real-time strategy Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (PC) Review

Hell Let Loose: Vietnam has officially launched after a series of open betas and a brief delay. Expression Games has adapted the 50 vs 50 first-person combat experience from World War II to the Vietnam War, featuring dynamic firefights, strategic planning, expansive maps, and historically accurate weaponry. The game combines elements of an arcade shooter and a military simulator, with gameplay that is faster and more fluid than its predecessor. Players can swim, climb ladders, and utilize helicopters, gunboats, logistics trucks, and tanks, although vehicle controls can be clunky. The game has visual and technical challenges, including texture popping and difficulty in differentiating maps due to similar appearances. Recent improvements have been made in hit detection and overall stability. The game has received positive feedback despite its challenges, offering a unique take on the franchise.

AppWizard

August 12, 2026

Dawn of War 4 has been delayed: ‘We saw an opportunity to further enhance Dawn of War 4 and deliver the quality of experience we’ve always envisioned’

King Art Games has delayed the release of Dawn of War IV from September 17 to December 3. The Commander Edition will offer early access on November 30, featuring free updates with new maps, the return of Crusade mode, additional commanders, and a mission editor. Two story expansions are also in development.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

The Best RTS (Real-Time Strategy) Games On PC For 2026

The Total War: Warhammer series is a notable real-time strategy (RTS) game that combines grand strategy with tactical warfare, recognized as the premier modern Warhammer RTS. It features formidable creatures, diverse factions, and unconventional classes, offering unique tactical challenges. Despite a rocky launch for Total War: Warhammer 3, the series has regained its reputation, particularly with the Immortal Empires campaign, which is considered one of the largest Total War campaigns ever. Stronghold: Definitive Edition remains a classic strategy game after nearly twenty-five years, retaining its original essence while introducing a new campaign. It is priced attractively, appealing to fans of the original game. Company of Heroes is regarded as the quintessential RTS title, setting the standard for the genre with its focus on combat mechanics and the introduction of a cover system. Company of Heroes 3, while not fully meeting expectations, is still a competent entry in the series. Age of Empires IV is a newer RTS game that offers engaging campaigns and distinct faction identities, providing a varied gameplay experience. It is priced at twenty dollars during sales, making it a worthwhile investment for single-player enjoyment.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

PC Game Permanently Removed From GOG in Sudden Delisting

Circle Empires has been permanently removed from the GOG digital storefront, following a wave of delistings that included six other games on July 31. Developed by Luminous and published by Iceberg Interactive, Circle Empires was released in 2018 and has over 1,000 user reviews on Steam with an 88% approval rating, qualifying it for the “Very Positive” distinction. On GOG, it has a score of 3.8 out of 5. The reasons for its delisting are unclear, as it remains available on Steam. GOG announced the delisting on August 6, providing only 48 hours' notice. Circle Empires is currently priced at .99 on Steam. A sequel, Circle Empires 2, was launched earlier this year but is not available on GOG. Despite the delisting, a classic PC game was recently added to GOG for free.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Company of Heroes Definitive Edition is a serious upgrade on an RTS classic

Company of Heroes is releasing a Definitive Edition to celebrate its 20th anniversary, featuring a polished experience optimized for modern systems on a 64-bit platform. The game includes visual upgrades such as improved lighting, textures, and draw distance. The opening mission showcases enhanced visibility of the battlefield, with clearly defined distant towns and detailed soldier uniforms. The Definitive Edition introduces modern gameplay elements, including a new AI difficulty level and a redesigned user interface inspired by Company of Heroes 3. The game is scheduled for release in September and will retail around , offering a 30% discount for existing owners of the original game and its expansions.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’90s, Ranked

"Doom II" has received a new official level nearly three decades after its initial release. "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings," released in 1999, features 13 distinct civilizations and has seen numerous expansions that enhance multiplayer modes. "Grim Fandango," released in 1998, is celebrated for its distinctive art design and captivating narrative, despite initial commercial struggles. "Half-Life," released in 1998, introduced a seamless gameplay experience and a compelling narrative, establishing itself as a classic in the first-person shooter genre. "StarCraft," released in 1998, allows players to choose from three unique factions and is known for its balanced gameplay and robust online multiplayer experience.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

This week in PC games: Beast of Reincarnation, Big Walk, and Marvel Tōkon, plus a round table RPG, some flammable robots, and a flock of lovestruck pigeons

This week features a variety of new PC game releases: 1. Flow of War: A real-time strategy game with an automated economic system focused on defense. 2. Beast of Reincarnation: A post-apocalyptic action RPG where players embody a samurai version of Poison Ivy with a canine companion. 3. Anomaly President: A 2D roguelite combining political strategy with chaotic adventure. 4. Cielle is Not Happy: A turn-based RPG set across dimensions, balancing order and intuition in a magical world. 5. Big Walk: A multiplayer puzzle adventure from the creators of Untitled Goose Game, set in an Australian park. 6. My Fav Chill Streamer Dies a Million Times: A time-rewinding mystery involving a beloved streamer and chatbox comments. 7. Montabi: A creature-collecting roguelike deckbuilder that questions the use of the term "synergy." 8. Pigeon: A Love Story: A game where players can pursue love or engage in pigeon-related humor. 9. Echobreaker: A cyborg speedrunner with a retro aesthetic. 10. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls: A dynamic tag-team fighting game from Arc Systems. 11. Sovereign Tower: An Arthurian management RPG focused on recruiting knights and kingdom prosperity. 12. Iron Nest: Heavy Turret Simulator: A tactics game featuring a walking gun for strategic warfare. 13. Grim Axiom: A top-down adventure-horror game exploring eerie environments. 14. Rogue Eclipse: A visually stunning dogfighter inspired by Arabesque Futurism. 15. Grain Rot: An apocalyptic game where players navigate dungeons filled with robots and flammable companions. In the RPS Treehouse, Mark is interviewing modders and discussing the EA acquisition, James is editing features, and the team is contemplating the potential of Beast of Reincarnation. Julian is on holiday, and there are personal musings about gaming possibilities.

AppWizard

July 30, 2026

RTS games aren’t dead yet – but nothing hits quite like Starcraft 2

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has seen a resurgence, with Starcraft 2 celebrating its 16th anniversary next week. The game features a rich campaign and has received updates to its multiplayer mode, reigniting interest among players. The mission design in Starcraft 2 is praised for advancing the narrative while introducing new units and mechanics organically. One notable mission, 'Outbreak,' involves strategic gameplay using a day/night cycle and the introduction of the Hellion unit. The game includes hidden tutorials and optional objectives, allowing for tailored experiences and non-linear progression. Despite its age, Starcraft 2 maintains a polished interface and fluid gameplay. It is now accessible as a free-to-play title, allowing players to enjoy the entirety of Wings of Liberty and several co-op characters. The RTS genre faces challenges in attracting new audiences, but Starcraft 2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a strategic experience.

AppWizard

July 19, 2026

RTS IS BACK! The Best Upcoming Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games of 2026-2027

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre, which thrived in the late 90s and early 2000s, experienced a decline from the late 2000s until around 2015 but is expected to make a comeback in 2026 and 2027. Anticipated titles include Stronghold 4, ZeroSpace, D.O.R.F., Dawn of War IV, and Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Bergfried, developed by Quid Pro Games, is a medieval strategy game that combines castle-building mechanics, town management, and real-time combat, with a unique grid reflecting European castle shapes. Panzer Strike, by ISAK Team, aims to recapture the essence of late 90s RTS games and is set for release in Q3 2026. Falling Frontier, a procedurally generated space RTS, is highly wishlisted on Steam and promises detailed ship combat. Chronicles: Medieval, releasing in 2026, offers a sandbox strategy experience during the Hundred Years’ War, blending free-roaming gameplay with large-scale battles. Dinolords, developed by Northplay, features a medieval world with armored dinosaurs and allows players to control dinosaur-riding Lords, presenting a unique twist on traditional RTS gameplay.

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

5 Classic PC Games That Are Unplayable Today

"Dune II," released in 1992, is credited with laying the foundation for real-time strategy games, featuring base-building and military maneuvers on the planet Arrakis. It has not been re-released due to licensing issues after Westwood Studios closed in 2003. Interplay Entertainment released two video games based on "The Lord of the Rings" in the early '90s, allowing players to guide Frodo Baggins through Middle-earth. Low sales led to the cancellation of a planned trilogy, and both titles have since faded into obscurity. "Star Trek: The Next Generation — A Final Unity," a point-and-click adventure from 1995, features Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew on a mission to recover an ancient scroll. It has not received a modern re-release. Sid Meier's "Civilization II," released in 1996, has not been officially re-released, despite the series' significant evolution and availability of later entries. The absence of these formative titles leaves a gap in strategy gaming history. "Black & White," released in 2001, is a god simulator that allows players to influence tribes on islands. It has not been optimized for modern platforms following the acquisition of Lionhead Studios by Microsoft, limiting access to those with original discs.