Strategic Domination: Games Like Age of Empires for Xbox
As the sun sets on your Age of Empires marathon, you can’t assist but crave another taste of real-time strategy (RTS) glory on your Xbox. Fear not, dear gamer! This article delves into a treasure trove of games like Age of Empires that will transport you to the realm of historical conquest and technological triumph.
I. Rise & Fall: A Historical Setting
If the sprawling maps and sweeping narratives of Age of Empires whetted your appetite for historical grandeur, look no further than Total War: Rome II (2013). Developed by Creative Assembly, this Roman Empire-centric RTS lets you command mighty legions through 12 provinces in a campaign that spans from Greece to Britain. As you expand your empire, manage the ebb and flow of diplomacy with other factions, all while preparing for brutal battles on land or sea.
II. Building Empires: Resource Management
Resource management is key to victory in many an RTS game. Rise & Fall, another Creative Assembly masterpiece (2017), sets you among the Viking Age’s mightiest leaders, guiding your tribe through exploration, trade, and warfare against other factions. As you gather resources (food, gold, fame) and construct mighty fortresses or elaborate trading posts, strategic decisions await at every turn.
III. Waging War: Tactical Maneuvers
While some RTS games focus solely on grand-scale battles, others offer tactical depth in single-player campiagns or multiplayer skirmishes. Company of Heroes 2 (2013), a sequel to the critically acclaimed World War II series, pits you against Nazi forces with an emphasis on squad control and battlefield positioning. Make split-second decisions to flank enemy lines, call down air support, or execute daring flanking maneuvers.
IV. Science Fiction: Alternative Histories
For those who crave something different from historical settings, Star Wars: Empire at War – Forces of Corruption (2006) delivers real-time strategy in the Star Wars universe. As a galactic ruler, expand your interstellar empire through diplomacy or conquest, building massive fleets and armies to protect your domain against rival factions.
V. Exploration & Colonization
Explore the high-seas adventure of Age of Sail: Caribbean Cruise (2016), where you captain your own 16th-century merchant vessel, trading goods, negotiating with island nations, and fending off hostile pirates or privateers in a golden age of exploration. This indie gem combines elements from Age of Empires’ naval warfare with the thrill of discovering new islands.
VI. Multiplayer & Modding
Age of Empires fans know well the satisfaction of dominating friends in LAN matches or competing online against strangers and acquaintances alike. Total War: Arena (2019), a multiplayer-focused spin-off, pits you against up to eight opponents in real-time battles on procedurally generated maps, each with its unique settings and victory conditions.
In addition to these games that share Age of Empires’ blend of strategic depth and historical intrigue, consider the following honorable mentions:
- Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection (2020), a nostalgic throwback for fans of the original series
- Hearts of Iron IV: Together with History – World War 1 Campaign (2016) for an immersive World War I experience
- Europa Universalis III: Napoleon’s Ambition DLC, where you play as European powers during the Napoleonic Wars
With this curated selection of games, Age of Empires enthusiasts are sure to find something that scratches their strategic itch and offers hours of engaging gameplay on their Xbox. Whether it’s exploring alternative histories or dominating distant lands through real-time battles, these recommendations will transport you to a world where empires rise and fall at your command.
**Game On!
