8-Bit Armies vs Rise of Nations
8-Bit Armies
8-Bit Armies is a really fun and cute real-time strategy game that is incredibly accessible to players of all preferences not only because of its easy-to-learn gameplay but also the colorful voxel art style that was made "mainstream" by games like Minecraft. Like any strategy game, you'll need to collect resources, build a base and defend it against any intruders by assembling a massive army. Of course, you can use your army for offensive purposes as well and crush your enemies as you set off to conquer the entire map.The best part about this game, aside from all the features mentioned, is that the game is amazingly replayable. The game provides you with tons of game modes ranging from offline single-player campaigns to co-op missions to even multiplayer maps that can support up to 8 players at a time. The AI in this game isn't a pushover either, though you can easily adjust how difficult your AI opponents or allies should be through the game's difficulty settings.
Unlike grand strategy games that aim to overwhelm the new strategy player, 8 Bit Armies is really easy to get into and is very fun to play. However, if you'd like to enjoy the game with other players online, you might want to grab 8-Bit Armies: Arena as well. Despite the lack of players on its servers, you can still play the game with and against your friends.
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is one of the most iconic yet somewhat underrated, completely unique real-time strategy game that is possibly inspired by games like Risk. Unlike most games where you simply build bases, amass armies and send them to destroy your opponents, Rise of Nations has more of a diplomatic and governing aspect that allows you to forge alliances and break them, as well as a series of Wonders of the World which, when built, will grant your nation unique bonuses. Aside from a ton of maps, the game also has a comparably wide variety of nations, each with their own special abilities and special military units, for you to play as.Although the gameplay in each individual battles are set in real time, the gameplay for the world map view is turn-based, supplemented with ability cards. There are also valuable resources that you can capture to give your nation certain perks. Best of all, you can immerse yourself in historical battles via the game's campaign which consisted of multiple scenarios or you can test your mettle by playing the game via its online multiplayer mode.
Rise of Nations is one of the best classic strategy games that definitely had managed to not only withstand the test of time but also thrive, somewhat, in today's day and age. If you're a fan of nation-building, this is a game you should most certainly play.