Strategy games are some of the most popular that are available to players, and this has been true since they first started coming out. Whether players prefer the long-winded and complicated grand strategy games or prefer to focus on RTS, there is something in the genre for all players. Within the genre, there are a fewwell-known studiosthat are practically guaranteed to churn out fantastic strategy games, and Microsoft is one of them.
Although they haven’t published too many strategy games, the ones they have attached their name to have been excellent and are often considered some of the best strategy games of all. With this in mind, what is the best strategy game that Microsoft (or Xbox Game Studios as it has come to be known) has ever published?
Metascore: 89
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game that spans all history.Start with a single city in the Ancient Age; gather resources; build an infrastructure; research technologies; construct Wonders of the World such as the Pyramids and the Eiffel Tower; and expand your military might across the world, conquering hostile nations with bombers, battleships, and tanks—all over your lunch hour!In Rise of Nations there are: 18 Nations—each with special abilities and unique military units. Over a hundred military units operating on the ground, sea, and air— from Hoplites to Frigates to Helicopters. Over two dozen buildings with upgrades and technologies that will take your nation from a small City to an Information Age society.14 Wonders of the World—the Terra Cotta Army, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower. Each gives your nation special bonuses. More than a dozen map types, ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the Himalayas to the Nile Delta. Conquer the World campaign—a linked series of dozens of scenarios.
Rise Of Nationsis aclassic RTS offeringpublished by Microsoft that players definitely shouldn’t miss out on. Players start with a single city in the Ancient Age, and much like in other offerings in the genre must manage this city perfectly to be able to advance in age and create a lasting legacy. There are various map types available, so players can pick and choose which would either help them the most or hamper their efforts. However, for players seeking a more in-depth and polished experience, this is not a good option.
Rise Of Nationsmay be showing its age by now. However, there is still a lot to enjoy here, especially if players are looking for a strategy game with slightly more restrictions.
5Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
Metascore: 78
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroesis a perfect option for players looking for a hybridhack-and-slashand strategy game, as this game offers a lot more action than the typical strategy game. There are seven heroes to choose from and fifty missions to work through, which may sound shorter than the typical strategy game, but there is still much to enjoy here. This is also perfect for players looking for something that doesn’t force them into a typical good hero role, as not all ‘heroes’ here are on the side of the light. For players looking for a wider range of play styles and more varied missions, this may not be the best option.
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroesis a cult classic option for players looking for something more unique in the strategy genre.
Metascore: 82
Halo Wars
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on Xbox One and Windows PCs. Supports Xbox Play Anywhere: yours to play on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC at no additional cost. Cross-play with Windows Store versions and Steam versions of the same game is not supported.Set earlier on in the iconic war between the Covenant and UNSC timeline made famous by the Halo FPS games beginning with Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition provides a unique angle on the war while bringing new heroes to the battlefield. Control large Halo armies and direct them in action-packed warfare.Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics for modern machines, new achievements and all the DLC from the landmark game. Re-live the epic campaign or compete in online multiplayer battles with armies of powerful Halo forces at your command.
Halo Warsis anexcellent game for players already invested in theHalouniverse, as this takes place a couple of decades beforeHalo: Combat Evolvedand fits neatly into the canon of the universe. However, even for players not invested in this, there is still much to enjoy here, as it is a fantastic sci-fi RTS option. With a focus on military strategy but still including base construction and resource management to a lesser degree, players will find something to enjoy in the game. For players who are looking for a wider range of map types or even more varied units, look elsewhere.
Halo Warsis not just for fans of the originalHalogames, and it offers players a chance to manage a futuristic military to find success on the battlefield.
Metascore: 81
Toy Soldiers
Re-enlist with Toy Soldiers HD and experience the award-winning XBLA hit updated for a whole new generation!Command from above or take direct control below. Lead your foot soldiers, cavalry, tanks and planes to victory. Deploy an exciting arsenal of guns, gas, howitzers, mortars, troops, flamethrowers and vehicles to protect your Toybox in vintage WWI toy dioramas.Toy Soldiers is a multi-genre action-strategy game in which players command antique WWI toy soldiers vying for control of the trench-filled diorama battlefields of Europe. The original classic has been overhauled and upgraded with new content, skins, gameplay, expanded game modes, improved controls and graphical upgrades.Amazing Shell-Cam: Take a ride and follow your shot right onto its target!Man the Guns: Leap into your strategically placed units and take hands-on control.Fierce Boss Battles: Remember: this is a war of attrition, do whatever it takes against huge enemy bosses.Commandeer Machines of War: Think you may drive it better? Jump behind the wheel and drive (or fly) these classic machines of war yourself.Miniaturized MayhemIntense battlefield action as these miniature models unleash mayhem on each other!
Toy Soldiersis a lighter look at strategy, in part due to all of the military units being toys, as the name of the game suggests. The settings match this, as many battles in the game occur in a child’s bedroom or a library, making the game feel less severe and dramatic than typical strategy games. The units don’t bleed when they die, making this a great option for younger players. Players take control of individual units in typical RTS fashion but can also control fixed elements on the field, like machine guns. This game is a great all-round option; however, for players seeking realism, this is not the best.
Toy Soldiersis one ofthe most family-friendly strategy gamesavailable, but it’s not just for kids, as the strategy can sometimes get complex.
Age of Mythology
HISTORY MADE LARGER THAN LIFE9 LEGENDARY CIVILIZATIONSSTRATEGIC DEPTHEPIC CAMPAIGN3D ENGINEREDESIGNED INTERFACE
Age Of Mythologyis a lesser-known spin-off of the famous and belovedAge Of Empiresfranchise, with a twist. In the campaign, players control an admiral from the city of Atlantis who is hunting down a cyclops working with Poseidon. Across the campaign, players will travel through the lands of all three cultures included and will engage in RTS combat with one Major God leading them through each level. Ages are included, as players begin in the Archaic Age and progress through to the Mythic Age. As a spin-off from the main Age Of Empires franchise, there is much to enjoy, but this is still not the best.
Age Of Mythologywill be very familiar to players who enjoy the mainAge Of Empiresgames as it works in a similar way. However, the twists keep it fresh for everyone.
Metascore: 92
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever, now with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, and a fully remastered soundtrack. Age of Empires II: DE features “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new Civilizations. Frequent updates include events, additional content, new game modes, and enhanced features with the recent addition of Co-Op mode!Explore all the original Campaigns and the best-selling expansions like never before. With over 200 hours of gameplay and 1,000 years of human history, improved experiences await. Head online to challenge other players in your quest for world domination with 35 different Civilizations. you’re able to also experience new Civilizations and Campaigns with the Lords of the West DLC! Recent updates include a Battle Royale game mode, ongoing support for the Scenario Editor, Quick Play for easy social games, enhancements to the game UI, and more!Choose your path to greatness with an eye-catching and engaging remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time.
Finally, the best strategy game published by Microsoft that is available for players today is the classicAge Of Empires 2.This game improved on the original in almost every way, adding so much more for players to explore. Players begin in the Dark Age, as the game takes place in the Middle Ages, and can progress to the Imperial Age, meaning the game spans 1000 years. This huge time frame, the tricky and complex strategy, andthe complicated campaignsmean this game is not for the faint of heart. Success will be extremely challenging on every level, and players will sink thousands of hours into the game.
Age Of Empires 2is the best strategy game published by Microsoft, and it’s also one of the best strategy games generally available for all players.
