With the release of Starcraft 2 on the 27th (more information) it got me thinking. I love real time strategy games (namely Age of Empires 3), I also recently discovered that Tower Defense games also fall under the RTS genre. So, with so many sub-genres and so many good RTS games, where did it all start? Who coined the term Real Time Strategy? So today’s post centres around the history and future of RTS games. First I’ll address a few things
What is this “RTS” you speak of?
The term RTS (Real Time Strategy) refers to a genre of computer war-games which do not progress in turns, in which you use tactics to gather resources, train units and manage units in combat (A.K.A. Micromanagement).
Microwhatta?
Google is thine friend. Link.
Heh. Micromanagement comes with a lot of practice and high APM.
What is APM?
I give up. Onto the main purpose.
PART THE FIRST: Dunes and Conkers
The first known game somewhat related to RTS was Stonkers (1983)
But the first time the term “RTS” was coined with the release of Dune II.
Being the brilliant entrepreneurs that they are, Blizzard Entertainment quickly caught on, with Warcraft: Orcs and Humans released in 1994
PART THE SECOND: KEKEKE! ZERG RUSH!
What is a “Zerg Rush”?
The term “Zerg Rush” came from the 1998 StarCraft RTS game. In it, a “rush” is a fast attack involving one or a few unit types. The Zerg race from that game have their own speciality:
The first infantry units of Zergs are Zerglings. They are small and inexpensive Zerg units which can be produced quickly. Zerglings hatch from eggs in pairs, although, at the beginning of a game, only three eggs can exist at one time. Thus, it is possible for a Zerg player to produce 6 Zerglings very early into the game, while the first Terran and Protoss infantry unit (Marine and Zealot, respectively) must be produced one at a time. Although weaker and easier to kill, 6 Zerglings can almost always beat two Marines or Zealots in an opened battle without support, which makes Zerglings quite deadly at the beginning of a one versus one match.
What does KEKEKE! mean?
Fair enough. Link.
Back on topic now, please.
Starcraft really made the RTS genre kick off. It contained many aspects that current RTS games now use. Oh, and the Koreans loved it. Really.
Not convinced? You know how people watch sporting games? The Koreans watch people playing Starcraft in this way. Link.
It was now that RTS games really took off.
PART THE THIRD: Enter The Age of… series stage right.
The transfer of RTS games to the world of 3D was a step that was obvious to take as console and computer graphic power increased.
The Age of… series burst onto computer screens in 1997 (Age of Empires)with a historic campaign and many new features spanned many spin offs and sequels. Ensemble Studios really hit the nail on the head with this one.
PART THE FOURTH: Starcraft 2 and Age of Empires 3
This is where I got into gaming. Personal experience ftw.
Age of Empires 3 was released in 2005. It’s community is still going strong on each individual expansion pack. Age of Empires 3 introduced a physics engine and splash damage. It introduced 8 European civilisations fighting for the top spot int the new world. The Warchiefs Expansion pack added 3 native civilisations and a revolution system. The second expansion pack, The Asian Dynasties added 3 new Asian civilisations (bringing the total to 13 civilisations).
Starcraft 2 came out on July 27th, 2010. It continues the wonderous age of the RTS.
Part the Fifth: To infinity and beyond
The future of RTS games is really looking up. After RTS giant Ensemble Studios was taken apart in 2009 many studios rose from its remains. The future for the Age of Empires series is looking good with Robot Entertainment (members of old Ensemble) soon to announce 2 new games.
The future looks good for RTS games.
Part the Last: Consoles and RTS
Consoles have always been tricky to produce RTS games on. The lack of a mouse and hotkeys makes it tricky to use and the controls rather fiddly. Microsoft put Ensemble to work and they waved their magic wand over it and made a brilliant RTS on the Xbox 360, Halo Wars. Nintendo has been at it too, with the GameCube game Pikmin 1 and 2 being brilliant, and re-releasing it on the Wii with its pointing ability destroying any problems and creating its own genre of console RTS games, like Little King’s Story, also on the Wii. RTS games really have conquered all horizons.
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What are your opinions on RTS games? Do you disagree with anything above, and what is your favourite RTS game?
Political post in the next week.
Wait, What? 