30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

The apex of RTS games -- what a great gaming era RIP. Since then graphics are way better but business models have just deteriorated and mass appeal has driven games.

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#5

Post by itsdrewmiller » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:51 PM UTC

boringg wrote: post #4

The apex of RTS games -- what a great gaming era RIP. Since then graphics are way better but business models have just deteriorated and mass appeal has driven games.

I think Brood War is the true apex - more than two races with significant differences and aggressive balancing. Warcraft II was what I LAN played the most so it has a special place in my heart though.

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#6

Post by chollida1 » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:52 PM UTC

boringg wrote: post #4

The apex of RTS games -- what a great gaming era RIP. Since then graphics are way better but business models have just deteriorated and mass appeal has driven games.

Interesting, I think most RTS players would point to StarCraft 2 as the apex, and they'd probably be correct given how its still played so much today.

What makes Warcraft 2 the apex for you over StarCraft 2?

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#7

Post by iammjm » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:56 PM UTC

itsdrewmiller wrote: post #5

boringg wrote: post #4

The apex of RTS games -- what a great gaming era RIP. Since then graphics are way better but business models have just deteriorated and mass appeal has driven games.

I think Brood War is the true apex - more than two races with significant differences and aggressive balancing. Warcraft II was what I LAN played the most so it has a special place in my heart though.

Brood War IS the absolute apex. This is the game that started e-sports. It is what defined the modern RTS games. It is also the most difficult game. Flash, the best Brood War player, is arguably the best e-sports player of all time.

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#8

Post by semitones » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:57 PM UTC

newshackr wrote: post #3

Zug zug

swobu

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#9

Post by adinisom » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:58 PM UTC

chollida1 wrote: post #6

boringg wrote: post #4

The apex of RTS games -- what a great gaming era RIP. Since then graphics are way better but business models have just deteriorated and mass appeal has driven games.

Interesting, I think most RTS players would point to StarCraft 2 as the apex, and they'd probably be correct given how its still played so much today. What makes Warcraft 2 the apex for you over StarCraft 2?

Buildings as walls and using spawn points to jump through terrain are fun mechanics in WC2.

Re: 30 Year Anniversary of WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness

#10

Post by PeterHolzwarth » Tue, Dec 09, 2025, 2:59 PM UTC

iammjm wrote: post #7

itsdrewmiller wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Brood War is the true apex - more than two races with significant differences and aggressive balancing. Warcraft II was what I LAN played the most so it has a special place in my heart though.

Brood War IS the absolute apex. This is the game that started e-sports. It is what defined the modern RTS games. It is also the most difficult game. Flash, the best Brood War player, is arguably the best e-sports player of all time.

Oh goodness, Brood War most certainly is not the game that started e-sports, tho I of course appreciate your enthusiasm for the game.