Dec 9 2007
Many real-time strategy games now have multiplayer options that allow you to wage war over the Internet. In most cases you are required to gather resources, research new technology, build up an army, and use it to vanquish your enemy. The player limit is typically between 6 and 12. A game's popularity is not the only consideration, and these selections are based in part on my opinion and your feedback. Feel free to let me know if I've missed something.
1. Warcraft 3
This game is the latest installment of Blizzard's award-winning Warcraft real-time strategy series. Although it was released in 2002, it's still one of the most widely played RTS games in pro competitions. The Battle Chest version includes the original, Reign of Chaos, and the first expansion, Frozen Throne. Features include 3D graphics, compelling new roleplaying elements, and expanded multiplayer options for up to 12 players over Battle.net.
2. Company of Heroes
Often referred to as one of the best PC games of 2006, Company of Heroes ties real-time strategy to a WWII setting with great results. The graphics are spectacular and the game allows you to make effective use of the terrain. Company of Heroes has only two factions, the Axis and the Allies, and there are a few limits to the the type of skirmish you can configure, but these minor issues really take nothing away from this outstanding game.
3. World in Conflict
Based on an alternate history of the Cold War, World in Conflict is a fast-paced RTS where NATO and Soviet forces battle over the west coast of America. In a fresh approach, they've forgone base-building completely, and you control a very limited number of units compared to most games of this kind, but this gives it a strong tactical component. Multiplayer features different player "classes," and requires a great deal of team coordination.
4. Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
Opposing Fronts is a stand-alone expansion for Company of Heroes, a critically-acclaimed RTS game released in 2006. Two more factions have been added to the fray, allowing players can take control of the British 2nd Army or the German Panzer Elite in online battles as well as the new single-player campaigns. These factions require a little more micromanagement than the originals, and the learning curve is a bit steeper for new players, but overall it's an impressive addition to the game.
5. Supreme Commander
Described as the spiritual successor to Total Annihilation, Supreme Commander manages to scale up the RTS experience a few notches. The game supports an astounding number and variety of units, and the tech tree is similarly vast. A unique camera interface allows you zoom out to a tactical map that gives you a broad overview of the conflict. The maps can get truly enormous, resulting in battles that often go on for many hours.
6. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Based on a famous tabletop strategy series, Dawn of War is a curious combination of fantasy and science fiction, beautifully rendered in 3D. There is a solid mix of units and none of the playable races have been given an overwhelming advantage. Although very different from the tabletop version, it is a nicely polished game with an active community. The Gold Edition includes the Winter Assault expansion.
7. Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
Going back to its roots, Command & Conquer 3 revives the epic conflict between the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod. There's a third side called the Scrin in the fray now, but you'll remember the Mammoth tanks and ion cannons from earlier games in the series. C&C3 has a good selection of multiplayer maps and Battlecast functionality, which makes spectating games very easy.
8. Age of Empires III
Excellent graphics, an historical setting, and the same solid RTS gameplay as its predecessors have made this title a best-seller. Persistent home cities add another dimension to the strategy, and there is a good matchmaking service for finding online games. If you already have it, The WarChiefs, released in October of 2006, is the first expansion for Age of Empires III, and brings playable Native American factions into the fray.9. StarCraft: Brood War
This is a classic sci-fi RTS from the makers of Warcraft which still has a large and very devoted following. Control one of three different species, each with their own unique units and special powers, in an effort to take over the galaxy. StarCraft remains one of the most popular RTS games played in video game competitions, especially in Korea. The Battle Chest version includes the Brood War expansion, and it supports up to 8 players over Battle.net.10. Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth Anthology
Battle for Middle-earth II improves on its predecessor in a few ways, such as allowing you to build wherever you want rather than only in designated locations. It also adds elves, dwarves, and goblins to the mix of playable races. The official competition ladders at GameSpy are very active, and the first expansion, The Rise of the Witch-King, launched in November of 2006. The Anthology includes the first Battle for Middle-earth, The Battle for Middle-earth II Collector's Edition, and The Rise of the Witch-King expansion within a single compilation.