Summary
The real-time strategy genre is incredibly popular. RTS games are unique as they differ from a traditional turn-based format and instead have players compete in real-time by building structures, managing resources, and developing units.
There is a wide variety of real-time strategy games, utilizing all sorts of different settings, buildings, and units. Common settings include militaryand science fiction, but fantasy can be one of the most intriguing. Fantasy RTS games feature a host of unique and compelling units, one of the most interesting of which is the spellcaster.
TheMajesty 2 Collectionis the definitive edition ofMajesty 2, containing each of the game’s DLCs.Majesty 2is a fantasy RTS wherein the player is the ruler of the kingdom of Ardania, commanding a series of units, known as heroes in-game. Uniquely, the heroes in the game operate under indirect control, meaning they don’t always follow orders directly. Instead, the player must convince them with monetary incentives.
These units or heroes are varied, and categorized into tiers and combat styles. The base game includes mostly standard human heroes, with a few variations in the form of dwarves and elves. The DLC,Monster Kingdom, introduced beast-type heroes. Regardless of the hero race, there are plenty of spellcasting units that represent the fantasy style ofMajesty 2. These include the Mage, the Priestess of Agrela, the Ice Mage, and the Lich, all of which offer unique spell types and aesthetics based on the magic used. The indirect control present inMajesty 2is what stops it from placing any higher on the list, given that RTS titles hinge on the ability to have meticulous control.
Armies of Exigois a classic RTS, inspired in mechanics and design byWarcraft 3,Age of Empires, andStarcraft. The game has a classic fantasy setting, with a unique mode that differentiates it from other fantasy RTS titles. This is called the Underground mode, wherein battles can take place between the surface and underground, requiring management on two fronts.
Armies of Exigohas three factions, each representing an assortment of fantasy races, such as Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Lizardmen, and Undead. This assortment of races brings forth plenty of unit variation, both in mechanics and design, including spellcasters. A particularly unique spellcaster is The Matriarch, representing The Fallen faction. This unit is a necromancer that can cast spells as well as raise dead enemy units as skeletons. While the spellcasting units are interesting, the main faction/race divide inArmies of Exigois highly derivative ofWarcraft 3, and as such, the game cannot be placed much higher.
Spellforce 3 Reforcedis the latest and definitive version ofSpellforce 3, a unique RTS that blends both RPG and RTS elements. The game features a beautiful level design, alongside a unique campaign thatsees the player choose to support and reinforceeither the Humans, the Elves, or the Orcs.
The main narrative of the game follows an event known as the Mage Wars, and as such, players can expect spellcasting units on top ofmore standard meleeand physical ranged units. Most spellcasting units come from the Elvish faction, wherein players can utilize the Wintermage and The Druid. That being said, the Orcish faction also has access to a spellcaster known as the Firemaster, essentially acting as a traditional fantasy fire mage.Spellforce 3 Reforcedis an incredible title, although it does not make it any higher on the list due to the RPG and RTS blend. While this is a compelling premise, it may not necessarily connect with RTS fans.
4Warlords Battlecry
An RTS With A Plethora Of Units
Warlords Battlecryis a series under theWarlordsseries banner, often mislabeled asWarlords 3: Battlecry. The series is a long-running fantasy RTS series, beginning in 1990 withWarlords.Warlords Battlecryis another RTS to feature some RPG elements, while still maintaining its RTS core.
Warlords Battlecryfeatures nine races, each organized into three categories; the Civilized races, the Primitive races, and the Elvish/Magical races. The game features an extensive selection of units for each faction, each of which possesses different weaknesses and strengths regarding combat styles. The Elvish races possess some of the most spellcasting output, with units such as the Druid for the Wood Elves or the Sorcerer for the Dark Elves.Warlords Battlecrygains its placement here from the sheer number of units present in the game, although later iterations in theWarlords Battlecryseries do offer better and more accessible experiences overall.
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earthis the first game in theLord of the RingsRTS series. The game features four factions, two of which make up both sides of the War of the Ring. Rohan and Gondor face the Isengard Uruk-hai and Mordor Orcs.
Battle for Middle-earthfeatures base units and hero units. These hero units are lore characters who represent their associated faction. For example, the Gondor faction has access to thefamous and beloved Gandalfas a hero unit. Gandalf is a powerful spellcasting hero unit who has access to spells such as Wizard Blast, Lightning Sword, and Light of Istari.Battle for Middle-earthplaces third because of the variety of spellcasting hero units, such as Gandalf and Saruman. It is also a timeless game for anybody who wants to play a solid RTS set in the critically acclaimedLord of The Ringsuniverse.
Age of Mythology: Retoldis the definitive edition ofAge of Mythology, as well as a modern remake that includes a graphical overhaul.Age of Mythologyis an adaptation of theAge of Empiresformula, but instead of a grounded medieval setting, the game blends various mythological settings into one game.
Age of Mythology: Retoldfeatures four main factions; Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean, each of whichincludes base unitsas well as a Pantheon. These Pantheons, in particular, provide some of the most interesting spellcaster-type units in the form of myth units, each of which represents an aspect of their respective mythology. An example of this is the Atlantean lampades unit, which can cast transfigurative spells upon enemy units.Age of Mythologygets a high ranking due to the unique nature of many of the spellcasters in the game, with their design and mechanics based on real mythological entities rather than generic fantasy.
Warcraft 3is one of the most famous and well-regarded RTS games, not only successful in its own right but also solidifying lore that would go on to be a basis forWorld of Warcraft.Warcraft 3includes a series of lore-filled narrative campaigns, as well as the ability to do PvP or quick matches.
Magic and spellcastingare one of the core elements of theWarcraftlore, with many of the most powerful characters in the lore being spellcasters. This is represented in theWarcraft 3unit selection, an example of which can be seen with the Archmage hero unit. Famous spellcasters fromWarcraftlore are also represented inWarcraft 3for brief gameplay sections, including Jaina Proudmoore, Antonidas, and Malfurion Stormrage. These units can even be used in level creation.Warcraft 3tops this list due to the sheer iconic nature of both the spellcasting units and the game as a whole, creating an almost unparalleled legacy.
