For those unfamiliar with RTS the best way to describe it is: Everyone’s turns, whether it’s a computer or not, are simultaneous. Whether you’re fighting a horde of enemies or trying to run a business, there are no actual turns, everything happens in real time, with the player’s actions affecting the game even as time passes. If you are familiar with role-playing games, RTS take the mechanics and go well beyond, players often having to manage entire cities or armies.
Games like Thronefall will lead you to defend your kingdom in a desperate game, while Manor Lordsan early access game, will lead you to conquer lands to expand an empire. (If you don’t have much RTS experience, I recommend playing something much more simplistic than Manor Lordsit’s an incredible game, but even for a more experienced player, its steep learning curve can be extremely daunting at first)
Although much of the origins of RTS is tied to medieval themes and combat, the scene has also developed into science fiction and horror themes. It could be fighting off a zombie or alien invasion, exploring space, or battling unknown horrors. One of the most famous RTS games that paved the way for sci-fi RTS is Starcraftwhich was beloved by many and still inspires many modern RTS games today. If you are a fan of Warhammer 40Ksome of the games created by the studio (Games Workshop) also fall under the RTS genre, like Dawn of War.
RTS can also include tycoon games, life simulation games, or city building games. If commanding armies isn’t your thing, games such as Mini Settlers may suit you better. In these games, you often have to manage resources to ensure the prosperity of a city or business.
-This week’s Steam Sale features plenty of games in the RTS genre, from well-known titles to hidden gems to mediocre games. You are spoiled for choice. Steam has demos to try for those new to the genre or looking for a new take on an RTS game. One game that I have personally looked at is Bad Northwhere you fight not just to conquer or defend a base, but for your own survival. This is a concept you don’t see often and I can’t wait to take a look.
RTS gaming sessions are often long, methodical, and sometimes tedious. They require intense thinking before each action, quickly, and almost never stop for more than a few seconds. If you think you like the type of intensity that RTS can bring, this type of game might be for you. RTS Fest ends on January 27.
