BEST STRATEGY GAME 0 A.D.
Version: 0.24 Web: https://play0ad.com
Although 0 A.D. is a tremendous time-killing game, it needs a different section to better fit the criteria of modern-class strategy games, with its high-resolution graphics and full 3D experience. 0 A.D. (see LXF275) is the real gem in the world of open source games thanks to high standards of artwork, details and historical accuracy. The game originates from the full conversion mod for Age of Empires II: Age of Kings that dates back to 2001. Twenty years after that, 0 A.D. is a completely independent and entirely open source game about economics and warfare.
The game invites you to govern one of the ancient civilisations, starting with the very basics. You have a camp and some workers that can build auxiliary buildings and collect resources. The goal is to develop a sustainable economy with sufficient resources (stone, iron, wood and meals) to produce military units and resist enemy attacks.
0 A.D. also has a multiplayer mode to let you compete with friends over LAN or online, but for newcomers it would be best to start learning the game in single-player mode. Play against the game’s AI by building your own empire based on a chosen civilisation. In total there are 13 historic nations with their unique architecture, skills, names and other attributes carefully implemented in the game. The nations vary in their abilities: some may be better at defence or attack, or have unique large units such as elephants. The camp can grow into a town and then a large town giving you more abilities and the opportunity to build a bigger army.
The game’s mechanics are complex, but in the end it’s a classic balance between the economy and war. One can’t grow without another: you need to invest in technological advancements and care about building materials and population fertility to create good conditions for building defensive units. You’ll need them – a skirmish is always just around the corner…