Summary
When a cherished movie, TV show, or book is merged with another form of media, it can create an experience that is thrilling yet refreshingly familiar. Fortunately, as versatile as they are,strategy gameshave a long and proven history of successfully adapting or recreating licensed IPs, at least more so than most other gaming genres. They have the ability to seamlessly blend the intricacies of strategic planning with narratives that fans already adore.
This list of games demonstrates the strategy genre’s versatility in incorporating various liscensed IPs. Each entry features distinct design elements while collectively allowing players to immerse themselves in already richly developed worlds to enjoy them in new and engaging ways.
Jurassic World Evolution 2is a love letter to fans of theJurassic ParkandJurassic Worldfilms, placing players in the role of park creator and enabling them to create their own prehistoric theme park. Like allsuccessful park management simulators, it’s about satisfying visiting guests and making money. However, this one has a bit more bite to it. Players must design enormous electrified enclosures, and research and accommodate over 70 species of dinosaurs. Then, they must prepare for unexpected dino breakouts or natural disasters that jeopardize the safety of their park, which quickly turn the game into more of a dinosaur disaster strategy game than a true tycoon game.
The game builds upon the foundation established by its predecessor, enriching it with an array of new features, including dynamic environmental effects, enhanced dinosaur behaviors, and a much-needed range of management tools. Players also benefit from guidance by the iconic Ian Malcolm, voiced impeccably by Jeff Goldblum himself. Although it may not explore the complexities of park management simulation in-depth,Jurassic World Evolution 2effectively keeps the spotlight on the dinosaurs and manages to connect the experience to the films just enough to make it worthwhile for longtime fans.
Capturing horror in the strategy genre can be challenging, and few titles have effectively pulled it off. This is particularly evident when trying to evoke the essence of a film that has defined what it means to be a horror movie. Set in the universe of James Cameron’sAlienmovies,Aliens: Dark Descentchallenges players to engage in what all previous installments of the classic series excel at: navigating through intensely dark ships and planets while surviving against relentless Xenomorph threats. This time, the action unfolds on the alien-infested moon of Lethe. While many may draw comparisons toXCOMdue to its use of isometric squad-based action, there’s a deeper layer of complexity waiting to be uncovered.
Aliens: Dark Descentoperates much faster thanXCOM, deviating from a grid-based system and leaning much more on real-time elements in combat and movement across significantly larger mission maps. In addition to being hunted by the ever-present threat of the Xenomorphs, players must contend with an in-game stress meter that diminishes their squad’s effectiveness, creating high-pressure situations that are essential for any game set in theAlienuniverse. Fortunately, the game’s high-stakes missions and menacing use of Xenomorphs successfully translate the iconic sci-fi horror from the films into an isometric strategy framework, creating a unique example of a strategy game successfully incorporatinghorrorelements.
One of the earliest forms of strategy games wasDune 2, released in 1992, which played a pivotal role in shaping the entire RTS genre. Today, developers Shiro Games have returned to author Frank Herbert’s desolate world of Arrakis with a 4Xgame of political intrigue, resource management, and territorial control. InDune: Spice Wars, players can choose from factions such as the arch-enemies House Atreides and House Harkonnen, as well as lesser-known houses from the Imperium, each offering distinct advantages and playstyles as they vie for the central resource, Spice Melange.
While it may not be the most compelling or tactically complex 4X game on the market,Dune: Spice Warsexcels in its ability to immerse players in its evocative sci-fi setting. Whether harvesting spice, trading with the CHOAM organization, voting on Landsraad propositions, or surviving sandworm attacks, every gameplay element is tastefully acquired from the novels and woven into a well-crafted strategic framework. These clever mechanics result in a rewarding experience that effectively captures the essence of the IP, making it a delight for fans ofDune’svast lore.
Assemble some of the big players from the Marvel universe and have them battle against supernatural forces in a turn-based tactical RPG with an engrossing narrative—that’sMarvel’s Midnight Suns. Loosely inspired by the comic series of the same name, the game initially struggled to capture widespread attention upon its release, partly due to its niche choice of adeckbuilding card-based combatsystem, which closely resembles roguelikes such asSlay the SpireorMonster Train. However, over time, it has garnered positive reviews and is highly recommended as a special entry in Marvel’s vast collection of games.
Fortunately, this card combat system is surprisingly intricate, especially when compared to a more conventional system of activating assigned abilities using a no-frills meter. The combat is also visually stunning and flawlessly animated, allowing a team of three chosen superheroes to unleash their powers in dynamic ways. They will blast energy beams, execute powerful kicks, and soar gracefully through the air, utilizing the environment to their advantage by hurling objects and leaping from high vantage points to gain the upper hand against enemies and the occasional supervillain. It all makes for a captivating optical treat. Coupled with a worthwhile storyline that will surprise many,Marvel’s Midnight Sunsis well worth the time for both fans and non-fans of Marvel.
Widely regarded as one of the most entertaining cartoons on television,South Parkcaptivates audiences with its unique blend of bold, often controversial humor. Building on the show’s success,South Park: The Stick of Truthis a role-playing game played from an exact representation of the source material’s famed 2D aesthetic and comedic style, achieving both with great effectiveness.
While primarily an RPG involving outlandish quests and exploring famous locales from the show,South Park: The Stick of Truthintegrates strategic, turn-based combat that earns its place on this list, highly reminiscent of Nintendo’sPaper Mariostrategy series. Combat involves using melee and ranged attacks, casting hilariously exaggerated effects, and even summoning a choice of the series' favorite characters; Mr. Hankey included. Ultimately, the game’s faithful recreation ofSouth Park’squirky world and its biting satire, coupled with an enjoyable gameplay loop, distinguishes it as an outstanding licensed title and a strategy-rich RPG.
Released in 2006,Star Wars: Empire at Warquickly captured the hearts of strategy gamers andStar Warsfans alike. This real-time strategy gem allows players to take command of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire in epic battles across theStar Warsgalaxy—many of which are iconic conflicts from the original film’s trilogy—whilst strategically distributing forces across captured planets.
While it has aged considerably and does not offer much compared to the graphics of today’s high-end titles,Star Wars: Empire at Warstill presents a distinctStar Warscharm with all its recognizable ships, units, and characters. While the modding community still keeps the game alive today, it is a title sorelydeserving of an official remaster. Regardless, it is important to note that this game remains the de factoStar Warsstrategy experience, with strong connections to the movies, the expanded universe, and the Force.
Another standout real-time strategy game released in 2006 isThe Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2. While it draws heavily from thetraditional RTS formula, it remains an extraordinarily authentic adaptation of Peter Jackson’s movie trilogy and J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore. Every battle, unit, hero, and piece of soundtrack is recreated with such meticulous detail that it immediately immerses the player in Middle-earth, drawing them back to anythingLord of the Rings-related.
Featuring a lengthy good and evil campaign, six playable factions, and numerous custom game modes,The Battle for Middle-earth 2offers hours of engaging and, most importantly, replayable content. It is undoubtedly one of the most influential strategy games set in perhaps the most iconic fantasy IP ever.
With numerousWarhammer-based strategy gamesavailable, most notably theDawn of Warseries, it can be challenging to pinpoint a standout title. TheWarhammerIP, originating from the tabletop wargame, has carved out a prominent position within the realm of strategy gaming—and rightly so. Yet one game elevates theWarhammerexperience to a new level:Total War: Warhammer 3. This game is the epic conclusion toTotal War’sfantasy saga, featuring over 20 unique playable races and an expansive sandbox map, all while delivering the franchise’s signature large-scale strategic battles.
The captivating combination of expansion, diplomacy, and trade in the turn-based campaign modes across various races can be challenging to put down. However, the true standout feature of this title is its battles. These encounters are breathtaking, showcasing the grandeur of fantasy as gruesome monsters clash, powerful magic is unleashed, and diabolical war machines are deployed.Total Warhas taken the essence of this franchise and turned it into something unimaginable. Whether for a die-hard fan ofWarhammerlore or simply stopping by for some epic strategy gameplay,Total War: Warhammer 3stands out as the crowning achievement in licensed strategy gaming.
