Are there any other RTS games out there with an economy like Seven Kingdoms?

July 10, 2009 8:00 AM

Big fan of the Seven Kingdoms franchise. Not so much because of the combat (which was cool), but because of the economy. Are there any other RTS games out there that have such a diverse economy (non MMO, please, EVE would steal me from my life :D)? Specifically, I liked how you didn't even need raw materials, you could trade for them. Also, since I'm wishing, fantasy or sci-fi only, please. Modern day is just too depressing. Please ask if you need clarification, and thanks!
posted by TrueVox to computers & internet (10 comments total)

Dwarf Fortress. More info and, of course, boatmurdered.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:20 AM on July 10

You say you want an F/SF game because "modern day is just too depressing." Would you consider a historical strategy game that isn't set in the 20th or 21st centuries, but that doesn't have fantasy elements? If so, the Europa Universalis series may suit your needs--I haven't played EU3, but EU2 is plenty complicated enough.
posted by Prospero at 8:22 AM on July 10

Actually, it's been a while, but that was one I was looking at a while ago. And actually, my only beef was it didn't work well with my laptop's video card... which is moot, as I now have a desktop! Thank you, that's a great suggestion! But NOTHING more modern then that, it's right at the edge. :)
posted by TrueVox at 8:34 AM on July 10

If you have an Xbox 360, check out the XBLA game Kingdom for Keflings. It's an odd little RTS, with no combat or conflict. The entire game is a process of gathering and crafting with resources to build a castle. It's cute and surprisingly fun.
posted by Nelson at 8:36 AM on July 10

Thank you, Nelson. Kingdom for Keflings is JUST as enjoyable as you say. I snatched it up right when it came out, and you're right. The "trade" is quite what I'm looking for. Though, a lack of conflict is a shame. I should mention, while the combat isn't what drew me to 7K, but that's simply because the combat wasn't the focus. Having combat IS important to me, though. Even if the system itself isn't very unique (as I found 7K's to be).

Is that any clearer? :)
posted by TrueVox at 8:45 AM on July 10

Anno 1404 aka Dawn of Discovery just came out. The game involves building up huge cities and production chains, and setting up shipping and trade between the world's islands. Combat has a minor role, mostly protecting your shipping lanes from pirates.
posted by teki at 10:19 AM on July 10

If you don't mind going turn-based, then the Civilization series sounds like it might interest you. (Don't get Civ 3, though, get 2 or 4).

If that's too "modern day" for you, Alpha Centauri is just as good as Civ (if not better).
posted by clorox at 1:32 PM on July 10

Teki, that's the first genuinely new answer I've had yet. I think I'll look into that deeper. TY.

And Clorox, while turn based isn't what I was looking for, I am aware of the Civ series, and yes, you're right, it's bloody delightful. Shame we likely won't see Alpha Centauri II. That's one of my all time faves.
posted by TrueVox at 3:16 PM on July 10

Within the Civilization series, you might want to give Civilization IV: Colonization a try. It's on Steam. It's a remake of the classic original with a modern engine. Very trade focussed. It's quite intricate and fun.
posted by Nelson at 3:45 PM on July 10

Wow, Robocop. I'm sorry, I missed your suggestion. Yes, Dwarf Fortress is delightful! I got into it from a Penny-Arcade comic six months back. However, Boatmurdered is new to me lol.

And Nelson, thank you. I've done most of the Civ's (in fact, truth be told, after a 40 hour run on game with my roommate, I'm actually a bit Civ'd out). Thank you, though. :)
posted by TrueVox at 5:46 PM on July 10