Original War

Original War is a real-time strategy game with an unusual hook: it pushes combat, base building, and character management into a science-fiction war setup instead of the usual fantasy or straight-history frame. By our assessment, that mix gives it more personality than many RTS games of its era, and the time-travel premise helps it stand out even before the missions start. The downside is that its age shows in the interface and the rough edges around pathing and balance, so it asks for patience. In play it feels like a game of sending squads, managing special units, and keeping an eye on a larger campaign map rather than just clicking on a giant army. It sits closer to cult RTS curiosity than to a polished modern standard, which is exactly why some players will like it and others will bounce off fast.