European civilization has produced many great works of art, fascinating people and marvellous tales, but it's war which has inspired the most computer games. And let's face it, an online tour is never going to match the numerous emotions of a good pc war game. These are my picks of the current best.
1. Medieval II: Total War
Set between 1090 to 1530 CE, M2:TW lets you command thousands of individually animated 3-dimensional warriors in battles featuring knights, archers, catapults and even elephant mounted cannon. You also have to build and fund your armies while conquering regions on a map of Europe, the Middle East and even South America (once it's been discovered) with the ultimate aim of becoming emperor. Great graphics, great gameplay and a strong sense of history... An expansion pack is now also available.
2. Company of Heroes
This real time strategy has plenty of arcade elements, but the rest oozes World War Two atmosphere. Build your units and send them to your targets on the map, balancing capturing resources with defeating your opponent. This probably won't satisfy serious wargamers, but everyone else should be happy.3. Total War: Eras
This massive value-for-money compilation includes every game and expansion released in the Total War series before (but not including) Medieval II: Total War, as well as a soundtrack CD. The price is worth it for just Rome: Total War alone, a game equally as good as M2:TW with a different, but equally superb, atmosphere.4. Combat Mission: Barbarossa to Berlin
If you value historical accuracy and the ability to use correct tactics over flashy graphics and a rocking soundtrack you'll probably adore this, a turn based, 3-d game set on the Eastern Front during WW2. It's probably the most accurate game on the market, if not the most attractive, and there's a free demo.5. Blitzkrieg 2
Pitched perfectly between the simulation of Combat Mission and the arcade of Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2, the original Blitzkrieg was my favourite real time strategy game set during the Second World War. This sequel opens the game to cover the Pacific theatre as well, but also features cameos from historical figures, adding a ‘special character’ feeling I found offputting. Be careful of the copy protection though: you might not want to install this game at all, depending on what you use your pc for...6. Cossacks Gold Edition
A real time strategy set somewhere between Total War and Civilization – expand your nation across the map whilst also fighting huge battles – Cossacks boasts 85 pre-designed historical campaigns, 16 nations to choose from, online games with up to seven players and a solid, proven system of gameplay, although the graphics aren’t great. Perhaps the biggest selling point is the era: the age of Pike and Musket, with the English Civil War and Seven Years War all featured. A sequel is now available.7. Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2
Play as Britain, Russia, America or even Germany in this graphically stunning live action strategy. You control beautifully modeled 3D units in either groups or individually as you attempt to complete 25 missions; unfortunately, the general theme is special forces behind enemy lines, an all too common setting for WW2. However, you can choose between stealth or outright carnage to achieve your goals in what is ultimately an arcade look at WW2.8. Knights of Honor
As with Medieval: Total War, this is a mixture of ‘Civilization’-empire building and large-scale battle simulation, although there is greater emphasis on diplomacy, spying, economics and living out the feudal system; as such, it’s the only game to appear in both ‘war’ and ‘empire’ top picks. The ultimate goal is conquering the whole continent, but you’ll need more than a blood thirst to achieve it.9. Close Combat 2 (Close Combat - A Bridge too Far)
There may have been three more Close Combat’s since this was released, but war and computer gamers have consistently rated this as the best modern era real time strategy game ever, simply because of the sheer realism: you have to use proper tactics to succeed. While arcade style action games are often more immediately enjoyable, Close Combat 2 is more rewarding and even educational. However, the engine is getting a little old and you may require help getting started in modern systems.10. Ancient Wars: Sparta
Sparta is only one of three nations you can play in this RTS game set in the ancient era, but with the success of 300 and the unfortunate popularity of the Spartans it’s understandable why they get top billing over the Persians and Egyptians. The graphics have been criticised but they’re functional and there is enough of a challenge and historical flavour to keep you interested as you conquer the Mediterranean.