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Tom Clancy's EndWar



Tom Clancy's EndWar

Game: Tom Clancy's EndWar
Developer: Ubisoft Shanghai
Publisher: Ubisoft
Year Released: 2008
We've been all dreaming of a game like this for years, so when Ubisoft Shanghai finally managed to nail voice commands in an RTS we were more than willing to dive right in. Despite EndWar's less-than-satisfying single player campaign (thanks to it's dull story when compared to other Clancy games), this RTS makes the list for the innovations it's provided the genre. Innovations that we're sure to see in games for years to come.

Black & White



Black & White


Game: Black & White
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: EA Games
Year Released: 2001
Lionhead Studio's Black & White arrived on the scene to a slough of massive accolades. At least it did at first. What was originally believed to be a revolutionary God Sim that put players in command of a creature and the well-being of an entire race of island inhabitants, ultimately left a stale taste in the mouths of players that stuck with the game for a prolonged period. While some of the mechanics in the game--particularly the creature dynamics and the relationships that developed--were revolutionary at the time, the title is now seen as one of the most overrated games of all time. Though important, nonetheless.



Shogun: Total War



Shogun: Total War


Game: Shogun: Total War
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Year Released: 2004
Shogun started the Total War series off on the right foot with its clever mix of turn-based provincial development and real-time battles during Japan's Sengoku period. While the game's turn-based sections floundered compared to its massive battles (featuring over 10,000 individually rendered units) the multiplayer matches and unique Honor system provided enough tactical depth to keep players jumping online until Medieval showed up and stole this predecessor's thunder.
Archon: The Light and the Dark



Archon: The Light and the Dark


Game: Archon: The Light and the Dark
Developer: Free Fall Associates
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Year Released: 1983
Sure, Archon may have released the year of my birth, but I still have vivid memories of sitting down with this game years later. Archon is probably the closest thing I can compare to Star Wars' infamous chess-like game (superfans, fill in that title blank please or let me know that I'm way off), combining classic chess with run-and-gun action. Instead of pieces simply taking one another, they're whisked off to battle it out for control of a given space. This mix of strategy and Wario Ware-like speedy action makes for one riotous chess cocktail.


Legacy Online



Legacy Online


Game: Legacy Online
Developer: Oceanus Communications
Publisher: SEGA
Year Released: 2003
Legacy Online was not for everyone. In fact, this online economic sim didn't exactly take off--or even find its wings--when SEGA re-released it in 2002. Server and login issues plagued the persistent game and quickly left it buried under SEGA's "we're not making money, let's cancel this thing" umbrella. However, despite all the game's issues, Legacy had such an interesting concept that we couldn't help but include it on our list. An MMO where all you do is expand your business to a world empire? That's ridiculous! Ridiculously short-lived.