Real-time strategy (RTS) games are arguably the most popular genre on PC and rightly so, as they are highly competitive and long-lasting due to the many different ways an RTS can be played. Today I want to provide you with a history of RTS that will give you an idea of where it all started.
RTS games are still a fairly new genre compared to others because early computer strategy game revolved around turn-based strategy, which whilst fun does not offer the frenetic thrills you can expect from an RTS. The following is a discussion of the most influential RTS games:
Herzog Zwei- Surprisingly enough what is now considered the first RTS game was in fact released on the Sega Megadrive back in 1989 instead of the PC. The game focused mainly on split screen multiplayer action, (Yes that's right a split screen RTS) where each player had a main base with several support bases, the maps also consisted of neutral bases that any player could capure and use to their advantage. What made Herzog Zwei work on the console is the control of a single unit only, with all other units acting as support,a rather ingenious move that could be implemented in future console RTS games.
Dune II- After Dune II was released the RTS front suddenly became quiet until late 1994, when Warcraft: Orcs and Humans was released by Blizzard Entertainment. This game moved away from the sci-fi aspects oof Dune II and into a magical fantasy world that was thoroughly entertaining. There are two resources to be harvested in this game; lumber and gold. The two would have to be managed successfully inn order to build a mighty war machine. The units on both sides were essentially mirror images of each other, however they still looked distinctive from each other.
Warcraft: Orcs and Humans After Dune II was released the RTS front suddenly became quiet until late 1994, when Warcraft: Orcs and Humans was released by Blizzard Entertainment. This game moved away from the sci-fi aspects oof Dune II and into a magical fantasy world that was thoroughly entertaining. There are two resources to be harvested in this game; lumber and gold. The two would have to be managed successfully inn order to build a mighty war machine. The units on both sides were essentially mirror images of each other, however they still looked distinctive from each other.
Command & Conquer- Westwood responded to the release of Warcraft in 1995 with the release of Command & Conquer, which was a spectacular evolution of the Dune II formula. Command & Conquer could have been released under a different name but Westwood decided it was time to make a fresh game without a license attached. Command & Conquer follows the story of a charismatic batle between GDI (Global Defence Inititive) and the Brotherhood of Nod, led by the ruthless Kane. The game made use of cut-scenes, which were rather cheesy but proved a hit with gamers.
Conclusion- There you have it these are the most influential games in RTS gaming history and all except Herzog Zwei have spawned various sequels and clones. In this day and age developers often merge RTS elements into other genres and it is not difficult to predict that this trend will continue as more advanced technologies are released allowing for more creative expressions from software developers. The genre may start to re-emerge on consoles, as attempts made recently have been more successful, Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars being a good example.
Please visit Game Villa for game reviews, news, features and more.
Related Articles
PS2 Swap Magic - Import And Backup PS2 Games Are Just One Swap Magic Away
By: Steven Fields | 22/06/2007 | Art and Entertainment
Playing import games on your Playstation 2 or new Slim PSTwo console was virtually impossible, considering that it required you to install a mod chip into your PS2 machine, something that not everyone is able to do, or is willing to do. A PS2 Mod Chip requires you to solder...
Buyers Guide to Video Game Consoles – Seven Vital Tips
By: Johnny Minkley | 08/05/2007 | Art and Entertainment
There is now a video games console to suit practically every need, But the range and diversity of gaming systems, never mind the games themselves is a daunting prospect to the uninitiated.
Arpanet UK Ltd Marketing Tools
By: Chris Young | 08/02/2008 | Business
As with every successful business there is a proven blueprint for success, within this Blog we enclose all of the necessary tools and strategies required to catapult you to success. You'll find that during the course of this you'll become to realize that you are not the only web entrepreneur to use these tools.
Japanese Nintendo Wii Games Offer More Gaming Selection And Choices For The Slow Summer Months
By: Steven Fields | 26/05/2007 | Art and Entertainment
As seems to be the nature of things in video game releases, the summer time is almost always the slowest time of year. It's been this way since the days of the Super Nintendo system (and the corresponding system from Sega, the Genesis). The trend looks to continue...
Nintendo Ds Homebrew Games - Hundreds Of Free Nintendo Ds Games Are Just A Click Away
By: Steven Fields | 15/06/2007 | Art and Entertainment
When I first attempted trying to learn everything about Nintendo DS Homebrew, I was fascinated by the concept that there were hundreds of games and applications available for my Nintendo DS - Absolutely FREE! I have to admit that I had no idea as to what Homebrew software was. I...
R4 Ds Nintendo Ds Slot 1 Solution - A Review And M3 Ds Simply Comparison.
By: Steven Fields | 04/04/2007 | Computers
There are so many Slot 1 homebrew devices for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS lite that it's hard to know exactly which one you should buy. The current favorite, and I say this only based on the OUT OF STOCK notices on online stores pages, is the M3...
Command and Conquer 3: the Tiberium Wars
By: Mortar | 07/09/2007 | Art and Entertainment
Another great CnC by EA stepping in the footsteps of its predecessors.
A great game even if you aren't a fan of the RTS genre.
An Analysis Of Nintendo (NTDOY)
By: Geoff Gannon | 17/09/2006 | Advice
Even before last week's announcement from Sony (SNE), it seemed nearly certain that company's dominance in the PlayStation 2 generation of video game consoles would give way to a much more level playing field for the PS3 generation.
Latest Art and Entertainment Articles
Lighting For Paintings
By: Russell Neal | 07/08/2008
Paintings are common in fine homes as well as office space. This is not surprising when we consider that painting has been with in one form or fashion for at least 40,000 years. Light in paintings themselves determines the tone of the work by creating the illusion of three...
Building Relationships Through Video Games on the Internet
By: Chris Jensen | 07/08/2008
Online video games are rapidly growing in popularity, and the interactive entertainment field is definitely reflecting it.
11 Kenny Rogers Quotes to Celebrate the Birth of a Country Western Great
By: Noel Jameson | 07/08/2008
Kenny Rogers birthday is right around the corner. Ready to celebrate with the gambler? Here's eleven Kenny Rogers quotes to get you started.
Laura Roppe- Country Music Star is Unleashed!
By: Robert Benson | 07/08/2008
Apparently being the runner up in Kenny Chesney's "Next Big Star Competition" in May of 2008 is just the springboard that Country Music's next star needed, as Laura Roppe's debut CD can attest to. The CD "Girl Like This" will soon take the country music scene by storm, as this...
Photos on Canvas: Incorporating Them Into Office Artwork
By: Hugh Parker | 07/08/2008
en you picture the grand lobby of a corporate agency, the front entrance of a mom and pop business, or the waiting room in a doctor's office, what do you see? There are the typical teambuilding slogans whose posters boast "Integrity" and "Strength". The recognizable replicated copy of a Rembrandt...
Photos on Canvas: A Look at Canvas Photos in the Home
By: Hugh Parker | 07/08/2008
My father has a nickname for my mother- it's Allen Funt. She takes so many pictures that you sometimes wonder if she does work for Candid Camera. If you're like her, you love photography. You're no pro, but you do dabble with your digital camera from time to time. Or...
Photo Canvas Prints: In Loving Memory
By: Hugh Parker | 07/08/2008
Saying goodbye is never easy. What's important to remember when the ones we love are lost, are the good times we shared while they were here. Focus on the happy memories. Regale all the funny stories. Recall the special moments that meant so much. What better way to commemorate the...
How to Recycle Gifts
By: Bradlley Mckoy | 07/08/2008
Gift recycling is perfectly acceptable nowadays. You can give away gifts that you have not used, or you do not need, or you know somebody else will appreciate them. However, you have to consider certain factors in recycling gifts to avoid embarrassments and hurt feelings, the worst of which can...
Art and Entertainment 
