Microprose 1991
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 6/6
Language: English, Deutsch, Francais
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Without any doubt, Civilization is the greatest and most addictive game that ever graced a computer screen. Designed by Sid Meier, who at that time was already a household name among gamers, the game introduced the world to a new level of empire management: from settling whole continents, through researching new technologies, to building military units, city improvements and even wonders of the world. The game has spawned several sequels and copies, out of which only a single one (Alpha Centauri) comes close in the terms of gameplay and overall fun. Civilization has never left my hard drive, and probably never will, remaining the main reason why I still keep MS-DOS on a separate partition.

Microprose 1991
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 6/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

"Civilization" is definitely one of Sid Meier's masterpieces and surely one of the most famous games of all times. The game is far too complex to be reviewed in its entirety. For further explanations look into the very extensive help files and the Civilopedia which come with the game.

SSI 1987
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 4/6
Language: English, Francais
Licence: Commercial
System: Atari ST

War without bloodshed? Easy, just don't show the individual's fate, but take it to a more abstract level. A way more abstract level: Push around wodden blocks on a world map, and suddenly, even genocide becomes fun! Like in Colonial Conquest.

Microprose 1994
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 5/6
Language: English, Deutsch
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Once upon a time, Sid Meier along with some other people created really innovative and fresh games. But then Civilization came! Even though it was (is!) a great game, it had one negative effect on the gaming industry: It made Sid Meier & company reusing the basic idea again and again.

CDS 1989
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 3/6
Language: English, Deutsch, Francais, Castellano
Licence: Commercial
System: Amiga

Chess might be the most known strategy games in existence. Who knows? One thing is for sure though: it is one of the simplest. At least the rules are simple. It's easy to learn how to play. Reminds my of the time back when I was working in the kindergarten where I taught this game to a bunch of interested children between 4 and 6. That was the time in my life when I played chess most frequently. Almost every day someone challenged me. Yeah, that was fun! At last some real competitors ;)

Microprose 1991
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 4.5/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

A real classic by the late designer legend Dani (formerly Dan) Bunten! The games's basic concept is quite simple: You start with a city (or in the scenarios with many) and have to conquer the earth (other preset or random maps do not exist). There is always exactly one enemy.

Virgin Interactive 1990
Genre: Strategy
Rating: 4/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

You're the newly elected Prime Minister of Israel because your predecessor has been assassinated. Your task is to help Israel survive amidst the Arab nations by means of diplomacy and military.

Microprose 1990
Genre: Action, Strategy
Rating: 5/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Putting this game into a genre is impossible! It's a mixture of everythin you can think of. But it's this point that makes the game so special!
You are Max (or Maxine) Remington, agent at the CIA. Your boss calls you to his office to give you a mission. He introduces you to the basic problem and the available information. Then you're on your own! Well, not really. There are CIA-analysts who support you. They collect all the data and filter out the important stuff.

SSI 1992
Genre: Strategy, Action
Rating: 5/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Cyber- & Fantasy Empires: These two games are so similar that it's almost impossible to write separate reviews for them. In both games the objective is to conquer the whole world. Up to four opponents try to do the same. You command your army on a strategic map in a turn-based way. You can build fortresses in order to improve your defense and different kinds of 'factories' (in Fantasy Empires they're barracks) to produce more units. With those you conquer more territories and so on. Then there are some other options like simple diplomacy and spying.

Cinemaware 1987
Genre: Strategy, Action
Rating: 5/6
Language: English
Licence: Commercial
System: PC

Cinemaware was always known for producing very unique games, merging strategy, adventure and action. One of its first game, Defender of the Crown, has set this trend, which has proven to be the winning combination for years to come. The game was also the first designer work of Kellyn Beck, who while later designing such great games as S.D.I., Rocket Ranger and Centurion, will always be remembered for his best game, Defender of the Crown.