showing 7 games

namepublisher(developer)year arrow_downwarddescription
StarCraft  Blizzard Entertainment1998In the distant future, the newly formed Terran Dominion faces the arrival of two hostile alien races: the savage Zerg and the enigmatic Protoss. Gather resources and expand your forces to lead them to victory. The only allies are enemies. The only choice is war.***For 1-8 players, with teams or in FFA. Cross-platform play with Mac.***Latest version: 1.16 (as of 2008-11-27)***An incredible RTS that requires both brains and speed. Not trackball- or trackpad-friendly. Though the graphics are rather primitive by today's standards, that's only because this game is relatively old.

It features three different playable races, each of which requires different strategies for maximum effectiveness. Play as the versatile Terran colonists, the voracious Zerg xenomorphs, or the enigmatic, psionically gifted Protoss (my personal favorite).

The game also includes a map editing program for the unique SCM and SCX map format, enabling a patient user to craft new maps and scenarios. Some of the features take some getting used to, but FAQs are available at [[link:http://www.blizzard.com/starcraft]].

The screenshot at right is from the first mission in the expansion, StarCraft: Brood War.
[StarSword]***EXCELLENT realtime strategy game.***This is a very good game and requires a lot of skill, but also quickness. The expansion (Starcraft: Brood War) brings a lot more into the game.
[Groovy_Duck]***Four expansions released in 1998:
StarCraft: Stellar Forces ([[company:Micro Star]])
StarCraft: Retribution ([[company:Stardock]] / [[company:WizardWorks]])
StarCraft: Insurrection ([[company:Aztech New Media]])
StarCraft: Brood War ([[company:Saffire]] / [[company:Blizzard]])
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StarCraft: Brood War  Blizzard Entertainment1998With the shattered Zerg hive torn apart by fierce in-fighting, the Protoss seek to reunite with their Dark Templar brethren and begin the rebuilding of their home world, Aiur. Terran Emperor Mengsk I, having achieved his goal of total power over the human colonies, must now turn his attention to both the rising power of the woman he betrayed, Kerrigan, the infamous Zerg Queen of Blades, and a conspiracy deep within his own ranks. Three all new campaigns continue the epic StarCraft story line. New worlds to explore, from the Dark Templar twilight home world of Shakuras to the blasted and barren deserts of Korhal. Original cinematic scenes and new music tracks. 100 new multiplayer maps.***
[84]***
[53]***For 1-8 players, with teams or in FFA. Cross-platform play with Mac.***Latest version: 1.16 (as of 2008-11-27)
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Heroes of Might and Magic V  Ubisoft (Nival Interactive)2006Latest version: 1.6 (as of ?)***[b]Campaigns:[/b]
* The Queen
* The Cultist
* The Necromancer
* The Warlock
* The Ranger
* The Mage***[b]Minimum:[/b]
* Windows 2000 or XP
* 1.5 GHz Pentium IV or Athlon CPU
* 512 MB RAM
* 128 MB VRAM
* GeForce 4 Ti 4200 or Radeon 8500 GPU
* 32X CD-ROM drive

[b]Recommended:[/b]
* 2.4 GHz Pentium IV or Athlon CPU
* 1 GB RAM
* 256 MB VRAM
* GeForce FX 6600 or Radeon X800 GPU
* Dolby Surround 5.1***The Heroes franchise enters a new era. Dive into the new groundbreaking Might and Magic universe for the most complete strategy gaming experience ever created.

* Cutting edge technology: For the first time, experience the world of Might & Magic in a full breathtaking 3D animated world supported by a consistent and modern graphic style.
* Deep scalable turned-based battle system for challenging and tactical combats: find out the combat system that made the success of the Heroes series or experience the brand new Dynamic Battle System. Choose from over 200 skills, 170 creatures' abilities and 40 spells to build up your heroes and their armies.
* New darker heroic fantasy universe: discover a completely revamped and more mature universe that features 6 unique factions and over 80 different creatures.

Live the adventure like never before through a grasping storyline that features special objectives, numerous side quests and plot twists.

* Complete strategy experience: during 6 campaigns and over 30 missions, experience the finest blend of adventure, strategy, tactics, management and role play ever brewed, through a user friendly yet deep turn based system that favours tactical thinking over button mashing.
* Competitive and addictive intense multiplayer parts: The wait is over. Discover for the first time new options that will allow you to play simultaneously or even when it is not your turn!
* Heroes of Might and Magic V also introduce the new exclusive Duel mode: challenge your opponent in fierce battles where only the slyest shall prevail.
* Experience everlasting adventure thanks to the map editor provided.
[Nival]
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Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate  Ubisoft (Nival Interactive)2006Latest version: 2.1 (as of ?)***Take part into a thrilling new adventure in the world of Ashan with the Hammers of Fate expansion. Discover uncharted territories and experience new ways of playing Heroes of Might & Magic V. Queen Isabel's war is over and the Griffin Empire is on its knees. The Empire is paralyzed by a vicious civil war, having barely recovered from the massive conflict against the demon hordes and the undead legions.

Isabel, now worshipped as a Saint, leads a merciless inquisition to purge the Empire of any trace of corruption. Rebel forces gather at the fringe of the realm to counter the Queen's fanatics. Meanwhile, from the north awakens a new power. After centuries of isolation, the Mountain Lords once again fuel their forges and blow their war horns...

Key Features

* New faction: Introducing a brand-new Dwarves faction, made up of heroic warriors and rune magic adepts who stalk the deepest mountains and most hostile regions of the North
* A brand-new adventure: Featuring 15 new missions, new heroes, and improved cut-scenes, the new campaign will lead you even deeper into the dramatic events that began with Heroes of Might and Magic V.
* Extended game experience: With new spells and abilities, 5 new single-player maps, 10 new multiplayer maps, new buildings, new artefacts, and new neutral creatures, Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate gives you the tools to develop new tactics and further your game experience both online and offline.
* Improved mechanics and gameplay: Thanks to new features such as Caravans and a random map generator, you will enjoy an even smoother experience and unlimited replayability. In addition, the simultaneous turn feature will speed up your online games.
[Nival]
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Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East  Ubisoft Entertainment (Nival Interactive)2007Latest version: 3.1 (as of ?)***KEY FEATURES

• New Orc Faction: First made famous in Dark Messiah of Might & Magic , the brutal Orc faction now comes to the Heroes series. Savage, fiercely proud and resolutely independent, the Orcs put the "might" in Might & Magic . This faction's troops include Orcs, Goblins, Cyclops and the famed Pao Kais.

• New Campaign: Experience the dramatic conclusion of the usurper Biara's reign. Discovering the demonic influence that corrupts the Haven knights, the savage clans of the Orc will take up arms to eradicate the Inferno threat. Characters from Dark Messiah of Might & Magic will also appear to bring an unexpected twist to this multi-layered plot. In addition, Tribes of the East will feature 10 multiplayer and five single-player maps.

• New Upgrade Level: Every creature in the Heroes V universe will get a an alternative upgrade level, increasing the total number of creatures in the Heroes of Might & Magic V line to over 170! These powerful new abilities are sure to become an integral part of your combat tactics.

• Extra Content: Expand your arsenal and gameplay with new spells, artifacts, buildings and innovative features such as the combo-based Artifact Power Link and Battle Rage, the unique racial ability of the Orcs.

• Stand-alone Product: In order to allow both fans and newcomers to enjoy this dramatic conclusion to the Heroes V experience, Tribes of the East will be a stand-alone product – no previous Heroes game installations will be required to play.
[Ubisoft]
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StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty  Blizzard Entertainment2010[M]SRP £44.99 / €59.99 for standard edition, £69.99 / €89.99 for collector's edition.***[b]Minimum:[/b]
* Windows XP, Vista or 7
* 2.6 GHz Pentium IV CPU
* 1 GB RAM
* 128 MB VRAM
* GeForce 6600 GT or Radeon 9800 Pro GPU
* 12 GB HD space
* 1024 x 720

[b]Recommended:[/b]
* 2.4 GHz dual-core CPU
* 2 GB RAM
* 512 MB VRAM
* GeForce 8800 GTX or Radeon HD 3870 GPU***Collector's Edition content:[quote]* The Art of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, a 176-page book featuring artwork from the game
* An exclusive 2GB USB flash drive replica of Jim Raynor's dog tag, which comes preloaded with the original StarCraft and the StarCraft: Brood War® expansion set
* A behind-the-scenes DVD containing over an hour of developer interviews, cinematics with director’s commentary, and more
* The official StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty soundtrack CD, containing 14 epic tracks from the game along with exclusive bonus tracks
* StarCraft comic book issue #0, a prequel to the comic series
* A World of Warcraft® mini Thor in-game pet that can be applied to all World of Warcraft characters on a single Battle.net account
* Exclusive Battle.net downloadable content, including special portraits for your Battle.net profile, decals to customize your units in-game, and a visually unique version of the terran Thor unit[/quote]***SC2 is episodic, with the first game (Wings of Liberty) containing the Terran episode followed by "Heart of the Swarm" for Zerg and "Legacy of the Void" for Protoss later on.***StarCraft II continues the epic saga of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. These three distinct and powerful races will clash once again in the fast-paced real-time strategy sequel to the legendary original, [game=#16956]StarCraft[/game]. Legions of veteran, upgraded, and brand-new unit types will do battle across the galaxy, as each faction struggles for survival.

Featuring a unique single-player campaign that picks up where StarCraft: Brood War left off, StarCraft II will present a cast of new heroes and familiar faces in an edgy sci-fi story filled with adventure and intrigue. In addition, Blizzard will again offer unparalleled online play through Battle.net, the company's world-renowned gaming service, with several enhancements and new features to make StarCraft II the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game.

Features:

* Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the magic of the original game
* Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg
* New units and gameplay mechanics further distinguish each race
* Groundbreaking single-player "story-mode" campaign
* Vibrant new 3D-graphics engine with support for dazzling visual effects and massive unit and army sizes
* Full multiplayer support, with new competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net
* Full map-making and scripting tools to give players incredible freedom in customizing and personalizing their gameplay experience
[Blizzard]
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SimCity  Electronic Arts (Maxis)2013 labelimageminimize
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