XCOM
© Firaxis Games
Another established series like StarCraft is the XCOM series. While both employ strategy, the way they integrate these components is vastly different. The settings themselves are also night and day with XCOM primarily focusing on an organization working to combat alien invasions on Earth. While StarCraft is a real-time strategy (RTS) title, XCOM focuses on turn-based combat to forward the plot.
Similarities include strategies you can employ for success. For example, not wasting your troops needlessly in XCOM. Again, this translates to the Area 51 raid where throwing mass numbers at an objective may not be enough. You’ll also want to play to each character’s strengths and weaknesses, similar to how each potential member of the Area 51 raid will be better at certain tasks than others.
Not all of us can Naruto run without getting winded, ok? As already stated, if you’re unable to participate in the Area 51 raid, playing an XCOM title can help get you in the zone from the comfort of your own home.
Skills Learned: Effective combat, troop management.
Stellaris
Stellaris may seem like a weird recommendation thanks to its deep sci-fi roots. You’re not just playing a strategy game with aliens tacked on. In Stellaris, you’re actually in space where these aliens originate from. You’re in their territory now, for better or for worse. When connecting this premise to the Area 51 raid, we have to be honest in pointing out that even if people were able to get inside Area 51 and aliens were found inside, there’s no guarantee they’re friendly.
If they’re aggressive, how would you handle the situation? Well, sometimes the best way to prepare for the unknown is by getting inside the massive cranium of your foe, and what better way to do this than by taking the fight to space? Stellaris employs some of the RTS staples found in other games, but incorporates them in creative ways.
You’re able to explore the galaxy in Stellaris and encounter both beauty and danger. You’ll need to be prepared if you’re to survive and this sort of gameplay is ideal when it comes to standing face-to-face against an alien. It could be a beautiful, peaceful creature or a hostile foe that sees you as its next meal. Even if you have no interest in aliens and Area 51, Stellaris is a beautiful, expansive game with hundreds of hours of rich gameplay. It’s worth your time, even if your time is split between flights to Nevada and parties in the desert.
Skills Learned: Situational awareness, alien tactics.
Halo Wars
© Bungie
We knew we wanted a Halo game on this list, but we also wanted to keep with the theme of strategy, preparation, and planning. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you hate RTS), there’s Halo Wars. While most people know how the core Halo series works, fewer have given the Halo Wars spin-off a try. After putting some time into it ourselves, we have to say… it’s pretty damn addicting.
For an RTS title, it’s also a fantastic place for newcomers to start as it has little to no learning curve. You can jump right in and play without too much frustration. You also get the “Halo” setting in Halo Wars as it offers an early look at the war between the UNSC and the Covenant. So, if you’re someone who already loves the Halo storyline, you’ll be happy to know Halo Wars doesn’t stray too far from its roots.
Whether you decide to play Halo 3 again, or take our word for it and give Halo Wars a try, Halo has some of the best combat around. Plus, before the Area 51 raid begins, you’ll want to get yourself as “in the zone” as possible. What better way to do that than with Master Chief and the Halo series? It’s iconic for a reason!
Skills Learned: Resource management, concentration.
