As a graphic designer and a gamer, I have always been drawn to games that offer a blend of strategy and action. One such game that has stood the test of time is Empire Earth. Released in 2001, this real-time strategy game was a pioneer in its genre, offering players the ability to lead a civilization from prehistoric times to the future. Its gameplay, graphics, and sound effects were top-notch for its time, making it an instant classic. However, as time passed, the game started to show its age, and players began to look for newer games that offered similar gameplay. In this review, I will be discussing some of the best games like Empire Earth that are worth playing in 2021.
Before diving into the list of games, it is important to understand what made Empire Earth so special. The game allowed players to experience the evolution of civilization and warfare, from the Stone Age to the Nano Age. It featured over 200 units, 14 epochs, and 21 civilizations, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The game's campaign mode was engaging, and the multiplayer mode was addictive. The game's graphics were impressive for its time, and the soundtrack was epic. Now, let's take a look at some of the games that offer similar gameplay.
Age of Empires III
Age of Empires III is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released in 2005 and is the third installment in the Age of Empires series. The game is set in the period of European colonization of the Americas and features eight civilizations, including the Spanish, British, and French. The game's graphics are impressive, and the soundtrack is immersive. The game's campaign mode is engaging, and the multiplayer mode is addictive. The game also features a home city system, where players can customize their home city and receive shipments of resources and units during gameplay.
The game's combat system is similar to that of Empire Earth, with a rock-paper-scissors approach to unit strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a card system, where players can use cards to gain bonuses during gameplay. Age of Empires III is a great game for players who enjoy the colonial era and want a game that offers a blend of strategy and action.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign mode
- Addictive multiplayer mode
- Home city system
Cons:
- Some civilizations feel unbalanced
- Some units feel overpowered
- Card system can be confusing for new players
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released in 2003 and is set in a fictional world that features 18 civilizations, from the Ancient Age to the Information Age. The game's graphics are impressive, and the soundtrack is epic. The game's campaign mode is engaging, and the multiplayer mode is addictive. The game also features a territory system, where players can expand their territory and gain access to more resources.
The game's combat system is similar to that of Empire Earth, with a rock-paper-scissors approach to unit strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a government system, where players can choose a form of government that affects their civilization's abilities and bonuses. Rise of Nations is a great game for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and city-building.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign mode
- Addictive multiplayer mode
- Territory system
Cons:
- Some civilizations feel unbalanced
- Some units feel overpowered
- Government system can be overwhelming for new players
Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released in 2002 and is set in a fictional world that features three civilizations, the Greek, Egyptian, and Norse. The game's graphics are impressive, and the soundtrack is immersive. The game's campaign mode is engaging, and the multiplayer mode is addictive. The game also features a mythology system, where players can worship gods and gain access to unique god powers.
The game's combat system is similar to that of Empire Earth, with a rock-paper-scissors approach to unit strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a resource system, where players must gather food, wood, and gold to build their civilization. Age of Mythology is a great game for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and mythology.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign mode
- Addictive multiplayer mode
- Mythology system
Cons:
- Only three civilizations
- No home city or territory system
- Some god powers feel overpowered
Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. It was released in 2016 and is the sixth installment in the Civilization series. The game is set in a fictional world that features multiple civilizations, each with unique abilities and bonuses. The game's graphics are impressive, and the soundtrack is epic. The game's campaign mode is engaging, and the multiplayer mode is addictive. The game also features a district system, where players can specialize their cities and gain access to unique units and buildings.
The game's combat system is turn-based, with a rock-paper-scissors approach to unit strengths and weaknesses. The game also features a culture system, where players can generate culture and gain access to unique policies and abilities. Civilization VI is a great game for players who enjoy a blend of strategy and city-building, with a focus on turn-based gameplay.
Pros:
- Engaging campaign mode
- Addictive multiplayer mode
- District system
Cons:
- Turn-based gameplay may not appeal to all players
- Some civilizations feel unbalanced
- Some units feel overpowered
In conclusion, games like Empire Earth offer a unique blend of strategy and action that is hard to find in other games. The games listed above are some of the best games like Empire Earth that are worth playing in 2021. Each game offers its own unique gameplay features, graphics, and sound effects. Whether you enjoy a blend of strategy and city-building or a focus on combat and warfare, there is a game on this list for you. So, grab your mouse and keyboard, and get ready to lead your civilization to victory!
| Game | Developer | Publisher | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of Empires III | Ensemble Studios | Microsoft Game Studios | 2005 |
| Rise of Nations | Big Huge Games | Microsoft Game Studios | 2003 |
| Age of Mythology | Ensemble Studios | Microsoft Game Studios | 2002 |
| Civilization VI | Firaxis Games | 2K Games | 2016 |