Strategy Games
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
A strategy game is one in which the players' decisions have a major impact on the outcome of the game. Many video games have strategy elements incorporated into them; however, a game is usually only considered a strategy game if strategy is more important to the game than other aspects such as action or puzzle solving. Often, Simulation Games and Role Playing Games (RPGs) include equal parts strategic elements since tactics are inherent parts of their gameplay. These two genres have a lot of overlap and often claim some of the same games.
The Origins of Strategy Gaming
Long before video games were developed, people played strategy board games. Some of the most well known classics include Othello, Risk and Stratego. These games require the user to plan and create tactics to achieve their ultimate goals. As computer development advanced, people realized the potential to test their strategies in virtual worlds.
Real-time vs. Turn-based Strategy Games
Many of the older computer strategy games are of the turn-based (often called TBS for turn-based strategy) variety. In a turn-based strategy game, players take turns manipulating their characters, resources and environments. In a real-time strategy game (also known as an RTS), the players generally play simultaneously and any changes that the players make immediately affect the game characters and environment. Since players do not have to wait for their opponents or teammates to finish a move, RTS tends to be popular for games.
There are several turn-based games that offer excellent gameplay and are considered classics. Among them are the strategy/[simulation games] in the Civilization series, the popular Heroes of Might and Magic games, X-COM and Alpha Centauri.
Some of the best-selling real-time strategy games include the Age of Empires series, the Command and Conquer games, Populous, Myth and the strategy/simulation games in the Tycoon product line including Railroad Tycoon, Transport Tycoon and Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Reality and Fantasy in Strategy Games
Some games use real world rules for establishing their strategies. Other fantastic worlds establish their own realities that must be factored into the strategic and tactical decisions made by players.
Strategy War Games
In war games, players apply strategy to war situations. In order to see the battles play out, many strategy war games are also [simulation games]. Some use real world historical battles, allowing players to change variables to see if they could have changed the outcomes; others use original war situations, allowing the player to wage unreal campaigns.
War games are even used by the military to research different potential outcomes to tactical scenarios; the military also uses war games as training tools for officers and other strategic decision makers]].
Best Selling Strategy Games
Some of the best selling strategy games of all time come from Blizzard Studios. Their top selling Warcraft series is now exceeding expectations with their online World of Warcraft. Blizzard's Starcraft is a classic strategy game as well. Electronic Arts' Battlefield 2 is a war strategy simulation that is finding a wide audience as well.
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