Summary
Canadian video game developer Relic Entertainment, practically speaking, has had a history fraught with uncertainty and buyouts across its 26-year existence. Still, despite business and company politics, Relic Entertainment has managed to cement itself as an expert in the development ofreal-time strategy (RTS) games, being considered royalty in the creation of the genre.
From original IPs to RTS games based in the worlds of existing franchises, no one can deny that Relic Entertainment has left there mark on the gaming sphere and, despite mixed reception to its output over the years, continues to make video game experiences to this day.
12The Outfit
The Xbox 360 exclusiveThe Outfitis predominantly a third-person shooter that throws elements of RTS into the mix to varying levels of effectiveness. Released in 2006,this WW2 shooterattempted to separate itself from the others in its genre by throwing realism out of the window and gunning hard into the absurd.
Whilst not panned by any means, critical reaction to the game was lukewarm, with critics suggesting that the game lacked variety but praising the RTS elements. It seems that, withThe Outfit, Relic Entertainment should have stuck to what they do best.
11Impossible Creatures
Inspired in part by the weird and wonderful H.G Wells novelThe Island of Doctor Moreau, 2003’sImpossible Creaturescasts the player as Rex Chance, who grieved at his scientist father’s death, vows revengeon his murderersby defeating them using amalgamations of different animals.
A pure RTS game,Impossible Creaturesis absurdity at its finest, taking a ridiculous concept and running with it. In fact, the game gives players a lot to work with in the form of 51 different animals to choose from in the base game. Although criticized for not being particularly innovative, players need not consider this as they smash together animal hybrids that make Mother Nature shudder.
10Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine
Every fan of the tabletop gameWarhammer 40,000has, at some point, imagined what it would be like to hack and slash their way through hordes of Xenos as a Space Marine. They got their wish in 2011 withWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine. Put in the power armor of Captain Titus as his squad descends onto the forge world Graia to deal with an Ork invasion; this game is a delightful steer away from the RTS genre intoa third-person shooter/hack-n-slash.
Although noted by numerous critics to not live up to its clear influences, such as theGears of Warseries,Warhammer 40,000: Space Marinewas a brilliantly gory experience that resonated with fans of the IP, so much so that a sequel is slated for release in 2023.
9Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 3
TheWarhammer 40,000IP has been intrinsically linked with Relic Entertainment for many years, with the developer creating many games set within the universe. TheWarhammer 40,000: Dawn of Warfranchise has been a staple in this relationship, with the third numbered entry,Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, being released in 2017.
RELATED:The Best Warhammer 40k Video Games Ever Made (According To Metacritic)
Despite being the least well-received of any entry in theWarhammer 40,000: Dawn of Warseries, this entry still acts as a solid RTS with elements that allow players to enact strategically deep tactics.
8Company Of Heroes 3
Relic Entertainment has taken a number of franchises into multiple numbered entries, including theCompany of Heroesseries.Company of Heroes3was released in 2023 and set players up in both the Italian and North African theaters of WW2 while additionally adding features unseen in previous entries.
The game was received quite positively, with critics lauding the setting and new features. Despite some feeling thatCompany of Heroes 3did not live up to its predecessors, the game seems to have sated the fans' appetite for a WW2 RTS.
7Company Of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2was released in 2013 and focuses on the battles of the Eastern Front during WW2. Players predominantly control the Red Army as they battle the Germans in various historical skirmishes.
On launch, the game was criticized for the accuracy with which it depicted the Eastern Front during WW2. Despite this accusation of dramatic license,Company of Heroes 2was praised for its building upon the foundations of the original game and the amount of content available to players.
6Age Of Empires 4
Taking over from developer Ensemble Studios, Relic Entertainment released its effort in theAge of EmpiresfranchiseAge of Empires 4in 2021, allowing players to take control of a plethora of civilizations, including the Mongols and the Holy Roman Empire, with many more added in the form of expansions.
Age of Empires 4was received well by critics and fans alike, with a main point of praise being the way in which each playable civilization differed in gameplay and aesthetics. With this, Relic Entertainment strengthened its claim to the RTS throne, even when entering an already-established franchise.
5Homeworld 2
The sequel to 1999’sHomeworld,the space battle RTSHomeworld 2took what the first game set up and built on it, with improved graphics and audio as well as some significant changes to staple units in its predecessor. Story-wise,Homeworld 2continues the protagonist race’s search for the technology of the mysterious Progenitors.
Received very well critically, the visually impressive sequel won accolades and is most definitely a fan-favorite of Relic Entertainment’s output. Indeed, developer Gearbox Software is planning on releasing a further sequel, slated for release in 2024.
4Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 2
A landmark entry in both Relic Entertainment’s output and theWarhammer 40,000franchise,Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2broke barriers when it was released in 2009. Taking the role of a Force Commander sent to deal with the Xenos threats of Orks, Aeldari, and Tyranids, players battle through different planets with varying biomes and cleanse the alien for the Emperor.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of Warwas met with high praiseas an RTS-RPG hybridwith impressive gameplay and graphics. The game only continued this positive reception with its numerous expansions, includingChaos RisingandRetribution, cementing it as one of the greatestWarhammer 40,000video games ever made.
3Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
The original outing of theWarhammer 40,000IP into the RTS genre,Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of Waris considered by many as the definitiveWarhammer 40,000RTS game. In the base game, players can choose between four races (Space Marines, Aeldari, Orks, and Chaos Space Marines) with the multiple expansions after release, bringing the playable race count up to nine.
Universally praised,Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of Warset the foundations for the entries that came after it and providedWarhammer 40,000fans with an intricate and enjoyable RTS that allowed them to play as their favorite races as they clash with Xenos and humans alike.
