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[citation needed] |
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[citation needed] |
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[citation needed] |
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[citation needed] |
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 |
Expansion to 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[citation needed] |
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[citation needed] |
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)[citation needed] |
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 |
|