The early 2000s was somewhat of a golden age for strategy games, specifically real-time strategy (RTS). Each year during that time period, new and improved strategy games kept innovating in the genre, further reinforcing the advantages of certain gaming platforms that favor the mouse and keyboard setup.
RTS games and strategy as a genre, for that matter, arguably peaked in their early-2000s streak in 2002, with the advent of a certain game that placed Blizzard on a pedestal, more on that one later. Other strategy games rightfully followed suit and others carved their own path to greatness; their names will still be remembered 20 years on.
8 Warlords Battlecry 2
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Other Genres: RPG, Fantasy
Warlords Battlecry 2 was one of the proponents and pioneers of the RTS/RPG hybrid games that would combine the best parts of high fantasy settings. Players get to customize their favorite heroes and warriors and then promptly lead them in a strategic battle on a proportionally epic scale— at least one that's allowed by the graphics engine.
Back then, it was one of the most underrated games of 2002 mainly because it was overshadowed by more ambitious 3D projects. Warlords Battlecry 2 sadly had graphics reminiscent of the old Warcraft 2 games, making it feel more outdated in a gaming landscape that was quickly adapting to 3D.
7 Disciples 2: Dark Prophecy
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Other Genres: Turn-Based, RPG, Fantasy
Similar to Warlords Battlecry 2, Disciples 2: Dark Prophecy is a hybrid strategy/RPG game though the other half of its gameplay is turn-based. Like most other fantasy strategy games at the time, Disciples 2: Dark Prophecy features four races or factions in a bid for dominance during a constant state of war.
The races are humans, dwarfs, demons, and the undead, not quite unlike the mainstays of the Warhammer Fantasy tabletop game. In any case, it was one of the more novel attempts to create something different— a faux adaptation of the Warhammer tabletop games, and it was well-received back then.
6 Heroes Of Might And Magic 4
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Classic Mac OS, Mac operating systems
- Other Genres: Turn-Based, RPG, Fantasy
A lot of the strategy/RPG hybrids owe a lot to the Heroes of Might and Magic series since they practically laid the groundwork and template for the genre amalgam. Heroes of Might and Magic 4 is a continuation of that tradition. It's a game with simple graphics and a deep strategic gameplay layer.
This time around, players and their heroes are more involved in combat and can even attack or be killed. The RPG element of the game was a lot more emphasized here with players getting a more progressive level of hero customization compared to older games.
5 Age Of Wonders 2: The Wizard's Throne
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Other Genres: Turn-Based, RPG, Fantasy
Age of Wonders 2: The Wizard's Throne didn't stop at heroes when it came to the RPG part of their hybrid game. It also involved empire-building and customization, making it seem like a fantasy version of the Civilization games. There are many facets of gameplay here, though combat takes place in a turn-based format.
Also, due to the nature and scope of the game, the developers had to settle for 2D or 2.5D graphics. In this game, players assume the role of a powerful wizard in their own tower as they fight other wizards for control and domination. For a game released in 2002, a lot of players consider this one ahead of its time as it takes into consideration certain strategic and tactical factors such as morale, fatigue, and physics.
4 Medieval: Total War
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Other Genres: Turn-Based, Real-Time, Historical
Speaking of being ahead of its time, Medieval: Total War was a title that would eventually lead to one of the most successful strategy game lineups over the decades. It's Creative Assembly's second Total War game and back then, this was a good flex and benchmarking tool for the best computers.
It had 3D graphics and presented field battles on a jaw-dropping and realistic scale. So at the time, it was a technological marvel. Well, most Total War games even to this day are considered technological marvels in the gaming industry. It's just that Medieval: Total War raised the banner high, and it's still waving to this day.
3 Combat Mission: Barbarossa To Berlin
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS
- Other Genres: Turn-Based, World War 2
Here's a World War 2 title as a counterbalance for all the fantasy outings here. Despite being generally overshadowed by a more popular RTS genre, Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin was a masterpiece for history and World War 2 buffs. It's a turn-based simulation of World War 2 combat, which was ambitious.
Because back then, most games involving World War 2 were staged and scripted FPS titles. This unique angle and take on World War 2 covers the Eastern Front of the war, involving Germany's initial victories over the Soviet Union and the latter's eventual landslide retaliation; such an angle for World War 2 isn't exactly commonly covered.
2 Age Of Mythology
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Mac operating systems
- Other Genres: RTS
Age of Mythology, commonly referred to as the fantasy version of Age of Empires was Ensemble Studios' answer to the growing popularity of the fantasy genre. How'd it fare? It was every bit as good and iconic as its historical counterpart. For some, it's even better since it added more tactical and strategic layers due to magic and the involvement of mythological gods.
Age of Mythology mostly covers various myths from Troy to Atlantis and of course, the dysfunctional hosts of Olympus are involved as well. Egyptian and Norse mythology are also added to the fray. Needless to say, it was one of the unique takes on fantasy RTS.
1 Warcraft 3: Reign Of Chaos
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Mac OS
- Other Genres: Fantasy, RTS
When Blizzard failed to secure the license to make Warhammer Fantasy video games, they created their own similar universe, and this universe reached its peak in the RTS genre during Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos. Ironically, Warcraft grew even much bigger than Warhammer with Reign of Chaos serving as a launching pad for more gigantic projects, such as World of Warcraft.
Warcraft 3 was Blizzard at its most masterful in game design. It had everything back then. The most epic cinematic cutscenes in gaming? Check. 3D graphics? Check. E-Sports level gameplay? Check and check. The lore was, for the most part, a bit too reminiscent of Warhammer Fantasy, but it held on its own and went on to fuel the most successful MMORPG ever.