Command & Conquer
© Electronic Arts
Similar to StarCraft, the Command & Conquer series has cemented itself in the world of RTS titles. Unlike other games on this list, Command & Conquer is a bit more “military” than science fiction, and we feel this is important as the Area 51 raid isn’t set in the middle of space. Most of the combat (should the raid actually take place) would be on the outskirts of a military base. This is where Command & Conquer comes in.
It’s true that Command & Conquer’s story is far from cut-and-dried military games we have today like Call of Duty. In fact, the original plot was based on a futuristic Earth contaminated by a resource called Tiberium with two warring factions (the Brotherhood of Nod and Global Defense) working to harness it.
There are science fiction elements to Command & Conquer, but much of the battle takes place across desert landscape in a military setting. Kind of like Area 51. With the RTS formula in place, you’ll build a base of operation, coordinate your team of troops, and work to throw the opposition. Rather than just troops, you’ll also have things like vehicles and aircraft at your disposal.
While not plausible for the Area 51 raid, it’d be interesting to see how something like that would unfold should 2 million people attack at once in armored vehicles and weaponized aircraft. We imagine the whole thing would be pretty messy, but again it’s all about planning and that’s what Command & Conquer can help teach. We’re not recommending you actually go on an assault against the Area 51 base, but it can be fun to build those skills in a game like Command & Conquer. Its setting also feels the most “Area 51” out of all the games on this list, at least in terms of aesthetic.
Skills Learned: How to handle military engagements, ways to incorporate useful tools like armored vehicles.
Control
Last, but certainly not least, we have Control. Now, we know what you’re thinking... why is Control on this list? Well, should you manage to get past external defenses and enter the Area 51 base, you’ll need to be prepared for what you find. After all, we doubt the aliens will be right there waiting for you at the top level. If anything, they’ll likely be stored deep underground somewhere waiting for rescue.
Given that Area 51 is a secret military testing facility, there’s no telling what else is hidden within the underground corridors of the facility outside of, you know, “them aliens.” The same can be said for Control as you’ll encounter all sorts of weirdness as you make your way through the Federal Bureau of Control, a secret government facility responsible for containing strange phenomena.
Outside of these anomalies, you’ll also encounter opposition that’ll attempt to prevent you from going any further in Control. We imagine Area 51 is similar, although given that we’ve never been inside, it’s all speculation on our part. Either way, Control is a blast to play and will give you the sense of exploring a forbidden government installation like Area 51 without having to actually go trekking through the Nevada desert.
Skills Learned: What to do once you get inside Area 51, how to fight your way out once you've secured your alien.
Now that you have a few games to satiate your Area 51 itch, we’re curious what other titles you’d recommend to fellow alien seekers. Share your favorites in the comments below!
