Console real-time strategy games have typically had a pretty poor reputation. Often, controls are at the core of the problem. If you can't navigate your way around the battlefield, and you can't give commands quickly and precisely, then the game is simply not going to play well.
Lately, however, there has been a positive trend with the console RTS, or perhaps more accurately, RTT or real-time tactical games. Developers have discovered that simplified gameplay can lessen the impact of the less-precise control schemes, so by removing base-building and resource management, and putting a much heavier focus on combat, the game becomes much more playable. Ultimately, however, the lack of depth in such an approach means that many players tire of the game quickly.
The RTS genre has had a rough ride on consoles through the years, but which are the 7 best games available today?
The Black Panel writes: In this (very special) Christmas episode of Australia’s grooviest gaming podcast, the team tackle Sadistic Santa, The Year in Review, Reader Recollections and much more!
Kim Sellentin, Producer behind Medieval II Total War: Kingdoms at SEGA Studios Australia, discusses her start as a QA tester, her approach of cultivating a learning culture in the studio, and strategies for current and future producers.
