Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Real Time Tactical (RTT)
While there are many predecessors, the
Myth
series is a popular RTT title
set in a fantasy realm, while the
Warhammer
series takes the genre into a
mecha-inspired future.
Turn-Based Tactical (TBT)
This genre is not as popular as some others, but without a doubt the
most popular series title in this genre is
X-COM
(Mythos/Microprose,
1994). In this series, the player reverses engineered alien technology
and works within a set budget to command a squad repelling an alien
invasion, on an isomorphic map. A recent reboot by 2K Games in 2012
called
XCOM
has kept the feel of the series fresh, and added a 3D look to
gameplay. Another popular title is the
Blitzkrieg
(Nival Interactive, 2003)
series, as well as a recent open source, community developed fantasy
game
Battle For Wesnoth
(2005-present).
Strategic Games
Strategic
games and strategic gameplay involve the big picture from
the perspective of a general, an admiral, or another leader. Gameplay
emphasizes planning and tactics at the highest level. The plots and
scenarios are no less grandiose in scope: the goal may be to defeat
Napoleon's army at Waterloo. The view is usually a top-down view of the
entire world or region rather than of one small area. This world is rendered
two dimensionally or axiomatically (in a three-quarter view). These games
may also require less militaristic goals such as resource acquisition, food
production, trade, diplomacy, culture development, and research.
Popular strategy games. Clockwise from top left:
Starcraft 2
(Blizzard, 2010);
Civilization V
(Firaxis/2K, 2011);
Command and Conquer 4
(Electronic Arts, 2010).
