Hexagonal strategies. Turn-based online strategies

Hello to all fans of global planning and large-scale battles. This TOP is dedicated to purely turn-based strategies. And although the peak of popularity of these games has already passed, the large army of fans has not gone away, as have the memories of weeks spent in meditative gameplay. And the developers have not forgotten about them and periodically delight us with new projects.

10. Destiny Sphere

The game is also known as Orb of Fate. A German turn-based strategy that has existed on the Internet for almost 12 years! During this time, its servers appeared in many countries, and in Russia the game managed to grow to the scale of a huge community.

Three races vaguely reminiscent of the famous trinity Star Craft, five types of resources, the exchange rate of which is regulated by the market, a huge selection of unique units with their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as the development of buildings - make this world truly unique.

Battles take place automatically. The game also has a turn-based system tied to real time and the “refresh” button.

Another important feature is that there is no need to spend all the time in the game. Depending on your preferred style, you can select a world with specified parameters. Well, then everything depends on you - alliance showdowns, global wars and other joys are designed to brighten up your time. And if you think about it sensibly, the community of players is what the entire Sphere of Fate rests on. And it depends on your interaction with the players whether you quit the game on the second day or achieve an honorable place in the TOP for your name.

9. Battle for Wesnoth

This is a turn-based strategy game in the fantasy genre, created by a whole community of independent developers. The thing is that the game is distributed entirely under a free license. The free source code has instructions and ready-made packages. Thus, we are dealing with a multi-platform strategy, the creation of which can be contributed by anyone.

Of course, there is also a map editor, as well as a powerful scripting language, thanks to which you can create your own company or an entire modification.

The standard build also includes 18 races, many characteristics of fighters, different types of terrain and other military pleasures.

But the game is not so lucky with the economic part. All we can do is capture castles to fill the treasury.

8. Warlords 3 Darklords Rising

The game fixed many bugs of the original Rhine ov Heroes and added several new modes, buildings and units. Also, by the third part, the series acquired animation of characters and buildings, as well as more detailed objects on the game map.

The plot is seasoned with a fair amount of fantasy and revolves around the eternal confrontation between races.

The gameplay itself looks much more attractive. In addition to various types of mana and spells, the game contains various elements other genres. Such as game stacks and special abilities for each of the combat units.

But the battles in the game take place without the participation of the player. Armies enter battle one after another, according to how they were located in the stack.

7.Master of Orion

A true classic of 1993, a timeless strategy from the authors of the first Civilizations. Is there anything else that needs to be added?

Created by the Orions many centuries ago, 10 races clashed in a brutal battle for control of the galaxy. Having chosen one of them, we have to lead it to victory through a military machine or diplomatic tricks, becoming the leader of the new republic.

In addition, the game features technological development, construction, economics, espionage, and battles traditional for the genre. outer space. The battle itself also takes place in a step-by-step mode. And while the game allows some room for tactical maneuvers, you'll spend most of the game building units, exploring the galaxy, and a motley palette of alien ambassadors. Don't forget that at that time this was still a novelty. The game guaranteed itself a place in all sorts of gaming glory museums. It is not surprising that two sequels were subsequently released, the last of which was released in 2003.

6. Imperialism

This is a strategy game made in a classic turn-based mode. The time interval allotted to the player for development is limited to an interval of 100 years - from 1815 to 1915. During this time, you must manage to develop your state and take a leading position in the world.

In the process, you will have to develop agriculture, industry, extract natural resources, engage in international trade, fight, and also conduct diplomacy with other powerful states of this world
and smaller countries for the purpose of creating colonies.

Battles take place on a traditional tactical map, divided into cells. However, the main emphasis is still shifted towards economics and diplomacy, so even the conduct of battles can be entrusted to AI.

In the game you have to keep track of literally everything, and time restrictions dictate a certain speed in development. Just gape a little, and the empire will crumble in an instant under the onslaught of enemies or from a lack of transport capacity.

So for fans of complex and methodical games, this strategy can become a real outlet and help brighten up more than one evening with its unique atmosphere.

5.Age of Wonders 3

It's such a mixture Heroes of Might and Magic And Master of Magic. We, in the role of a powerful magician, explored the map, conquered and developed cities, accumulated resources, created armies and participated in turn-based battles on rough terrain.

In the third part, which was released relatively recently, the basics of this mechanics remained intact. We still control a powerful wizard whose task is to conquer kingdoms. In cities conquered or founded by settlers, various buildings still need to be built: barracks, magic towers and fortifications.

As the population grows, cities become larger and receive separate statuses - from village to metropolis.

The picture in the last part looks juicy and modern, but the intelligence of computer opponents leaves much to be desired, so after a little training in the basics it’s worth starting online battles, because it’s always interesting to play with a live opponent.

4. Disciples 2 – Dark Prophecy

This time we have a journey into a magical world, teeming with hordes of the undead, legions of the damned, troops of the empire and alliances of mountain clans. Each of the listed factions is represented by its own unique units, heroes and magic.

Overall, the game incorporates many RPG elements. And as the game progresses, great attention is paid to the development of troops in squads using the experience gained in battles. As a result, we will have to choose which branch the development of this or that type of fighter will take, which will greatly influence the further style of the game. For example, playing for the Empire, we are faced with a choice between a healing and destructive school of magic.

The hero’s specialization and the formation of units in battle formations also play an important role. Well, it’s better not to leave the castle without magic and a set of potions in your inventory. Neutral units scattered around the map also like to eat.

The graphics look more than decent for its 2002 year. The battles look dynamic, and the attacks are pleasing to the eye. But the company turned out to be somewhat short, which, however, was corrected by many additions.

3. Sid Meier's Colonization

The game continues the traditions of the glorious Civilization series of games and still makes some people want to launch a dos-box and play.

So, we control the fearless colonists of the new world, on whose shoulders will fall the development of new lands, trade with the local population and the royal monopoly, the extraction of vital resources, as well as many other important tasks.

At some point we need to be ready to declare ourselves independent state and be ready to defend this independence with a musket in hand.

Each of the four presented countries has its own game bonuses, and your relationship with the indigenous population determines whether the Indians will favorably supply you with weapons and settlers or will go after your scalp.

And there is plenty of other entertainment in the game. For example, you can go in search of treasures or attack ships of other powers. But don’t let your galleons feel completely safe, because anything can happen at sea.

If you don't mind the outdated graphics, welcome to the world of Sid Meier and his Colonizations.

2. Civilization 5 – Brave New World

In fact, we have before us the good old "Civa", the main points of which were laid down in the very first game of the series in 1991.

Development is a series of state building, territory development, infrastructure establishment and ultimately the struggle for world domination. Thanks to the long history of the series, the game was brought to an almost perfect state, polishing the balance, expanding the range of available possibilities to simply gigantic. Here you have a returning religion, and innovations such as tourism and embassies. The extensive diplomacy system and technology tree have not gone away. Well, for war there are still dozens of units and tactics based on their interaction.

You can describe the merits of this game for a long time, but it would be better to invite you to build your own state in the game and arrange a race to master all the worlds.

1. Heroes of Might of Magic 3

Yes, few people can compete with such a heavyweight, because many of us have special memories associated with this game. Some sat up all night, defending the superiority of their favorite castle or tactic. Well, some still consider the third Heroes the best part of the series.

Perhaps all this is just nostalgia, and it’s high time to move forward and not mark time. Be that as it may, it was this game that showed how alive the world can be in a two-dimensional shell. It showed what a balanced balance is and proved that there are games that may not become outdated for decades.

In general, this is a really important part in the history of computer games, especially turn-based strategies. The Heroes may not have become pioneers, but it was Heroes of Might of Magic 3 managed to better implement earlier ideas from lesser-known series, such as Kings Bounty.

It’s hard to say where the wild popularity of the game lies - the great variety of skills, artifacts, heroes, a randomly generated map, or the ability to play with friends both on the same computer and via TCP IP. But somehow it was able to hook and win the hearts of people, even those indifferent to the strategy genre. This is one of those cases when every self-respecting gamer is simply obliged to launch this masterpiece at least once. It’s not for nothing that many votes and ratings put “Heroes” at the top of the list.

Civilization Series

Release date: 1991-2016

Civilization is a whole model of human development, starting from the most ancient eras and ending with flight into space. You can win victories by conquering all other states, or develop science and technology the fastest, build a spaceship and fly into space. In the game, use yourself in the role of great people of history, such as Lincoln, Napoleon, Stalin and others.

Heroes of Might and Magic (Heroes of Might and Magic)

Release date: 1995-2016

Genre: Turn-based strategy, RPG

Undoubtedly, many will say that the best game in this series will be the third part of the game, released in 1999, which millions of players have played and continue to play, and I, of course, will not argue with them, but I still decided to add the entire series of games. You have to control individual heroes acting as commanders leading mythical creatures. The player travels as heroes and explores the overall global map, exploring new places, capturing lands and completing tasks. The third part of the heroes is included in the selection.

When we meet enemies along the way, the battle takes us to the battle map, where your hero and allies make one move each, after which the enemies make a move. The outcome of a battle can often be decided by the correct placement of your troops and the correct actions during the turn. As the game progresses, the skills and level of heroes and allies increase, the number of squads increases, and so on.

Disciples I, II, III

Release date: 1999 - 2009

Genre: Turn-based strategy, RPG,

Disciples is a game with elements of dark fantasy (the genre includes horror and gothic surroundings). The game takes us to a fantasy world called Nevendaar. 4 races are constantly at enmity with each other: the Empire, the Mountain Clans, the Legions of the Damned, the Hordes of the Undead.

The player chooses which race he will play for; each race has its own capital with its own unique buildings. Inside the capital, you can build buildings to create and improve troops. The player leads his heroes who go out on reconnaissance, seize territory, perform various tasks, and protect the outskirts of the capital. Each hero leads his own small squad.

Worms (worms)

Release date: 1995-2016

Worms is a popular series of games about militant worms who fight each other using various weapons, ranging from simple pistols and shotguns to artillery and nuclear explosions. The game combines many genres, but most of all it can be classified as a tactical strategy with a sequence of moves.

The gameplay of the game is simple and complex at the same time. On different landscape maps, worms are located at different points; you can control one worm, a group, or several groups at the same time. The worms are armed with various weapons, the main task is to completely destroy the enemy using all these weapons. The correct tactics used in the game are the basis of victory; you often have to decide which weapon is best to shoot, how to place the best worm for attack or defense.

King's Bounty: The Legend

King's Bounty. The Legend of the Knight is a turn-based fantasy strategy with RPG elements. The player finds himself in a fictional world in which he will travel with his hero on a global map and carry out various tasks and assignments, fight enemies and upgrade this very hero. Before the game, you can choose one of the classes for which the player wants to play: mage, warrior and paladin. The hero can gain experience in battles and for completed tasks, increasing his level, finding new weapons and armor. The game is included in the list.

The hero is able to lead a squad of 5 different types of troops. Moving around the map, exploring new places and completing tasks, the hero will often engage in battle with opponents. In battle, step-by-step sequential control of troops begins. Battles take place on a field divided into hexagons, each unit can move and attack only a certain number of cells. The battle is divided into rounds, all units go in each round. The hero can support his units with spells.

Warlock: Master of the Arcane

Genre: Step-by-step strategy,

Warlock: Master Of The Arcane - the game takes place in the fictional fantasy world of Ardania. The player acts as a great magician who has taken control of the head of state. Managing entire cities, studying and using various spells that affect entire squads of both opponents and allied groups (the variety of spells in the game will impress even an experienced magician). The ability to use huge armies of three races, hire mercenaries, or create squads of mythical creatures yourself that will fight for you.

The game begins with the construction of the first city, the construction of buildings, the extraction of resources for studying magic, and so on. You develop your kingdom and expand its territory, fighting for new lands. The game has more than 100 types of different types of creatures - goblins, elves, people... A game with a stunning atmosphere that you immediately get into, many who have played claim that the game is very similar to the popular Civilization.

XCOM Enemy Unknown

Genre: Step-by-step strategy, tactics,

XCOM: Enemy Unknown - is a remake of once upon a time popular game X-COM: UFO Defense was released in 1993. In connection with the looming threat of an alien invasion of earth, it was decided to create a special organization, XCOM, capable of resisting aliens. The player will have to take command of the organization and the central base. You will have to monitor everything that the aliens do, distribute funds for this or that research, weapons, development and expansion of the base and its capabilities. Place interceptors to combat alien spaceships and send troops to ground combat operations.

The battles take place in a step-by-step mode, you distribute your fighters to tactically convenient points, use first aid kits, grenades, or hide a fighter in cover. Fighters can be covered from the air using air support - interceptors and Rangers. You will be able to Hire, equip and train soldiers and base personnel, capture aliens and conduct interrogation. The main task is to protect the earth's population from aliens.

Total War series of games

Release date: 2000-2016

Each Total War series takes place in a certain period of time and country. Shogun: Total War - takes place in feudal Japan. Medieval: Total War - in medieval Europe. Rome: Total War - Ancient Rome. Empire: Total War - dedicated to the period of modern times in the 18th century. Napoleon: Total War - the period of the Napoleonic Wars. You can read in more detail about each game on Wikipedia, everything is described there in detail.

Age of Wonders 1-3

Release date: 1999 the first part was released, 2003 - the second, 2014 - the third

Genre: Turn-based strategy, fantasy,

The player plays the role of a magician of one of the races (there are several of them in the game), who, move by move, moves around the global map, explores new places, conquers and develops new cities, accumulates resources, and hires troops, pumping up his magical abilities and so on. Cities can be populated with native races, each city can be improved - increasing resource production, strengthening defenses.

You can play as one of six races (humans, high elves, gnomes, orcs, goblins and draconians). Explore a fantasy world that holds many secrets, expand your possessions, build new cities, form alliances with other races or fight with them. Learn magic that can even change the landscape. a three-dimensional battlefield in which battles take place as well as travel in a step-by-step mode.

Panzer General 1-3

Release date: 1994 - 2000 Panzer General II was redesigned in 2007.

Genre: Step-by-step strategy,

Panzer General is a strategy about World War II and is completely dedicated to this period. The game is old but is a classic of the genre, firstly, turn-based strategies, and secondly, games about the Second World War, so not mentioning it would be blasphemy on my part, although I understand that most readers will not download and play it.

Battles take place on a map divided into hexagons; infantry, artillery, self-propelled guns, air defense, aviation, tanks and navy can be placed in these hexagons. I have different divisions different speed movements and, accordingly, in one turn they can move different distances on the map. The main task is to capture all the key points in a certain number of moves.

Galactic Civilizations series

Release date: 2003-2015

Genre:

Galactic Civilizations - space strategy The action takes place in 2178, when humanity invented a hyperdrive capable of quickly moving from one point in space to another, while exploring space the human race will meet other intelligent races. In the first part there are 5 races, in the second there are 10 races for each of which you can play. Each race has its own characteristics and abilities. For example, people are very skilled diplomats, Dredjins are warriors and have good troops and ships, Thorians multiply quickly.

The main goal of the game is to surpass other races. This can be achieved through military means, culture, politics or better research. The player often has to choose which way to develop. He can develop at the expense of other races, enslaving or using them, or follow the good path by spreading his culture.

Endless Space 1 and 2

Release date: First 2012 Second 2016

Genre: Step-by-step global strategy,

Endless Space is a game that can be more classified as an economic strategy game, where the main focus and emphasis is on economic development, although military battles also take place. At the beginning, the player chooses the race for which he will play, and the home planet of this race. Each of the races has a number of traits unique to it, which have different effects on the conduct of wars, the development of science, population growth and other parameters. Victory can be achieved in different ways: diplomatic, scientific, military, or territorial.

Colonization and control star systems and retention in military conflicts is an important point in the game. Each planet has its own characteristics, there are gas planets, ocean planets, oxygen planets. To colonize a planet with certain conditions, you must first study technology to make life possible on it.

Space Empires series

Release date: 1993-2006

Genre: Turn-based global strategy, space strategy, RTS

Space Empires is a sci-fi strategy game. Belongs to a very small number of games that literally do not have a plot. The game is played in turn-based games with the main goal of achieving superiority over your opponents. The player is the head of the nation, and controls absolutely all processes occurring in his empire. To build a Great Empire you will have to become an inquisitive researcher, an aggressive commander, a skilled strategist, a flexible diplomat and a scrupulous manager all rolled into one.

A huge galaxy of 100 systems, 15 planets each. 14 races with the ability to create your own Huge research branch, three types of resources, research and espionage points, shipyards, refueling bases, space ports, population. All battles take place in real time, unlike all management of your empire.

Demiurges I, II

Release date: 2001-2014

Genre: Turn-based card strategy

The player simply moves around the map with his main character, completes the tasks of the characters he meets along the way, collects useful items and spells, gains experience, skills, spells and runes by leveling up his hero. You will find turn-based combat with an unlimited number of tactical decisions, as well as more than 20 game levels connected by a single scenario line.

The gameplay is a bit like a card game, somewhat similar to Hearthstone (if, of course, you’ve played it): fighting opponents take turns making moves - casting various spells that damage the enemy or summon various helper creatures.

Shadowrun Returns

Release date: 2013

Genre: Step-by-step strategy.

Tactical turn-based indie RPG. The plot of the game takes you to a fictional world, which is an alternative reality. The player plays the role of a runner who is investigating the circumstances of the murder of his comrade. During the investigation, the hero finds out the terrible truth, which sheds light on the mysterious organization the Universal Brotherhood, whose members want to organize a massive invasion of the planet.

The gameplay is represented by gradual exploration of the game world and turn-based tactical battle. The player can take on quests, upgrade a hero, gather squad members, etc. During the passage the hero will be able to visit different corners other worlds, as well as on the streets of future Seattle. The main difference of the project is the company's flexible editor, which allows players to create their own stories in the game world.

Endless Legend

Release date: 2014

Genre: Turn-based global strategy

Turn-based tactical strategy in a fantasy setting. The plot of the game is based on an endless war between different races, which inhabit the planet Auriga. The company for each of the races tells a separate story, and the story is told in the form of quests and tasks. In total, there are 11 factions available in the game, which have their own interests and occupy a special role in the world of the game.

The battles in the game are performed in the form of turn-based combat, which is divided into three stages. First, the player must line up the ranks of his troops, then assign targets for attack and determine tactics of action, and finally, accept Active participation in the battle itself, controlling controlled units. Among the main differences of Endless Legend, it is worth noting the high-quality elaboration of the world and big choice game races, differing in fighters, weapons and battle tactics.

Divinity: Original Sin

Release date: 2014

Genre: Turn-based party RPG

Step by step role-playing game with a view from above. The player plays the role of one of the members of the “Source Hunters” order, which is actively fighting against forbidden magic. The hero goes to a distant city to investigate the mysterious murder of an influential person. During the investigation, the character finds himself drawn into a dangerous adventure that will shed light on the mystery of the cultists of the Source.

In the new part of the game, the main highlight of all its predecessors was preserved - full interaction with the outside world. The player can use the terrain, use magic, build barricades from objects, and much more. Such features allow you to expand the tactical component of turn-based combat and create many unique situations.

Wasteland 2: Director's Cut

Release date: 2014

Genre: Turn-based strategy RPG,

A turn-based tactical role-playing game in a post-apocalyptic setting. The player takes on the role of a Desert Ranger recruit who is sent to investigate the circumstances of the murder of one of the faction members. During the investigation, the hero learns about a new danger that can wipe out the last remnants of humanity from the face of the Earth. "Wasteland" is a hand-made game. There are no simple missions to farm experience. Each task is interesting and has multiple outcomes, depending on your actions.

During the passage, the player will be able to explore a huge post-apocalyptic world, complete various quests, and also upgrade his character. The role-playing system of Wasteland 2 is represented by dialog boxes, a development system, and the ability to choose. The gameplay is divided into two parts - traveling around the world and turn-based tactical combat. Among the main differences of the project, it is worth noting a large arsenal of weapons, a non-linear plot and the gloomy atmosphere of the Earth, which survived a nuclear war.

Hard West

Release date: 2015

Genre: Turn-based strategy, wild west

Turn-based indie strategy in the world of the fantasy wild west. The universe of the game is a Western with a splash of fantasy. Classic 45-caliber revolvers, horse saloons, as well as horned demons, magic and enchanted artifacts coexist peacefully here. The game's plot has eight individual stories, which tell about the inhabitants of this strange place.

During the passage, the player will explore the large game world, complete various quests, and also fight enemies. Battles are executed in the form of a turn-based tactical strategy, where success depends on equipped items, weapons, and the correctness of moves. The key highlight of the game was the crazy world that combined genres such as western, fantasy and steampunk.

XCOM 2

Release date: 2016

Genre: Turn-based strategy RPG

Turn-based tactical strategy with role-playing game elements, continuation of the XCOM series. The game takes place on Earth, which was long ago captured by aliens. Humanity is in slavery, and all major cities have been turned into colonies with cruel rules. But on the outskirts of destroyed megacities, the XCOM organization begins to gather again, which must give the invaders a final rebuff. In the game, tactical decisions are made, both in organizing the fight against aliens and in the battles themselves, which take place in a step-by-step mode.

The player begins his journey from a large, dilapidated base. It can be modified and improved in every possible way to open access to new types of weapons and equipment. The XCOM organization consists entirely of mercenaries who make forays into strategic alien targets. The player must manage the base, take an active part in battles and organize a massive uprising against aliens.

Master of Orion 2016

Release date: 2016

Genre: Turn-based global strategy, economic

Turn-based space 4X strategy. The game takes place in a distant galaxy, in which there is a constant war between ten races. Representatives of each faction pursue their own goals to achieve victory. Some races are ready to destroy each other, while others make do with peaceful diplomacy.

To achieve victory, the player must improve his main base, as well as build up military power. This is achieved through the creation of new warships, as well as the establishment of the economy. The game features a large and open space world, which allows you to explore new territories and create your own colonies there.

The Banner Saga 1 and 2

Release date: First 2014 Second 2016

Genre: Step-by-step strategy. about the Vikings

A turn-based strategic role-playing game set in a medieval fantasy setting. The game takes place in a fictional world that is somewhat reminiscent of medieval Scandinavia. The player takes on the role of a young warrior who begins to take revenge on the magical drag race for the destruction of his home village and the murder of all its inhabitants.

The gameplay is divided into two parts - travel and exploration, as well as a turn-based tactical combat phase. During his travels, the player will be able to find useful items, weapons, and also receive additional quests. The combat phase takes the player's squad to a marked area where turn-based combat takes place. The game has a special style, dynamic battles, and the ability to make choices that influence the further development of events.

Elvenar

Release date: 2015

Genre: Economic strategy

A free-to-play multiplayer browser-based strategy game with turn-based combat. The action takes place in a fictional fantasy world that has survived centuries of war. After a global battle, only two races remained alive - humans and elves, which led to a new confrontation for leadership.

PLAY

The game begins with choosing one of the parties to the conflict, after which the player is given a small settlement that needs to be developed and strengthened. The gameplay consists of searching for resources, improving the city, creating an army, and fighting the enemy. The battles are executed in the form of a turn-based tactical battle, which allows you to use various tricks and tricks to achieve victory.

Change the level of the site by clicking on the buttons, there is very little left until level 30.

The video game industry today is perhaps the most seething cauldron of all more or less large-scale media industries. Advanced technologies are concentrated here; large-scale changes and the construction of new economic models are constantly taking place here. After all, there is a constant change of fashion here. If in the movies everything follows certain well-worn paths, then in video games the self-repetitions get boring instantly. And therefore, you have to constantly keep your nose to the wind, because those who don’t know how to do this start to have problems. Not just development companies, but entire genres are dying out.

We’ll discuss just one of these genre dinosaurs today. These are hexagonal strategies.

The history of the fall of the genre is interesting and revealing. What’s interesting is that the money industry of video games itself, in fact, began with hexagonal strategies (and quests). It was games in the spirit of Syndicate or X-com that became one of the first popular hits, rumors about which spread throughout the courtyards.

It’s worth making a small clarification - computers at that time still retained a touch of intellectuality, the barrier to entry was still quite high, but the popularity of PCs was growing, and games were slowly reaching the people. In many ways, it was this refinement that played into the hands of hexagonal strategies.

For those who are not in the know, I’ll explain: hexagonal strategies, unlike their descendants - RTS, are still those games in which you need to think. Think not with your spinal cord, but with your brain. They are often quite slow and require a lot of your time and mental energy. In general, this is enough to understand why the genre is not popular now. For the same reason, it was popular back then, in an era when computers were considered a very intellectual entertainment.

Another interesting feature of hexagonal strategies is graphical simplicity. Large-scale battles, political battles and other epic details were readily completed by our imagination. The same Civilization is sketchy, but how do we imagine it when we retell our game battles to our friends!

Well, then... then serious, big money came into the industry. The games were overgrown with pixels, polygons, 3D models, spectacular explosions, voice acting from Hollywood actors and, most importantly, an audience of millions.

And, as you know, mass culture is mass because it is simple. The new generation of players has become much more fond of shooters, real-time strategies and other popular genres. The obvious crisis of ideas among the developers of hexagonal strategies also came out of place.

As a result, each such project invariably failed both in the press and in sales. The genre has gone downhill. No, some outstanding games are still being released - Civilization is doing great, X-com has recently been triumphantly revived, but there is no need to talk about any kind of streaming production.

It is significant that the most massive production of hexagonal strategies in Lately comes from Russia, a country whose developers just came into the industry during the heyday of X-com, Fallout and Civilization.

Fans of the genre have found an outlet online. This is where the development of hexagonal strategies flowed. The developers especially loved the Fallout setting. About this, for example, one of the most beautiful and interesting MMO strategies Lost paradise online, which takes place in a world after a global catastrophe.

Doesn't lag behind here either Russian development, who has long dreamed of making her own Fallout. Game apocalypse 2056 This is roughly what it is, only in online form: here you have nuclear wastelands, satire, noir, black humor, and even a similar RPG system. In general, all fans are welcome.

However, everything does not end with the post-apocalypse. Demarcia Online, for example, perfectly transfers the gameplay of your favorite Heroes of Might and Magic online, adding a cool economic component to it. There are also Russian analogue games - Heroes of Legends. The games are very similar, except that in Heroes of Legends more emphasis is placed on the plot and quests.

The Ufo series (aka Xcom) has risen from the ashes not only in singles, but also online. Ufo online lovingly transfers the Xcom gameplay from the nineties to our computers, while reworking the very complex and incomprehensible interface of the original.

And yet, there is no point in talking about the return of the genre. Yes, X-com sold phenomenal copies. Yes, the new Civilization will be sold by millions, and even Wasteland 2 has already raised a ton of money on kickstarter.

However, in times of general transition to online, hexagonal strategies focused on single-player experiences have nothing to do yet. Attempts, however, are being made: the new X-com supports multiplayer, and the next part of Heroes of Might and Magic will be released only online. I think that only depending on the success of this Ubisoft project will it be possible to draw far-reaching conclusions.

Warhammer 40,000 series

Release date: 1992-2011

Genre: Real-time strategy

The Warhammer 40,000 series is the most popular and one of the best-selling games. Fans are constantly waiting for the release of a new game. The most famous is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player selects a race (Imperial Guard, Space Marines, Tau, Necrons, Orcs, Chaos, Eldar, with each game new races appear) for which he wants to play, after which he selects a place on the planet or planets that he wants to capture and fights with the race that owns it earth.

The battle takes place in real time on the terrain where the battle takes place. Players capture special points that give influence and build generators that provide energy; these resources are used to build structures, troops and make improvements. Each race has its own troops, super units and heroes and abilities. The goal of the game in the campaign is to capture all the lands and become the patron of all lands.

Civilization Series

Release date: 1991-2013

Genre: Global turn-based strategy

In Civilization, a complete model of the development of mankind has been created, from the most ancient times to the present day. The player must create and develop his mighty empire, among other competitors, the condition of victory may be a military victory over everyone, victory on points, The game ends in 2050 either by culture or build a spaceship and fly to Alpha Centauri. The strength and development of civilization consists of the development and creation of new cities, the creation of production of troops in cities, scientific and military research. You can also create wonders of the world in the game.

For a civilization to flourish, the player must be able to focus and balance between scientific progress, building up military power, replenishing the treasury, developing infrastructure and culture, diplomatic contacts and trade with other civilizations. The player can take part in historical events that took place, control leaders such as Stalin, Napaleon, Ramses II, Catherine II and so on. It's hard to say which of the series is the best. Some say that part is the best, others say the fourth. Adherents of graphics claim that the fifth is the best of this series.

Warcraft III

Genre: real-time strategy with RPG elements

Popularly, the so-called "Varik" was one of the most anticipated games: more than 4.5 million pre-orders and more than one million copies of the game sold in less than a month, making it the fastest selling computer game. The game received a large number of positive reviews, many publications celebrated the game with the titles “ Best game year" and " Best strategy of the year". The game also received high marks from players.

There are 4 races in the game: Alliance (humans), Undead, Horde (Orcs) and Night Elves. Each race has its own unique heroes, who gain experience and a new level in battles. With each level, new hero abilities are unlocked. Heroes can also buy or pick up items from killed mobs that improve the combat characteristics of the heroes and the troops around them. On different maps, players capture gold mines and extract timber, use these resources to build a base and units and improve their characteristics.

Heroes of Might and Magic III

Genre: Turn-based strategy with RPG elements

Heroes of Might and Magic III is a turn-based fantasy game, the third part of the series has become a cult favorite and has gained many fans around the world. Despite the now outdated graphics, it is still played by thousands of players around the world. The fourth and fifth parts of the game came out with better graphics and improved gameplay, so if you are not a fan of old games and love graphics, then it is best to play the latest parts.

The player travels across a global map with heroes who control mythical creatures, exploring new lands, capturing cities and fighting enemies. On the map, the player moves only one hero and can only walk a certain distance or do one or more actions, after which he misses a turn and the computer-controlled enemies make their move. By attacking enemies, you move into combat mode, the army of enemies and your army of creatures stand opposite each other, moving combat units in turn to destroy the enemies. As cities develop, new opportunities and spells can be discovered. Hire troops.

StarCraft II

Genre: real time strategy

StarCraft II is the second part of the cult first part, released back in 1998. The second part of the game became the most anticipated game of the year due to the great popularity of the first part and fully met its expectations among players. Many Russian and foreign gaming portals gave the game scores of over 9 points out of 10. In the player rating it received 9.3 points.

The plot of the game and all the actions take place in the distant future, or more precisely the 26th century in a distant part of the galaxy Milky Way. The three races of Terran, Zerg, and Protoss are opposed to each other. Players extract two types of resources: minerals and vespene gas, which they then use to build buildings and hire combat units. The main task is to destroy the enemy base. Each type of unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, so to destroy certain types of enemy troops you need to hire troops that are good at destroying them.

Total War series is the best Rome: Total War

Genre: turn-based grand strategy, real-time strategy

Total War rus. “Total War” is a series of games that already has seven games and various additions. Different games cover different historical periods and states. The most popular and iconic is Rome: Total War, released in 2004. The action takes place in Ancient Rome during the Republic period from 270 BC. e. up to 14 AD e. For example, Shogun: Total War takes place in Japan Shogun: Total War in the 16th century, where reigning dynasties oppose each other. Empire: Total War - during the European colonial wars and so on.

The gameplay of the game is very similar to Civilization. The player controls troops, cities and settlements on a global point. After completing all actions, the player misses a turn, after which the AI-controlled competitors make their move. If you or your enemy attack each other, then you move to the tactical map, where you control all your troops in real mode, attacking them and placing them in convenient positions on the map.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1,2,3

Release date: 1996 and 2000

Genre: Real-time strategy

Red Alert is a game that was released in the last century and captured the minds and souls of gamers around the world; thousands of people still play it, more than 30 million copies sold. The game takes place in an alternate history where Allied forces defend Europe from the aggressive Soviet Union. The player can choose one of two warring parties: Alliance or USSR. Accordingly, the goal of the game for the Allies is to stop Stalin before he takes over the whole world, for the USSR - to achieve the complete capture of Europe. Depending on the side chosen, a player's victory results in one of two alternative endings.

Battles in the game take place both on land, on water and in the air. Each side can have its own base and can train ground forces, air Force And Navy. Each side also has unique features. The game mechanic is that now even a simple infantryman can destroy a tank. A tank can easily destroy a machine-gun pillbox; a small group of grenade launchers can just as easily deal with a tank if it is not covered by anti-personnel equipment or its own infantry, which forced the use of different types of troops in battle.

Europa Universalis series of games

Release date: 2000-2013

Genre: turn-based global strategy,

Continues the series of global strategies Europa Universalis. Like previous games in the series, the third part invites you to lead one of the states of the world . The essence of the game: to develop national ideas that give the game power certain advantages; As new government technologies are discovered, it becomes possible to choose one of the national ideas. The game takes place in real time, but the player’s reaction speed is not required, since the game can be paused at any time. The game takes place on a schematically depicted world map, divided into more than 1,500 sea and land provinces.

The player can take control of any country that existed during this historical period (about 200 states in total). Under his control are the country’s economy, the formation and management of armies and navies, diplomacy, the introduction of new technologies, domestic politics states, changing the state religion and colonizing new lands.

A special feature of the game is its connection to real history (note that in the third part of the series it is no longer tied to history and the gameplay is more free); there are historical rulers predetermined for each country, each of whom has certain abilities that influence the game, real-life commanders (such as Suvorov or Napoleon I Bonaparte), pioneers, explorers and sailors (such as Columbus, Ermac and Ferdinand Magellan ), as well as historical events that usually occur in the same country and at the same time as in real history (for example, in 1517 an event occurs that makes it possible to convert to Protestantism)

Company of Heroes 1.2

Release date: 2006

Genre: Real-time strategy

The gameplay of Company of Heroes is very similar to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. The player commands entire squads of fighters, but there are some unique units. Each squad has a life scale (not an individual fighter) and if the squad’s lives run out when damaged, the entire squad dies. The player can equip infantry units with various weapons, choosing which weapon is more promising in battle. After the death of a squad, weapons remain that can be picked up and equipped with them for another squad. This even applies to stationary type weapons such as anti-tank guns, heavy machine guns and mortars.

Each side in the game is divided into three unique directions - infantry, airborne and tank for the Americans and defensive, offensive and propaganda for the Germans, advancement in which gives access to new combat units and attacks (for example, attack aircraft). Another important difference is that squads and units in the game have three levels of experience. After destroying an enemy, a new level is obtained that increases the damage, speed, health, armor or viewing range of the combat unit, depending on its type.

There are three types of resources in the Game: weapons, fuel and personnel. Personnel are used to construct buildings, recruit new combat units, both infantry and armored vehicles, fuel, in turn, to build buildings and armored vehicles, and weapons - to provide units with additional weapons, such as a grenade launcher, for artillery and air strikes, or for to give your equipment new capabilities. Replenishment of resources is carried out using checkpoints.

Age of Empires III

Genre: Real-time strategy

Age of Empires III is a strategy that has earned worldwide recognition due to its innovative and exciting gameplay. Age of Empires received high ratings on gaming portals and magazines. A special feature of this game is its well-developed artificial intelligence (the enemy is controlled by a computer). The player controls one of the powers (Great Britain, Prussia, Holland, Spain, Portugal, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, France), which set off to conquer the new world (America).

The main action takes place in the colonies, on a map familiar to such games, but now each power has a hometown in the Old World. He serves the sole purpose of helping his colony. There are three resources in the game: food, wood and money. Which produce various buildings. Transitions between eras, five eras: exploration, colonization, fortresses, industrial and empire. He trains military academies, bandages soldiers and sends them to colonies. The infantry depends on the nationality of the city, for the Spaniards it will be rodellers, and for the Russians it will be archers and Cossacks. The academy is also improving the parameters of the troops.

Battles take place in real time. The maximum size of a detachment and group of soldiers highlighted by a “frame” is 50 units. The shooting infantry has four formations: a regular line, which is convenient for firing in volleys, a sparse formation, which reduces losses from artillery fire, hand-to-hand combat and square. The melee infantry has three formations, two of the same, the actual melee and square, and a circular formation to cover the riflemen. The cavalry learned three formations - the same close combat and square, as well as an offensive mode with reduced speed, but with damage inflicted over an area.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Genre: Strategy, Turn-Based Tactics, Tactical RPG

The game is a remake (remake) of a popular and old game X-COM: UFO Defense, released back in 1993. Aliens attack planet Earth and begin an alien invasion. The game is played on behalf of the commander of the secret international organization XCOM (unit for combating aliens), which has the most advanced technologies, weapons and scientific developments of mankind. It employs the best specialists in the world - military men and scientists. The organization must lead fighting against aliens threatening the existence of human civilization.

The player is provided with the central XCOM base, from which the strategic management of the organization is carried out: monitoring the actions of aliens on the global world map using a satellite network, distributing funding for the development of scientific and technical potential, arming and deploying interceptors to destroy flying saucers, as well as conducting combat operations against aliens using existing fighters in ground skirmishes. The base is presented to the player in the form of an “ant farm” - a section of soil that allows you to look at the premises from the side.

In Tactical combat, fighters perform up to two actions in turn - running, shooting, throwing a grenade, using a first aid kit. Each fighter has only three characteristics: accuracy, willpower and health points.
After the first promotion in rank, a soldier receives a specialization. This could be an attack aircraft, a sniper, a heavy infantryman or a support soldier.

Homeworld

Genre: real time strategy

Well-developed graphics and three-dimensional gaming space - the implementation of six degrees of freedom (you can view the battlefield, the battle fleet from different angles) of the movement of game objects and the presence of thoughtful fleet management in three dimensions. A rich and complex plot that gradually reveals itself during the game. In the next game mission, the player receives the fleet with which he completed the previous one.

At the beginning of the game, the player can choose a fleet of two races, Kushan or Taidan: this does not affect the further plot in any way, only the combat units change. A key feature of both the Kushan and Taidan navies is the presence of a main mothership, which serves as the main base of operations. The mothership has its own weapons and a hyperdrive, which allows it to overcome significant space.

The entire space fleet is divided into a combat fleet and a support fleet. The support fleet includes special ships, such as a resource collector and controller, a research ship, a probe, a stealth ship detector ship, and a gravity well generator. The combat fleet is divided into classes: Small ships - fighters, corvettes, Heavy ships - frigates, Super-heavy ships, Flagships.

Stronghold game series

Release date: 2001-2014

Genre: real time strategy

The game system of all games in the series is based on an economic simulator of a medieval city or castle. The games have a number of unique parameters that are typical only for games in the Stronghold series. Thus, in the first Stronghold, the “popularity” parameter was introduced for the first time, affecting the performance and population size. The combat system is standard for strategies - direct control of groups of units. The economic component is one of the main ones in the games of the series. There are quite complex and long production chains. As a rule, in the games of the series, more attention is paid to the economic rather than the military component of medieval castles.

All games in the series, except Stronghold Kingdoms, have campaigns (a series of story-related missions) and a map editor mode. Stronghold has a single campaign, while other games have multiple campaigns.

All games except Stronghold and Stronghold Kingdoms allow you to play against computer opponents on a selected map. Stronghold and Stronghold 2 have a siege mode (siege or defend a castle without running an economy). In the first games in the series (up to and including Stronghold 2), there is a free construction mode (running an economy without war).

Spore

Genre: Real-time strategy, god simulator

Spore game is a simulator of the evolution of life on the planet, as well as a strategy and space simulator. The goal of the game is to develop a creature from a microorganism to an advanced space race. While progressing through the game, it is possible to make changes to the creature, improving its characteristics. Also, as it develops, the player will independently create various equipment and buildings, or choose ready-made options from the catalog.

At the beginning of the game, the player takes control of a microorganism living in aquatic environment. At this stage of the game - To survive, the microorganism needs to feed on pieces of meat or algae, and also try not to be eaten by other carnivorous creatures. When food is eaten, the cell grows and turns into a microorganism. After which the creature gets out to the ground, where it also develops. Over time, under your leadership there will be a tribe, civilization and space that you will have to manage.

Ground Control 1.2

Release date: 2000, 2004

Genre: Tactical real-time strategy

This game was the forefront of its genre and won many awards. Ground Control has 3D graphics and a freely rotating camera, allowing the player to view the battle from any angle. The game completely lacks resource collection, base development and research. The player's goal is to control a limited number of combat units and perform various tasks with their help.

The main goal of the game is to destroy enemy troops and buildings using the terrain features and the strengths of your own army. Combat units include various types of armored vehicles, aircraft and soldiers, delivered to the battlefield by orbital shuttles. After the start of the next mission, the player cannot call for reinforcements, which requires careful selection of units and their configuration before the battle.

The most important element of the game is the requirement for a tactical approach in any situation. Each unit has its own distinct strengths and weak sides. Combat units are united into squads. The player can only give orders to units, although the units themselves will fight and take damage separately. There are four categories of units: infantry, armor, support, and aviation. The player can choose the configuration of each individual unit before the battle. For example, a Craven Corporation tank squad can exist in four configurations: reconnaissance, light, main, and heavy. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so different configurations are suitable for different tasks.

Tiberium Command & Conquer series

Release date: 1995-2010

Genre: Real time strategy

a series of successful computer games with the highest sales among strategy series. The game takes place in an alternative time reality, conditionally modern to ours, in which there is a war all over the world between two global groups - the international UN troops united in the Global Defense Initiative, and the military-religious Brotherhood of Nod, led by its charismatic leader Kane, fighting for possession of the alien substance Tiberium, slowly spreading throughout the planet.

The gameplay of the game is based on the principle of collecting resources, building a base, destroying the enemy. The only source of money (credits) in the game is Tiberium. Another important resource in the game is electricity, produced only by power plants. The various structures and units produced by the player collectively form a technological tree, in which access to technologically more advanced, and therefore more expensive, structures and units. The base can be protected by various structures, including defensive fortifications.

First impression of game Star Ghosts is a free browser-based space strategy game developed in 2014 by Starni Games. The developers decided not to come up with anything new, so the project is based on the famous game “ Space Rangers" The only difference is that playing...

Rules of War: Nuclear Strategy is a military-economic strategy with richly detailed units and bloodthirsty gameplay. Developing a military base and building up combat forces is just the beginning. The most relish is in battles with other players and environment, clan battles and artifact mining!

Travian is one of the first military-economic strategies of the online genre. You have to manage an ancient settlement, which can become a real state if handled properly. Grow, travel, expand your possessions, fight and win!

Carnage is a kind of long-liver, since the problem between Good and Evil has somewhat exhausted itself. The game has many parameters and abilities that significantly affect the outcome of the battle. This game doesn't have fancy graphics, but it does have a lot of nice details.

Military-economic strategy My Lands is a world in which internecine wars between four fantasy races do not stop. Each faction has its own characteristics, choose your side and earn black pearls - this is a sure way to earn real money!

Rising Cities is a city planner or construction manager. The player has to roll up his sleeves and start developing the whole city. Moreover, you will have to take into account not only construction aspects, but also financial ones. Build, improve, earn your capital!

The online browser game Ikariam opens the door to the ancient world for users. Where, against the backdrop of the bright Mediterranean islands, a serious struggle for land and wealth unfolded. Develop your island, trade, fight and get fame and money!

Fantastic realities Online Games The edges of the world are so sad that players have to constantly be on alert. Hostile nature and angry characters strive to shorten the hero’s life. The game emanates a powerful wave of nostalgia for Fallout, which is only good for it.

The MMORPG Lost Sector illustrates a post-apocalyptic future in which only a strong and trained warrior can survive. Tactical battles organized according to the Fallout principle, role-playing leveling and numerous combat missions make the game very exciting!

Siege Online is a serious client game about battles and castle sieges. The slightly cartoonish Middle Ages looks like a mixture of fantasy and steampunk, but you will forget about it as soon as you lead your first squad on a campaign. And what is it worth to fight near the castle walls!

Grepolis will show the player how interesting the world of Ancient Greece was. Having built your own city, you will have to take care of its prosperity: provide it with resources, develop science, technology and culture. Trade, politics and war will also be on the agenda of the new ruler.

Wargame 1942 is a military strategy that tells the story of the Great Patriotic War in vivid colors. Create a military base that produces combat units: from soldiers to aircraft. Having recruited a decent army, you can hone your skills in tactical battles in a turn-based mode.

Desert Operations is a look into the secret dossier that stores data on desert warfare. The player will pass short course a young fighter, after which he will begin building a base, pumping up troops and launching a military operation of such a scale that the United States has never even dreamed of!

1100 AD - the time of the Crusades, in which valiant knights earned titles and fortunes for themselves. In this military-economic strategy you can repeat the path of the soldiers of Christ. A large-scale adventure that will take you through centuries and a lot of combat turmoil.