If I wanted to introduce someone to the genre then Empires of the Undergrowth would be my first recommendation.
The gameplay, narrative, and progression mechanics are top-notch. The developers understand what makes RTS mechanics compelling and have designed systems that are more intuitive and accessible for everyone.
For instance (no spoilers) unit groups are built-in to base management. No hotkeys or group micro management required. It happens automatically as a functional result of more obvious concerns.
My only critique of the game, if I were forced to offer one, is that the UI can seem a bit clunky at first. That aside though the team’s expertise and care shine through in ways which prove the user experience was well considered throughout development.
For instance (no spoilers) unit groups are built-in to base management. No hotkeys or group micro management required. It happens automatically as a functional result of more obvious concerns.
as someone who struggles with unit groups in AoE (the only RTS I play, cuz I suck at it lol) this intrigues me
that actually sounds really fun
edit: it exists!
If I wanted to introduce someone to the genre then Empires of the Undergrowth would be my first recommendation.
The gameplay, narrative, and progression mechanics are top-notch. The developers understand what makes RTS mechanics compelling and have designed systems that are more intuitive and accessible for everyone.
For instance (no spoilers) unit groups are built-in to base management. No hotkeys or group micro management required. It happens automatically as a functional result of more obvious concerns.
My only critique of the game, if I were forced to offer one, is that the UI can seem a bit clunky at first. That aside though the team’s expertise and care shine through in ways which prove the user experience was well considered throughout development.
It’s fun, too!
as someone who struggles with unit groups in AoE (the only RTS I play, cuz I suck at it lol) this intrigues me