Year |
Game |
Developer |
Setting |
Platform |
Notes |
1983 | Cosmic Balance II | SSI | Sci-fi (Space) | ATR, APPII | Cosmic Balance from SSI in 1982, is a tactical level starship combat simulator and not a true predecessor. |
1983 | Reach for the Stars | SSG | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, APPII, MAC, C64, AMI | |
1984 | Strategic Conquest | Peter Merrill | Historical | APPII, MAC | |
1984 | Imperium Galactum | SSI | Sci-fi (Space) | APPII, ATR, C64 | |
1984 | Incunabula | Avalon Hill | Historical | DOS | Based on Avalon Hill's board game, Civilization. |
1987 | Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021 | Thinking Machine | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1987 | Xconq | Various | Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet) | CROSS | A strategy game engine hosting multiple fan-made game modules. |
1987 | Strategic Conquest II | Peter Merrill | Historical | APPII, MAC | Sequel to Strategic Conquest. |
1989 | Warlords | SSG | Fantasy | AMI, DOS | First title in the series. |
1989 | Millennium 2.2 | Electric Dreams | Sci-fi (Space) | AMI, DOS, ST | |
1990 | Khalaan | Chip | Fantasy | AMI, ST, DOS | |
1990 | Spaceward Ho! | Delta Tao | Sci-fi (Space) | MAC, WIN, AMI | |
1990 | Centurion: Defender of Rome | Bits of Magic | Historical | DOS, AMI, SEGA | |
1991 | Armada 2525 | Interstel | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1991 | Deuteros | Activision | Sci-fi (Space) | AMI, ST | Sequel to Millennium 2.2. |
1991 | Civilization | MicroProse | Historical | DOS, WIN, MAC, AMI, ST, SNES | First title in the series. |
1992 | Pax Imperia | Changeling Software | Sci-fi (Space) | MAC | |
1992 | VGA Planets | Tim Wisseman | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | |
1993 | Master of Orion | Simtex | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, MAC | First title in the series. First game to use the term "4X". |
1993 | Space Empires | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | First title in the series. |
1993 | Warlords II | SSG | Fantasy | DOS | Sequel to Warlords. |
1994 | Colonization | MicroProse | Historical | AMI, DOS, WIN, MAC | |
1994 | K240 | Gremlin Graphics | Sci-fi (Space) | AMI | |
1994 | Hammer of the Gods | Holistic | Fantasy | DOS | |
1994 | Lords of the Realm | Impressions Games | Historical | WIN, AMI | |
1994 | Master of Magic | Simtex | Fantasy | DOS | |
1995 | Age of Discovery | Email Games | Historical | PBEM, WIN | Alternate version of Global Diplomacy with randomized maps. |
1995 | Ascendancy | The Logic Factory | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, IPAD (iOS) | |
1995 | Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest | New World | Fantasy | DOS, WIN, MAC, GBC | First title in the series. |
1995 | Imperium | Email Games | Sci-fi | PBEM, WIN | |
1995 | Space Empires II | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires. |
1995 | Stars! | Jeff Johnson and Jeff McBride | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
1996 | Civilization II | MicroProse | Historical | MAC, PS1, WIN | Sequel to Civilization. |
1996 | Deadlock: Planetary Conquest | Accolade | Sci-fi (Planet) | MAC, WIN | |
1996 | Emperor of the Fading Suns | Holistic | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | |
1996 | Freeciv | Freeciv team | Historical | CROSS | Civilization clone. |
1996 | Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars | New World | Fantasy | WIN, MAC, ROS, GBC | Sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest. |
1996 | Lords of the Realm II | Impressions Games | Historical | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Lords of the Realm. |
1996 | Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares | Simtex | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS, WIN, MAC | Sequel to Master of Orion. |
1997 | Fragile Allegiance | Gremlin | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN9X, DOS | |
1997 | Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Price of Loyalty | New World | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars. |
1997 | Imperialism | Frog City | Historical | MAC, WIN | |
1997 | Imperium Galactica | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | DOS | First title in the series. |
1997 | Into the Void | Adrenalin Entertainment | Sci-fi | DOS | |
1997 | Lords of Magic | Impressions | Fantasy | WIN9X | |
1997 | Pax Imperia Eminent Domain | Heliotrope | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, MAC | |
1997 | Space Empires III | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires II. |
1997 | Tone Rebellion, The | The Logic Factory | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | |
1997 | Warlords III: Reign of Heroes | SSG | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Warlords II. |
1998 | Lords of Magic: Legends of Urak | Impressions | Fantasy | WIN9X | Expansion to Lords of Magic. |
1998 | Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri | Firaxis | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, LIN, MAC | Pseudo-sequel to Civilization |
1998 | Star Wars: Rebellion | Coolhand | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
1998 | Warlords III: Darklords Rising | SSG | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Warlords III: Reign of Heroes. |
1999 | Age of Wonders | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | First title in the series. |
1999 | Civilization II: Test of Time | MicroProse | Historical, Fantasy or Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Remake of Civilization II. |
1999 | Civilization: Call to Power | Activision | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | BEOS, LIN, MAC, WIN | Spin-off of Civilization. |
1999 | Disciples: Sacred Lands | Strategy First | Fantasy | WIN | First title in the series. |
1999 | Heroes of Might and Magic III: Armageddon's Blade | New World | Fantasy | WIN, MAC | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia. |
1999 | Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia | New World | Fantasy | DC, LIN, MAC, WIN | Sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars. |
1999 | Imperialism II: Age of Exploration | Frog City | Historical | OSX, WIN | Sequel to Imperialism. |
1999 | Malkari | iMagic | Sci-fi | WIN | |
1999 | Sid Meier's Alien Crossfire | Firaxis | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, LIN, MAC | Expansion to Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. |
1999 | Star Trek: Birth of the Federation | MicroProse | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2000 | Call to Power II | Activision | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Sequel to Civilization: Call to Power. |
2000 | Europa Universalis | Paradox | Historical | WIN | First title in the series. |
2000 | Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Shadow of Death | New World | Fantasy | WIN, MAC | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia. |
2000 | Imperium Galactica II: Alliances | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Imperium Galactica. |
2000 | Shogun: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | First title in the series. |
2000 | Space Empires IV | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires III. |
2000 | Theocracy | Philos | Historical | WIN, LIN | |
2001 | Civilization III | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Civilization II. |
2001 | Europa Universalis II | Paradox | Historical | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Europa Universalis. |
2001 | Heroes of Might and Magic: Quest for the Dragon Bone Staff | New World | Fantasy | PS2 | Spin-off of the Heroes of Might and Magic series. |
2002 | Age of Wonders 2: The Wizard's Throne | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders. |
2002 | Starships Unlimited | Apezone | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2002 | Civilization III: Play the World | Firaxis | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Civilization III. |
2002 | Disciples II: Dark Prophecy | Strategy First | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Disciples: Sacred Lands. |
2002 | Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest | Mad Doc Software | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Empire Earth. |
2002 | Haegemonia: Legions of Iron | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2002 | Heroes of Might and Magic IV: The Gathering Storm | New World | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic IV. |
2002 | Heroes of Might and Magic IV | New World | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia. |
2002 | Medieval: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Sequel to Shogun: Total War. |
2003 | Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders 2: The Wizard's Throne. |
2003 | Civilization III: Conquests | BreakAway, Firaxis | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Civilization III. |
2003 | FreeCol | The Freecol Team | Historical | WIN | Colonization clone |
2003 | Disciples II: Guardians of the Light | Strategy First | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Disciples II: Dark Prophecy. |
2003 | Disciples II: Rise of the Elves | Strategy First | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Disciples II: Dark Prophecy. |
2003 | Disciples II: Servants of the Dark | Strategy First | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Disciples II: Dark Prophecy. |
2003 | Galactic Civilizations | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | First title in the series. |
2003 | Haegemonia: The Solon Heritage | Digital Reality | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Expansion to Haegemonia: Legions of Iron. |
2003 | Heroes of Might and Magic IV: The Winds of War | New World | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic IV. |
2003 | Master of Orion III | Quicksilver | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX | Sequel to Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares. |
2003 | Medieval: Total War: Viking Invasion | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Medieval: Total War. |
2003 | Space Merchants: Conquerors | Playito | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2003 | Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria | Infinite | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Warlords III: Darklords Rising. |
2004 | Anacreon: Imperial Conquest in the Far Future | George Moromisato | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Remake of Anacreon: Reconstruction 4021. |
2004 | Empire Deluxe Enhanced Edition | Killer Bee Software | Historical | WIN | Expansion of Empire Deluxe. |
2004 | Galactic Civilizations: Altarian Prophecy | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Expansion to Galactic Civilizations. |
2004 | Lords of the Realm III | Impressions Games | Historical | WIN | Sequel to Lords of the Realm II. |
2004 | Rome: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN, OSX | Sequel to Medieval: Total War. |
2004 | Strength & Honour | Magitech | Historical | WIN | |
2004 | FreeOrion 0.1 (initial release) | Various developers | Sci-fi (Space) | LIN | |
2005 | Civilization IV | Firaxis | Historical | WINNT, OSX | Sequel to Civilization III. |
2005 | Empire Earth II | Mad Doc Software | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Sequel to Empire Earth. |
2005 | Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Rome: Total War. |
2006 | C-evo | Steffen Gerlach | Historical | WIN | Civilization clone. |
2006 | Civilization IV: Warlords | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, OSX | Expansion to Civilization IV. |
2006 | Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy | Mad Doc Software | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Expansion to Empire Earth II. |
2006 | Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Galactic Civilizations. |
2006 | Heroes of Might and Magic V: Hammers of Fate | Nival | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic V. |
2006 | Heroes of Might and Magic V | Nival | Fantasy | WIN, OSX | Sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic IV. |
2006 | Medieval II: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Sequel to Rome: Total War and Medieval: Total War. |
2006 | Rome: Total War - Alexander | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Rome: Total War. |
2006 | Space Empires V | Malfador | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Sequel to Space Empires IV. |
2006 | Sword of the Stars | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. |
2006 | Dominions 3: The Awakening | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LINUX | Third game in the Dominions series |
2007 | Sword of the Stars: Born of Blood | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. Expansion to Sword of the Stars. |
2007 | Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword | Firaxis | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Civilization IV. |
2007 | Europa Universalis III | Paradox | Historical | WIN, MAC | Sequel to Europa Universalis II. |
2007 | Empire Earth III | Mad Doc Software | Historical and Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN | Sequel to Empire Earth II. |
2007 | Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Expansion to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. |
2007 | Heroes of Might and Magic V: Tribes of the East | Nival | Fantasy | WIN | Expansion to Heroes of Might and Magic V. |
2007 | Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Expansion to Medieval II: Total War. |
2007 | Lost Empire | Pollux Gamelabs | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn Based. |
2008 | Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Expansion to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords. |
2008 | Lost Empire: Immortals | Pollux Gamelabs | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn Based. |
2008 | Sins of a Solar Empire | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. |
2008 | Civilization Revolution | Firaxis | Historical | PS3, DS, X360 | |
2008 | Civilization IV: Colonization | Firaxis | Historical | WIN | |
2008 | Shattered Suns | Clear Crown | Sci-fi (Space) | PC | |
2008 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Entrenchment | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire. |
2008 | Sword of the Stars: A Murder of Crows | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. Expansion to Sword of the Stars. |
2009 | Empire: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | WIN | Fifth in the Total War series. |
2009 | Disciples III: Renaissance | Akella | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Disciples II: Dark Prophecy. |
2009 | Sword of the Stars: Argos Naval Yard | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. Expansion to Sword of the Stars. |
2009 | Mayhem Intergalactic | Inventive Dingo | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based, streamlined. |
2009 | AI War: Fleet Command | Arcen Games, LLC | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2010 | Civilization V | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Sequel to Civilization IV. |
2010 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Diplomacy | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire. |
2010 | Conquest: Divide and Conquer | Proxy Studios | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Simultaneously executed turn-based tactical combat game placed in a dark and distant future. |
2010 | Elemental: War of Magic | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements. |
2010 | Distant Worlds | Code Force | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2010 | Star Ruler | Blind Mind Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time |
2010 | Napoleon: Total War | Creative Assembly | Historical | Win | Sixth in Total War series. |
2010 | Distant Stars (videogame) | Expat Games | Sci-fi (Space) | iPad | Turn-based, streamlined. |
2010 | Neptune's Pride | Iron Helmet Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WEB | PvP where games can take weeks to play out. |
2010 | Armada 2526 | Ntronium Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2011 | Total War: Shogun 2 | Creative Assembly | Historical | Win | Seventh in Total War series. |
2011 | Sword of the Stars II: The Lords of Winter | Kerberos | Sci-fi (Space) | WINNT | Turn-based with Real-time combat. Sequel to Sword of the Stars. |
2011 | Illyriad | Illyriad | Fantasy | BROW | Real-time |
2011 | Might & Magic: Heroes VI | BlackHole | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Heroes of Might and Magic V. |
2012 | Warlock: Master of the Arcane | 1C:Ino-Co Plus | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Derived from the Majesty universe. |
2012 | Endless Space | Amplitude Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX | Turn-based |
2012 | Civilization V: Gods and Kings | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Expansion to Civilization V. |
2012 | Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion | Ironclad | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-Time. Expansion to Sins of a Solar Empire. |
2012 | Legends of Pegasus | Novacore Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based |
2012 | Elemental: Fallen Enchantress | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based strategy with a fantasy theme, combining role-playing elements. |
2013 | StarDrive | Zer0sum Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Real-time |
2013 | Lords of the Black Sun | Arkavi Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based |
2013 | Civilization V: Brave New World | Firaxis | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Expansion to Civilization V. |
2013 | Europa Universalis IV | Paradox | Historical | WIN, OSX, LIN | Sequel to Europa Universalis III. |
2013 | Pandora: First Contact | Proxy Studios | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Turn-based planetary colonization and conquest, borrowing heavily from Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. |
2013 | Dominions 4: Thrones of Ascension | Illwinter Game Design | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LINUX | |
2013 | Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes | Stardock | Fantasy | WIN, OSX, LINUX | |
2013 | Eador: Masters of the Broken World | Snowbird Games | Fantasy | WIN | |
2014 | Horizon | L3O | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game with MOO2 like tactical combat and story missions. |
2014 | Age of Wonders III | Triumph | Fantasy | WIN | Sequel to Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic. |
2014 | Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth | Firaxis | Sci-fi (Planet) | WIN, LIN | Turn-based |
2014 | Endless Legend | Amplitude | Fantasy | WIN, OSX | Endless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of Endless Space and Dungeon of the Endless. |
2014 | Star Ruler 2 | Blind Mind Studios | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN, OSX, LIN | Real-time. Sequel to Star Ruler. |
2014 | Warlock II: The Exiled | 1C:Ino-Co Plus | Fantasy | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to Warlock: Master of the Arcane. |
2014 | Sorcerer King | Stardock Entertainment | Fantasy | WIN | |
2014 | Distant Worlds: Universe | Code Force | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2014 | Star Traders: 4X Empires | Trese Brothers | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2014 | The Last Federation | Arcen Games, LLC | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2015 | StarDrive 2 | Zer0sum Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based. Sequel to StarDrive. |
2015 | Sid Meier's Starships | Firaxis Games | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game. |
2015 | Galactic Civilizations III | Stardock | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | Turn-based space strategy game. |
2015 | Worlds of Magic | Wastelands Interactive | Fantasy | WIN | |
2015 | Galactic Inheritors | Argonauts Interactive | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2015 | Gates of Horizon | Hex Keep | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |
2015 | Predestination | Brain and Nerd Ltd | Sci-fi (Space) | WIN | |