7 Best Old-School War Games to Play (Revisiting Classics)

Panzer General

Ah, Panzer General. A masterpiece of a turn-based strategy.

You’re put in charge of the German army during World War II, and every decision you make can change the course of history.

What made this game legendary is its depth. You have to think about everything, from logistics to the weather. You can command a wide variety of units  – tanks, infantry, artillery, aircraft – each with its own strengths and weaknesses. All in all, the satisfaction of outsmarting your opponent and watching your strategy unfold is unmatched, and Panzer General is an example of games which are easy to pick up and very addictive.

Blitzkrieg

Blitzkrieg used to be the go-to game for real-time strategy enthusiasts.

The attention to detail in this game is insane. You have historical accuracy down to the unit types and battlefields. It’s like a history lesson, but with explosions.

Image credit: Nival

The best things about this game? You have to manage your resources smartly and choose your battles wisely. The terrain plays a significant role and you have to use it to your advantage. Plus, the multiplayer mode is a blast. Teaming up with friends to outflank your enemies is pure, adrenaline-pumping fun.

Blitzkrieg Anthology

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Sudden Strike

Sudden Strike brought a new level of realism to the RTS genre. It’s all about strategy and tactics.

No base building involved, which was a refreshing change of pace at the time. You have to make do with the units you had, so every decision you make matters a great deal.

Image credit: Fireglow Games

The game’s best feature are huge, complex maps and the need for strategic planning. You have to think about ambushes, supply lines, and reinforcements. Every battle is intense, so if you’re looking for a gripping wargame of the old, Sudden Strike is one of your best bets.

Sudden Strike Trilogy

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Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far

Now, this one’s a major gem. Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far is a real-time tactical game that puts you right in the middle of Operation Market Garden. It isn’t just about winning. It’s about surviving.

The game’s really good when it comes to realism. Your troops have morale and fatigue levels, which affect their performance. And the AI is no joke, either – it can flank you, ambush you, and force you to adapt on the fly. Detailed maps and intense firefights make this game quite a nail-biter.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Red Alert 2. Where do we even start? This game was a massive hit.

You have an alternate history storyline where the Allies and Soviets duke it out, and it’s glorious. The mix of strategy, action, and campy cutscenes is just *chef’s kiss*.

The best thing about Red Alert 2 is the unit variety. You can send in Tesla tanks, Chrono Commandos, and attack dolphins. And multiplayer? Pure mayhem. Setting up LAN parties and trash-talking your friends while launching a surprise nuke is surely something which will bring back tons of awesome memories.

Total Annihilation

If you want a game with massive battles, Total Annihilation was your jam.

The sheer scale of battles was mind-blowing at the time. And it’s the first 3D RTS to be ever released!

Image credit: Cavedog Entertainment

Aside from excellent combat, the game’s standout feature is its resource management system. You don’t collect any resources using workers and there are no limits here. Instead, you have to generate more resources than you spend on units and buildings. It’s simple, it’s elegant, it’s super effective and does make TA stand out from the crowd of its competitors. And the modding community? It keeps the game alive with new units, maps, and features to this day. It is indeed a timeless classic.

Total Annihilation

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Call of Duty 2

And now for a change of pace, a WWII-themed shooter which blew Medal of Honor out of the water and shaped the future of the first-person shooter genre.

While Allied Assault isn’t without its merits, it’s Call of Duty which is regarded as one of the greatest games ever released and the better title in general.

Image credit: Aspyr (Mac)

Three distinct campaigns. Pioneering the iron sights feature. Really good multiplayer. All these made Call of Duty the smash hit it was. Extremely cinematic in nature, CoD steered clear from the “lone wolf” trope, forcing you to work with AI-controlled allies to complete the objectives ahead of you.

Missions based on events such as Utah landings or the Battle of Stalingrad are full of nerve-wracking, tense moments, a testament to the game’s excellent design. Yeah, it’s an oldie, but it’s a fine one. If you love old shooters, this one is something you need to check out, if you haven’t already.

Call of Duty 2

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Steel Panthers

Steel Panthers is pretty much the granddaddy of tactical war games. It has everything – tanks, infantry, artillery, and more.

The turn-based gameplay is deep and rewarding, making you feel like you’re actually a commander on a battlefield.

The game’s best feature is its attention to detail. You have to consider factors like terrain, weather, and unit experience. Each battle feels unique, and the replay value is through the roof. Plus, the game’s scenarios cover a wide range of historical events, which is certainly a plus for World War II aficionados.

Cannon Fodder

War has never been so much fun! Cannon Fodder certainly lives up to its tagline.

This quirky mix of strategy, arcade action, and a dark sense of humor is surely a standout.

Image credit: Sensible Software

The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and humor. You control a squad of soldiers, leading them through various missions while trying to keep them alive. Cannon Fodder’s cartoonish graphics and catchy soundtrack make it a blast to play, even when your troops meet a grisly end.

Cannon Fodder

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Axis & Allies

Last but not least, Axis & Allies. This game brought the classic board game to life, letting you control the major powers of World War II.

It’s pretty deep strategically, but also quite easy to pick up, making it something not just for strategy enthusiasts.

You have to manage resources (Industrial Production Certificates), conduct research, buy units, and plan your attacks carefully. The balance between different types of units and the importance of alliances adds layers of strategy. And the thrill of turning the tide of war in your favor is a fantastic experience.