links to info RTS games

[jonc2006]

im just now getting into these RTS (real time strategy) games such as star craft, warcraft (not WoW, just orcs and humans and warcraft III). i have yet to recived them in the mail since i only ordered them yesterday, but while im waiting i was wondering if anyone could provide me some links to places that can explain the general rules and gameplay tactics for these games in a very easy-to-understand format (n00b format in other words)so i can have an idea of what to do and how the games are played. im not sure if this really makes a difference in the game rules or the way it is played but as i have stated before in severeal other threads, i dont usually do NOT do that whole multiplay thing, which im pretty sure exists in one way or another in these games. i usually stick to single player, so keep that in mind while you are about to give an answer. the first game i can credit to exposing me into this genre was FF tactics, which i absolutly loved. ive always wanted to dive into the gienre but i feel that there is a bit of a learning curve to these game. first time i played FF tactics i didnt know what the hell i was doing but once i caught on it was pretty smooth sailing afterwards. so if anyone can poiint me to some places that will fill me in on these games it would help me out a lot. in case someone suggests to do this down the road. ive already tried wiki but it didnt seem to give me the amount of detail in the explation i was looking for.

[salde]

The easiest way to learn to play a game, is actually playing the game.
Plus the games almost always have ingame tutorials and they're all you need to get going.
Also, if you need any suggestions, let us know.

[Proto]

Both Starcraft and Warcraft 3 have introductory campaigns that get you introduced with the game dynamics. Obviously, you need to keep and playing so your level, abilities and strategies go up, but at least if we refer to gameplay the campaigns should be instructive enough.

[Hard core Rikki]

The concept is basically the same. Building stable economy, turtling, harassing, readying defenses. Im a RTS junkie myself, and bow to no one in those btw

heres a list of guides for starcraft in particular. gamefaqs would be your best bet. lots of walkthrough and tips there
Starcraft FAQs - Starcraft Walkthroughs - Starcraft Guides

[Condor San]

Play the game call Age of Empire 1-2 OP, you'll get the feel of building and killing xD

My best tactic for beginner is bait and lure. (kill big army with 1 unit)

Get Spellforce 2 shadow war - this game freaking rox , lots better than any RPG/strategy i had play. Its like warcraft, but you can control 4-5 hero and companions - lvl them up and learn over 100 skills.

[S.SubZero]

Rise of Nations was my favorite RTS. Age of Empires was a favorite for a long time too.

The "random map" concept is so great, it always annoyed me that Starcraft and others don't offer them and instead stick the player with static maps that become no fun once you know where everything is. "Oh look, it's that map again.. again.. again.."

[Proto]

Well it offers the advantage that you can develop map specific strategies and counter strategies. It gets fun on the higher ladder levels with people of similar skill

[jonc2006]

generally, what is the learning curve for these types of games? is it pretty easy to catch on to what your supposed to do or should i expect to spend a good amount of time learning the mechanics of the game?

btw can anyone recommend me some strategy games that are similar to FF tactics as well?

[Densetsu]

Originally Posted by jonc2006

btw can anyone recommend me some strategy games that are similar to FF tactics as well?

Disgaea, Disgaea 2, Phantom Brave, Makai Kingdom... anything by Nippon Ichi. The after that, you have FF Tactics Advance, FF Tactics Advance 2(ditto when this one comes out but it has some FF12 characters included and they are supposedly playable), Fire Emblem, Fire Emblem Sacred Stones, Advance Wars, Advance Wars 2 (these 4 are GBA titles), Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together....

generally, what is the learning curve for these types of games? is it pretty easy to catch on to what your supposed to do or should i expect to spend a good amount of time learning the mechanics of the game?

An hour or so. You'll learn all the basics in that amount of time. Like, how to build buildings armies, select and memorise those armies etc. The more advanced things you'll learn as you progress more trough the game. For example, in Warcraft 3 i use keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse, because it takes far less time to buy, build and select groups. Just play the game till you get good at it... or bored.

[Lord Budweiser]

Don't know if turn-based strategy fits on this thread (prolly not ), but maybe you would like to give Civilization series a try on the future.

[Thaggomizer]

Company of Heroes is one of the best RTS games ever. Totally different play style and design from any of Blizzard's stuff which is a refreshing change.

[makotech222]

hmm rise of nations, rise of legends, empire earth 1(2 was crap) age of empires 2, 3.