| Real-time strategy (RTS) games are arguebly the | | | | released the RTS front suddenly became quiet |
| most popular genre on PC and rightly so, as they | | | | until late 1994, when Warcraft: Orcs and Humans |
| are highly competitive and long-lasting due to the | | | | was released by Blizzard Entertainment. This |
| many different ways an RTS can be played. | | | | game moved away from the sci-fi aspects oof |
| Today I want to provide you with a hisory of | | | | Dune II and into a magical fantasy world that was |
| RTS that will give you an idea of where it all | | | | thoroughly entertaining. There are two resources |
| started. | | | | to be harvested in this game; lumber and gold. |
| RTS games are still a fairly new genre compared | | | | The two would have to be managed successfully |
| to others because early computer strategy game | | | | inn order to build a mighty war machine. The units |
| revolved around turn-based strategy, which whilst | | | | on both sides were essentially mirror images of |
| fun does not offer the frenetic thrills you can | | | | each other, however they still looked distinctive |
| expect from an RTS. The following is a discussion | | | | from each other. |
| of the most influential RTS games: | | | | Command & Conquer- Westwood responded to |
| Herzog Zwei- Surprisingly enough what is now | | | | the release of Warcraft in 1995 with the release |
| considered the first RTS game was in fact | | | | of Command & Conquer, which was a spectacular |
| released on the Sega Megadrive back in 1989 | | | | evolution of the Dune II formula. Command & |
| instead of the PC. The game focused mainly on | | | | Conquer could have been released under a |
| split screen multiplayer action, (Yes that's right a | | | | different name but Westwood decided it was |
| split screen RTS) where each player had a main | | | | time to make a fresh game without a license |
| base with several support bases, the maps also | | | | attached. Command & Conquer follows the story |
| consisted of neutral bases that any player could | | | | of a charismatic batle between GDI (Global |
| capure and use to their advantage. What made | | | | Defence Inititive) and the Brotherhood of Nod, led |
| Herzog Zwei work on the console is the control | | | | by the ruthless Kane. The game made use of |
| of a single unit only, with all other units acting as | | | | cut-scenes, which were rather cheesy but proved |
| support,a rather ingenious move that could be | | | | a hit with gamers. |
| implemented in future console RTS games. | | | | Conclusion- There you have it these are the most |
| Dune II- After Dune II was released the RTS | | | | influential games in RTS gaming history and all |
| front suddenly became quiet until late 1994, when | | | | except Herzog Zwei have spawned various |
| Warcraft: Orcs and Humans was released by | | | | sequels and clones. In this day and age developers |
| Blizzard Entertainment. This game moved away | | | | often merge RTS elements into other genres and |
| from the sci-fi aspects oof Dune II and into a | | | | it is not difficult to predict that this trend will |
| magical fantasy world that was thoroughly | | | | continue as more advanced technologies are |
| entertaining. There are two resources to be | | | | released allowing for more creative expressions |
| harvested in this game; lumber and gold. The two | | | | from software developers. The genre may start |
| would have to be managed successfully inn order | | | | to re-emerge on consoles, as attempts made |
| to build a mighty war machine. The units on both | | | | recently have been more successful, Command & |
| sides were essentially mirror images of each | | | | Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars being a good example. |
| other, however they still looked distinctive from | | | | Please visit Game Villa for game reviews, news, |
| each other. | | | | features and more. |
| Warcraft: Orcs and Humans- After Dune II was | | | | |