The Game Awards 2024

The era when every mouse click determined the outcome of the battle left unforgettable memories in the hearts of gamers. Old strategies on PC became a platform where dreams of great tactical victories and strategic decisions came true. These games raised an entire generation, taught them to build logical chains and predict the enemy’s actions.

Today, we will remember the cult strategies that have become real legends, and make a detailed review of each of them. We will dive into the stories of creation, gameplay and unique features to experience nostalgia for the games and a real desire to go back and play again.

Command & Conquer: the war that everyone remembers

Command & Conquer from Westwood Studios raised the genre of real-time strategies to new heights. The release took place in 1995, and it became a real breakthrough. The plot was based on the confrontation between two factions: GDI and Brotherhood of Nod. Players were immersed in the atmosphere of covert operations, waged wars for Tiberium resources, and this is what gave Command & Conquer a unique sense of strategic depth. Command & Conquer demonstrated that every battle could become part of a complex political and resource struggle.

Gameplay and innovative mechanics

Command & Conquer’s gameplay was revolutionary due to its emphasis on resource management and base building. Players mined Tiberium and used it to create an army, develop technologies and strengthen positions. The combat system, with a large selection of units – from infantry to heavy armored vehicles, became one of the most developed at that time.

Age of Empires II: a real time machine

Age of Empires II from Ensemble Studios was released in 1999 and immediately became the standard of the retro strategy genre. The concept immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and allowed you to choose a civilization from an extensive list, including Vikings, Mongols, English and even Japanese. Each had its own unique features and units, which gave historical authenticity and involvement in the process. The developers managed to recreate the realities of the past with love for detail.

Development, construction and battles

The gameplay of Age of Empires II was based on the balance between economic development and military operations. Exfcnybr started with a small settlement and sought to build a powerful empire. The old strategy of the 90s on PC required the ability to competently manage resources – wood, gold, stone and food. Users studied technologies, built fortifications, recruited troops and went on campaigns. The key to victory was the ability to adapt to the enemy’s style of play and use your strengths.

Strategy teaches history

One of the main features of Age of Empires II was its educational component. Campaigns dedicated to Joan of Arc, William the Conqueror, Saladin and other famous historical figures allowed us to learn more about the events of the past. People discovered great battles and feats, and this made the gameplay not only exciting, but also educational.

Starcraft: Space Race

Starcraft by Blizzard Entertainment, released in 1998, became the founder of the eSports movement. Here you had to choose between three unique races: Terrans, Zerks and Protoss. Each had its own philosophy and style of combat. Old real-time strategies on PC, like Starcraft, literally turned the idea of ​​what competitions could be like on its head, because it did not forgive mistakes, required maximum concentration and perfect knowledge of your own and others’ capabilities.

Brutal pace and culture of winners

Starcraft is still called one of the most difficult strategies. Players mastered microcontrol, trained their reaction speed, and developed multi-layered tactics. In eSports, this game has become a symbol of skill and dedication. The best strategies of all time acquire cult status thanks to the emotions and challenges they offer. Starcraft became a real test of the mind and reaction.

Heroes of Might & Magic III: a legend of tactical fantasy

Heroes of Might & Magic III by New World Computing, released in 1999, became the standard for turn-based strategies and captured the hearts of millions. Here, players controlled heroes, explored magical lands, fought opponents, and collected artifacts.

Armies, heroes and artifacts

In Heroes of Might & Magic III, each army consisted of various creatures – from simple shooters to mighty dragons. Heroes had unique abilities that strengthened armies and gave an advantage in battle. Cult old strategies on PC often admired complex systems of pumping and interaction of units, and Heroes of Might & Magic III was no exception. Artifacts played an important role: they strengthened heroes, added new abilities and often became a key factor in victory.

Army and features:

1. Archers: the main combat unit, capable of inflicting damage from a distance, which gave a significant advantage in the initial phases of the battle.
2. Cavalry: fast units with high mobility and the ability to break into the enemy’s rear, causing critical damage.
3. Mages: had unique spells that could change the course of the battle, weakening the enemy or strengthening allies.
4. Dragons: powerful units with high attack and defense stats, their appearance on the battlefield often became a decisive factor.
5. Heroes: each hero had their own abilities and skills, which made them a key figure in battle tactics. They not only strengthened the army, but could also use magical artifacts to achieve superiority.

Artifacts

1. Hero weapons: increased damage and added special abilities for attacks.
2. Protective amulets: increased the army’s defensive stats, reducing damage taken.
3. Magic books: gave heroes new spells, which allowed them to adapt tactics depending on the enemy.
4. Rings and signet rings: increased the amount of health of units or added additional abilities, such as health regeneration.

Timeless classics – this is how you can call Heroes of Might & Magic III. Players still return to the project, thanks to its enchanting atmosphere, well-thought-out maps and opportunities for tactical experiments. Campaigns, cooperative mode and multiplayer battles ensured the concept a long life and the love of fans.

Civilization II: the path from nomads to interstellar colonies

Civilization II, released in 1996, was a continuation of the legendary series from Sid Meier. The old strategy was suitable even for weak PCs: it allowed you to build a civilization, starting with nomadic tribes and ending with interstellar expeditions. Gradual development from ancient times to modern times, researching technologies and creating a cultural heritage made Civilization II incredibly exciting.

Diplomacy and strategic alliances

Users could:

1. Join alliances to strengthen positions and create powerful coalitions.
2. Conclude peace treaties to avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on economic development.
3. Conspiracy and use spies to obtain information about the plans of opponents and destroy their alliances.

The AI ​​offered interesting challenges, and each game became unique due to unstable diplomatic relations. The ability to use diplomacy and the ability to strategically assess the situation gave a great advantage on the global map.

Nostalgia for great eras

Nostalgia for the game brings back Civilization II again and again. The construction of wonders of the world, great campaigns and the first space programs have forever remained in the hearts of fans. The project taught the importance of planning, patience and the ability to adapt to change. The game remains one of the favorite strategies for those who are looking not only for entertainment, but also for a way to learn more about the development of civilizations.

Conclusion

Old strategies on PC continue to be a model of tactical depth and innovation. The projects laid down standards that modern developers are trying to surpass to this day.

Remembering the best strategies of all time, it is important to note not only the mechanics and gameplay, but also the emotions that they awakened. Perhaps it is worth returning to cult products again to experience those same feelings.

Ready to test your strategy skills? Turn-based strategies on PC are a challenge for the intellect. Below is a review of the ten best projects that allow you to immerse yourself in this unique genre. Each of them has the opportunity to test your ability to plan and think tactically.

1. RAID: Shadow Legends – tactics of combinations and fine-tuning

RAID: Shadow Legends is one of the most detailed turn-based strategies on PC, in which every move matters. The project offers a huge selection of champions with unique abilities and skills. To win, it is important to develop complex combinations between characters. Champions are divided into factions such as Barbarians, Dark Elves and Orcs, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The graphics are at a high level, with carefully designed locations and exciting battles.

Secrets of successful champion leveling

Efficient champion development is the key to victory. Use artifacts to improve characteristics, combine skills and distribute resources correctly. Remember that choosing the right artifacts significantly increases your chances of success. In RAID: Shadow Legends, the balance between attacking and supporting heroes is important, which requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and the ability to predict the actions of opponents.

2. Total Domination – war in a post-apocalyptic world

Total Domination is a real turn-based strategy on PC, where control over resources and the army is crucial. In a post-apocalyptic world, every little thing can affect the outcome of the battle. Competent placement of troops, distribution of resources and setting up defense systems are only a small part of what needs to be done to survive in the face of constant threats from enemies.

Economy upgrade and survival strategy

Build an economy to ensure a stable flow of resources needed to upgrade your army. The goal is not only to attack, but also to defend. It is important to develop a base, build defensive structures and improve combat units. Also use scouts to obtain information about opponents.

3. Throne: Kingdom at War — Royal Power and Management Strategy

In Throne: Kingdom at War, you become a ruler, managing a kingdom in a world of constant conflict. Here, as in any other turn-based strategy on PC, you need to carefully plan your actions. The development of the kingdom begins with the construction of buildings, hiring an army and creating the resources necessary for survival.

Diplomacy and Alliances

Diplomacy plays a key role in Throne: Kingdom at War. Build relationships with other participants, enter into alliances to increase your influence. Engage in espionage to know the plans of your enemies.

4. Vikings: War of Clans — the Viking era and endless battles

Vikings: War of Clans takes you to the era of the warriors of the North. Create your own army of Vikings, develop tactics of attack and defense, use strategy at all levels — from resource extraction to combat.

Resource Management and Social Alliances

The turn-based strategy on PC provides the opportunity to unite in alliances with other users to increase the chances of victory. Manage resources wisely, provide your warriors with everything they need so that they can defend the clan and attack enemies.

5. Stormfall: Age of War – medieval tactics and politics

Stormfall: Age of War invites the user to become a master of medieval politics. Here, not only strength is important, but also cunning. Build castles, engage in trade and plan your every move. This turn-based strategy on PC is ideal for those who like to think through their actions in advance and develop complex tactical schemes.

Economy and interaction with allies

Strengthen the economy to provide your army with everything it needs. Create alliances to confront strong enemies together. Stormfall offers many development paths, and each of them leads to unique results.

6. Sparta: War of Empires — Time of Heroes and Epic Battles

Immersion in Sparta: War of Empires allows you to build and develop a city-state. As in any other turn-based strategy on PC, resource management is of utmost importance here. You need to build fortifications, train troops and wage large-scale battles that will glorify the polis.

Secrets of Spartan Tactics

Learn the art of Spartan warfare, competently build your defense and attack. Use different types of troops to create an invincible army. Combine different types of troops to achieve maximum effect on the battlefield and do not forget about the importance of allies.

7. Soldiers Inc. — Modern Battlefield and Secret Missions

Soldiers Inc. aims to manage military operations in the modern world. The goal is to use resources wisely, create a strong base and control important objects in order to overcome threats and deal with enemies.

Attack and Defense

Think over effective offensive and defensive strategies. Use intelligence to always be one step ahead of your enemies. Soldiers Inc. offers various types of missions, each of which requires a special approach and careful preparation.

8. Pirates: Tides of Fortune – pirate adventures to the fullest

Turn-based strategy on PC Pirates: Tides of Fortune invites you to become the captain of a pirate ship. Build a powerful fleet and strengthen your base. Every choice is important – from constructing buildings on the island to choosing the direction of attacks on other bases.

Tactics of naval battles and alliances

Naval battles require special tactics and quick reactions. Create alliances with other pirates to increase your chances of success. Proper use of resources and support of allies will help achieve supremacy in the seas.

9. Under Control – secret operations and global wars

In Under Control, success depends on the correct conduct of secret operations. Turn-based strategy on PC invites you to become a master of tactics, use secret weapons and plan moves many steps ahead.

Using Special Equipment

Equipment plays a key role in Under Control. Use drones, special equipment, and secret agents to carry out covert operations. Plan every action to ensure victory with minimal losses.

10. Throne of Glory — Medieval Tactics and Heroes

Throne of Glory gives users the opportunity to build and develop their own medieval kingdom. Create a castle, train knights, and strengthen your position.

Tournaments and sieges

Castle sieges and knightly tournaments are an important part of the game. Attack plans, troop distribution strategy, and defense organization allow you to feel like a real king. Not only strength is important, but also the ability to predict enemy actions and respond to them in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Turn-based strategies on PC are unique games that challenge gamers around the world. Projects require patience, the ability to plan, and the desire to improve. The options presented are a real test of the mind. Choose your project and show what you can do when every step is a chance to win or lose.