Summary
Throughout video game’s history, there have been many genres that seem to have suited the role of storytelling more than others. Whilerole-playing gamesand third-person action-adventure titles often hold some of the most intricate plots of the medium, the strategy genre seems to have missed out.
However, that is not to say that there aren’t some genuinely riveting narratives that can be found in the strategy genre - with even some of the best plots and characters video games have to offer being found in some of its titles. From universe-wide existential threats to intimate human relationships, the strategy genre is more than capable of weaving a heart-wrenching narrative.
10Lock’s Quest
A Cult-Classic Clockwork Invasion Tower Defense
Initially finding a home onthe Nintendo DS handheldbefore being ported over to sixth-generation consoles and PC in 2017,Lock’s Questwas created byScribblenautsdeveloper 5th Cell.
Using a substance known as Source, playerstake control of the eponymous Lock.Lock becomes a state-employed Archineer., a builder, and defender, of fortresses. The antagonist Agonius - the greatest of all the Archineers - was defeated decades past, after emulating life through a clockwork army.
Unfortunately, he returns, destroys Lock’s seaside homestead, and captures his sister.
There is no doubt thatHomeworldwas critically adored when it was released in 1999. However, its narrative has similarly stood the test of time.
Following the Kushan people as they evacuate their home planet of Kharak,players must occupy their ship-building mothershipas they ward off the Taiidan Empire, who have obliterated their homeworld as vengeance for the Kushan developing hyperspace jump technology.
In this 3D space-faring strategy title, players must create ships and reclaim the ancient Kushan homeworld from their adversaries.
Exploring an alternate Cold War timeline,World in Conflictbringsthe real-time strategy genreto PC and seventh-generation consoles.
After the collapsing Soviet Union was denied financial aid by the West, the Red Army mobilised in mainland Europe. As the USA sends troops to combat the European threat, the continental United States is attacked by Soviet forces. Defending key areas of interest, the player muststrategize against the Soviets. As China enters the fray, and tensions mount, players will have their wit and bravery tested.
TheDisgaeastrategy RPG series is not one to shy away fromcomplex narrative layers with fantasy elements.Especially consideringits JRPG roots, its narrative is a multi-layered affair with unique inter-character relationships.
As the world ofDisgaea 5unfolds, the hellish Netherworlds - overseen by Overlords with unique abilities - are rallied to your cause. Setting out to tackle the Void Dark, this entry’s cruelly antagonistic force, players must bring the Overlords to their side to defeat the ability-stealing Void Dark and his demonic forces.
Following a pseudo-WWII narrative,Valkyria Chroniclesuses the aesthetic of the Second World War to create a unique yet grounded third-person strategy title.
Our protagonists reside in the neutral state of Gallia. Unfortunately, stuck between the dictatorial East ‘Europan Imperial Alliance’ and the Western democratic conglomerate of the ‘Atlantic Federation’. Through a conflict over Ragnite - a multipurpose resource that both sides are vying for control over.
The WWII-esque story is grounded, yet is fluid enough to include some ancient mystical powers and romance along the way.
Despite Nintendo’s chibi-like aesthetic and cutesy take on modern warfare,Advance Warsstands as an entertainingturn-based strategy narrative romp.
As a tactical advisor for the Orange Star army, players must combat enemy forces while also unravelling acontinent-wide military plotfeaturing multiple factions and tactical subterfuge. As factions such as the Green Earth and Yellow Comet states are playable,gameplay is dynamic. However, the cutesy take on geopolitical strife is genuinely engaging.
Square Enix’s handheld real-time strategy titleFinal Fantasy XII: Revenant Wingsis not only a competent strategy title but one that players have found to have ahighly engaging narrative.
An expansion of the magic and airships gamers first discovered in the originalFinal Fantasy XII, this titletakes place one year after the events of the original title.Revenant Wingsretroactively adds the floating contingent of Lemures, which is made visible to the player as they play the role ofFinal Fantasy XII’s protagonist - Vaan.
Stellarisisn’t like other narrative-focused strategy titles. There are no world-ending events, sleazy political negotiations, or last-minute backstabbing from allies. At least, not in a wholly scripted campaign.
All these elements are at play, however they come through direct interaction with human players alongside the somewhat randomly generated events that occur universe-wide. Asgalaxy-devouring crisesoccur and political trade blockades reap long-lasting effects in real-time, the effects ofStellaris’narrative junctions are felt across the universe.
Starcraftalmost requires no introduction. Atouchstone for the real-time strategy genre, Blizzard’s 1998 title boasts a narrative many gamers argue is the best in the series.
After attempts at creating perfect artificial life in the Koprulu sector of the Milky Way, the Protoss and Zerg are created. After theZerg promptly destroy their creators, a remnant of humanity accidentally flies into occupied space - complete with their human power struggles. In amulti-faction campaign,players must navigate this new alien conflict’s political and geographical terrain.
BeforeFire Emblem: Awakening’s2013 release, the franchise was on its last legs. However,Awakening’s unprecedented success hasallowed the seriesto becomeone of Nintendo’s best-selling- partially down toAwakening’s engaging narrative.
Seen by many gamers as the series' best story, it follows players inhabiting the mute avatar of Robin. Joining the burly prince of Ylisse, Chrom,gamers defend local settlementsand defeat antagonistic forces before a time jump where Chrom becomes king, and the real story begins.
