Strategy games are some of the most popular that are available to players, and this has been true since they first started coming out. Whether players prefer the long-winded and complicated grand strategy games or prefer to focus on RTS, there is something in the genre for all players. Within the genre, there are a few well-known studios that are practically guaranteed to churn out fantastic strategy games, and Microsoft is one of them.

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Although they haven't published too many strategy games, the ones they have attached their name to have been excellent and are often considered some of the best strategy games of all. With this in mind, what is the best strategy game that Microsoft (or Xbox Game Studios as it has come to be known) has ever published?

6 Rise Of Nations

Metascore: 89

Rise Of Nations is a classic RTS offering published by Microsoft that players definitely shouldn't miss out on. Players start with a single city in the Ancient Age, and much like in other offerings in the genre must manage this city perfectly to be able to advance in age and create a lasting legacy. There are various map types available, so players can pick and choose which would either help them the most or hamper their efforts. However, for players seeking a more in-depth and polished experience, this is not a good option.

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Rise Of Nations may be showing its age by now. However, there is still a lot to enjoy here, especially if players are looking for a strategy game with slightly more restrictions.

5 Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes

Metascore: 78

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox
• Developer: Blueside, Phantagram
• Release Date: 2005-09-20

Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes is a perfect option for players looking for a hybrid hack-and-slash and strategy game, as this game offers a lot more action than the typical strategy game. There are seven heroes to choose from and fifty missions to work through, which may sound shorter than the typical strategy game, but there is still much to enjoy here. This is also perfect for players looking for something that doesn't force them into a typical good hero role, as not all 'heroes' here are on the side of the light. For players looking for a wider range of play styles and more varied missions, this may not be the best option.

Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes is a cult classic option for players looking for something more unique in the strategy genre.

4 Halo Wars

Metascore: 82

Halo Wars is an excellent game for players already invested in the Halo universe, as this takes place a couple of decades before Halo: Combat Evolved and fits neatly into the canon of the universe. However, even for players not invested in this, there is still much to enjoy here, as it is a fantastic sci-fi RTS option. With a focus on military strategy but still including base construction and resource management to a lesser degree, players will find something to enjoy in the game. For players who are looking for a wider range of map types or even more varied units, look elsewhere.

Halo Wars is not just for fans of the original Halo games, and it offers players a chance to manage a futuristic military to find success on the battlefield.

3 Toy Soldiers

Metascore: 81

Toy Soldiers is a lighter look at strategy, in part due to all of the military units being toys, as the name of the game suggests. The settings match this, as many battles in the game occur in a child's bedroom or a library, making the game feel less severe and dramatic than typical strategy games. The units don't bleed when they die, making this a great option for younger players. Players take control of individual units in typical RTS fashion but can also control fixed elements on the field, like machine guns. This game is a great all-round option; however, for players seeking realism, this is not the best.

Toy Soldiers is one of the most family-friendly strategy games available, but it's not just for kids, as the strategy can sometimes get complex.

2 Age Of Mythology

Metascore: 89

Age Of Mythology is a lesser-known spin-off of the famous and beloved Age Of Empires franchise, with a twist. In the campaign, players control an admiral from the city of Atlantis who is hunting down a cyclops working with Poseidon. Across the campaign, players will travel through the lands of all three cultures included and will engage in RTS combat with one Major God leading them through each level. Ages are included, as players begin in the Archaic Age and progress through to the Mythic Age. As a spin-off from the main Age Of Empires franchise, there is much to enjoy, but this is still not the best.

Age Of Mythology will be very familiar to players who enjoy the main Age Of Empires games as it works in a similar way. However, the twists keep it fresh for everyone.

1 Age Of Empires 2

Metascore: 92

Finally, the best strategy game published by Microsoft that is available for players today is the classic Age Of Empires 2. This game improved on the original in almost every way, adding so much more for players to explore. Players begin in the Dark Age, as the game takes place in the Middle Ages, and can progress to the Imperial Age, meaning the game spans 1000 years. This huge time frame, the tricky and complex strategy, and the complicated campaigns mean this game is not for the faint of heart. Success will be extremely challenging on every level, and players will sink thousands of hours into the game.

Age Of Empires 2 is the best strategy game published by Microsoft, and it's also one of the best strategy games generally available for all players.

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