Strategy games are a genre of video games that require players to use their tactical and strategic thinking skills to overcome challenges and obstacles. Over the years, numerous strategy game franchises have emerged, captivating players with their engaging gameplay, immersive storylines, and dynamic characters. In this article, we'll delve into some of the best strategy game franchises that have stood the test of time.
1. Civilization
The Civilization franchise is one of the most iconic and influential strategy game series in the industry. Developed by Sid Meier and his team at Firaxis Games, the franchise has been around since 1991 and has released over 10 installments and several spin-off titles. In Civilization, players take on the role of a leader of a civilization and guide it through different eras, from ancient times to the modern era. The game's deep and complex gameplay mechanics, combined with its rich historical and cultural content, make it a must-play for strategy game enthusiasts.
2. Total War
The Total War franchise, developed by Creative Assembly, is a series of real-time and turn-based strategy games that focus on historical battles and warfare. The franchise has been around since 2000 and has released over a dozen installments and expansion packs. In Total War, players take on the role of a commander of an army and engage in epic battles and campaigns across different historical periods and settings. The franchise's attention to historical accuracy, combined with its immersive gameplay, makes it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
3. StarCraft
The StarCraft franchise, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a series of real-time strategy games that take place in a futuristic sci-fi setting. The franchise has been around since 1998 and has released three installments and several expansion packs. In StarCraft, players take on the role of one of three factions, each with their unique units and abilities, and engage in fast-paced battles and skirmishes. The franchise's deep lore, memorable characters, and competitive multiplayer scene make it one of the best strategy game franchises for both casual and hardcore players alike.
4. Age of Empires
The Age of Empires franchise, developed by Ensemble Studios, is a series of real-time strategy games that focus on historical civilizations and empires. The franchise has been around since 1997 and has released four main installments and several spin-off titles. In Age of Empires, players take on the role of a leader of a civilization and build their empire from scratch, from gathering resources to building structures and training armies. The franchise's attention to historical accuracy, combined with its engaging gameplay mechanics, makes it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
5. XCOM
The XCOM franchise, developed by Firaxis Games, is a series of turn-based strategy games that focus on defending Earth from alien invasions. The franchise has been around since 1994 and has released several installments and spin-off titles. In XCOM, players take on the role of a commander of an elite military organization tasked with defending humanity from extraterrestrial threats. The franchise's engaging gameplay mechanics, challenging difficulty, and immersive narrative make it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
6. Command & Conquer
The Command & Conquer franchise, developed by Westwood Studios, is a series of real-time strategy games that focus on modern warfare and sci-fi settings. The franchise has been around since 1995 and has released over a dozen installments and expansion packs. In Command & Conquer, players take on the role of a commander of an army and engage in fast-paced battles and campaigns across different settings and factions. The franchise's engaging gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and epic storylines make it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
7. Warhammer
The Warhammer franchise, developed by Games Workshop, is a series of tabletop wargames that have also been adapted into video games. The franchise has been around since 1983 and has released several installments and spin-off titles. In Warhammer, players take on the role of a commander of an army and engage in battles and campaigns across different fantasy and sci-fi settings. The franchise's engaging gameplay mechanics, rich lore, and detailed miniatures make it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
8. Company of Heroes
The Company of Heroes franchise, developed by Relic Entertainment, is a series of real-time strategy games that focus on World War II-era warfare. The franchise has been around since 2006 and has released two main installments and several expansion packs. In Company of Heroes, players take on the role of a commander of an army and engage in battles and campaigns across different settings and factions. The franchise's attention to historical accuracy, combined with its immersive gameplay mechanics, makes it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
9. Stronghold
The Stronghold franchise, developed by Firefly Studios, is a series of real-time strategy games that focus on medieval castle building and warfare. The franchise has been around since 2001 and has released several installments and spin-off titles. In Stronghold, players take on the role of a lord of a castle and manage their resources and armies to defend their lands and conquer others. The franchise's attention to detail, combined with its immersive gameplay mechanics, makes it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
10. Europa Universalis
The Europa Universalis franchise, developed by Paradox Development Studio, is a series of grand strategy games that focus on historical empires and kingdoms. The franchise has been around since 2000 and has released over a dozen installments and expansion packs. In Europa Universalis, players take on the role of a leader of a nation and guide it through different eras and events, from the Middle Ages to the modern era. The franchise's deep and complex gameplay mechanics, combined with its attention to historical accuracy, make it one of the best strategy game franchises out there.
Conclusion
There you have it, some of the best strategy game franchises that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. Whether you're a fan of historical battles, futuristic sci-fi settings, or medieval castle building, there's a franchise out there for you. So, pick up your sword, gather your army, and lead your civilization to victory!
