We’ve brought you a list of games like Command and Conquer that are all jam-packed with the real-time strategy elements which the said series is known for. C&C games have been around since 1995, and it’s hard to believe that eighteen games and expansions (combined) have been released till date. It is indeed a pretty large franchise in the video game business, having sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
The latest entry to it came in May this year in the form of C&C: Tiberium Alliances which is an MMORTS. And that’s not all. Recently, the developer also launched an Ultimate Collection which includes 17 C&C games in one bundle which sells at a cost of 49.99 USD (approx. Rs. 2,590). But enough of C&C! Let’s now focus on the alternatives that we’ve listed below in no particular order of preference.
1 – Company of Heroes
This gem of an offering from Relic Entertainment leaves no stone unturned while providing you with a supreme World War 2 experience. The game’s focus is set on proffering you an insight into the perils faced by the soldiers during war, and it does this with the intensity that’s hard to forget.
Its campaign commences during the D-day invasion of Normandy, and progresses as Allied soldiers go on battling the Germans. And there’s even a multiplayer mode which allows up to 8 players to battle it out via LAN or the Internet, while getting to play as either the Axis or Allied forces.
2 – Age of Empires III
Age of Empires III just cannot be missed by anyone who’s looking for games similar to Command and Conquer. This PC and Mac title is part of a series which is downright iconic to say the least. Like all the games under it, this one too features amazingly addictive gameplay. With its excellent RTS mechanics, it grants you the experiences of European colonization of the Americas.
It’s got a unique multiplayer that’s just asking for hours and hours of your time. Besides, subsequent to its release, two expansions, The WarChiefs and The Asian Dynasties, have also been launched. The game as well as these DLC packs are available now collectively at a value added price through Steam.
3- StarCraft II
StarCraft II is quite undoubtedly one of the best things to have happened to eSports recently. Its over-the-top RTS gameplay builds upon the model set by the developer’s very own classic – Warcraft III. Lots of new features have been infused into the game along with a storyline that’s as engaging as can be.
Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, this title is available for PC and Mac, and it also contains a multiplayer mode which, for some, is its main attraction. Off topic, there’s a really cool Easter Egg game related to StarCraft which can be experienced by Googling the words ‘Zerg Rush.’
4 – Act of War: Direct Action
Developed by Eugen Systems, Act of War: Direct Action scores heaps of points though its distinct style of presentation. The game comprises a combination of cut-scenes as well as live action sequences like the ones we’ve seen in NFS: Most Wanted.
And the gameplay is enjoyable as well, with its versatile offerings. Its story is set in the near future wherein the scarcity for gasoline has led to large scale wars being fought around the world. It is available exclusively for PC, and even has an expansion named High Treason to go along with it.
5 – Halo Wars
Ensemble Studios, the creator of the Age of Empires series was chosen by Bungie Studios to develop Halo Wars for the Xbox 360, and boy did they deliver! This smooth game managed to capture the much loved vibe of the hitherto FPS Halo series, while still delivering a new experience it its fans.
This fifth entry to our roster of command and conquer alternatives was released in 2009, and comprises single-player, multiplayer as well as cooperative gameplay which should definitely be given a try by all RTS fans.
6 – Total War: Shogun 2
This is a game that’s all the rage currently among RTS fans. It saw the long-standing series returning to its roots in more ways than one, while also introducing some exceptional new features. Total War: Shogun 2 has its story set during 16th-century feudal Japan where local warlords are fighting for control.
It is essentially a blend of turn-based strategy and real-time tactics, and its battles are based on both land and sea, making it a perfect fit in our catalog of games similar to Command and Conquer. It even allows you to join online battles with up to 8 players. Its Steam version comes with support for the Steam Workshop which offers a hub for all the mods aimed towards the title.
7 – King Arthur: The Role-playing Wargame
Based on the ancient legend about King Arthur, this first title in the series adds a number of its own twists and turns to the story, thus concocting a brilliant offering that’s just waiting for you to dive into it. It is an amalgam of real-time tactics, role-playing and grand strategy genres.
The immense battlefields are a treat to gaze at, with thousands of soldiers scattered across them. And as it contains role-playing elements, it lets you craft your own story by choosing between a number of possible outcomes during various points in the campaign.
Conclusion:
That brings us to a close today. We’re sure these 7 games like Command and Conquer will keep you busy for quite a while, as they all contain a handful of RTS treats for you to enjoy.