Mention “empire” and “conquest,” and my mind immediately conjures up images of vast territories, intricate strategies, and war scenes unfolding like a chess match, every move meticulously calculated. From London, a city steeped in history, countless empires once plotted their global ambitions. Today, through video games, we too can experience that iron-and-fire road to conquest, feeling the scheming and wisdom within the imperial chessboard.
In recent years, strategy games have entered a new period of prosperity. Particularly in the realm of empire-building and war, many games have captivated a large player base through complex mechanics and rich historical settings. Based on my years of experience and observation, I’ve selected three empire strategy games that have made a significant impact on the market, each with a distinct style: Civilization VII, Total War: Empire Age, and Hearts of Iron IV. These three titles each focus on different aspects, yet together they form a vivid picture of the imperial chessboard, leading me step by step on a road to conquest that begins in London
1. Civilization VII: The Wisdom of a Grand-Scale Empire
Throughout my journey in empire strategy games, the Civilization series has always been an unmissable classic. As one of the flagbearers of turn-based strategy, Civilization VII carries forward—and innovates upon—the depth and breadth for which the series is known. The game stretches the timeline across millennia, allowing players to progress from prehistoric times to the future, developing civilizations, building cities, researching technologies, engaging in diplomacy, and much more.
The core charm of Civilization VII lies in its grand strategy and variety of choices. In the game, London, as the capital of Britain, serves not only as a hub for culture and technology but also as the starting point for expansion. I have personally built countless Londons, growing them from small towns into metropolises with millions of residents, supported by powerful industry and research capabilities that become the backbone of imperial expansion.
The game’s attention to detail in city management is impressive. Each city has unique terrain resources as well as specialized buildings and districts. Thoughtfully arranging farmlands, factories, research institutions, and cultural facilities is key to ensuring the stable development of the empire.
The diplomacy system in Civilization VII is particularly rich. I remember one instance when I became embroiled in a complex web of alliances and rivalries with France and Russia. Through meticulous negotiations, I managed to use diplomacy to divide enemy factions, ultimately securing critical territorial advantages without shedding a drop of blood. The “World Congress” mechanic further immersed me in the tension and nuance of multinational cooperation and rivalry.
2. Total War: Empire Age — The Blood and Iron of the Battlefield
If Civilization VII is a grand strategic blueprint, then Total War: Empire Age is the living, breathing battlefield within it. This series is famous for blending real-time tactical battles with turn-based strategic management, allowing me to seamlessly switch between empire building and army command, feeling both the cruelty and the glory of war.
Total War: Empire Age focuses on the 18th-century era of global expansion—the golden age of the British Empire’s rise. In the game, I led British armies across North America, India, and Africa in sweeping campaigns of conquest. Every battle meticulously recreated the troop formations, weaponry, and tactical approaches of the time.
The real-time battle system is highly challenging. I recall one campaign in North America where my forces were vastly outnumbered by French colonial troops. By leveraging terrain and unit advantages, I conducted guerrilla warfare and ambushes. Coordinated artillery bombardments, steadfast infantry formations, and rapid cavalry charges turned the tide in my favor. This kind of adrenaline-filled battlefield experience is unmatched by many other strategy titles.
The game’s naval system is also worth highlighting. As the backbone of a maritime empire, Britain’s fleet building and naval strategies are crucial. In several campaigns, I organized fleets to secure naval dominance, ensuring supply lines remained unbroken. In one battle against the Dutch navy, I skillfully exploited wind direction and firepower placement, eventually sinking their flagship and cementing Britain’s position as the ruler of the seas.
The visual and audio design of Total War: Empire Age greatly enhances immersion. Whether standing in the midst of cannon fire on the battlefield or within the political chambers of the London Parliament, I felt transported back to that gunpowder-laden age. The game’s meticulous historical detail gave me a vivid and engaging imperial road to conquest.
3. Hearts of Iron IV: The Steel Road of Strategy and Politics
Compared to the previous two games, which emphasize empire expansion and warfare, Hearts of Iron IV turns its gaze toward the 20th century and the era of world wars, blending military strategy, political diplomacy, and resource management in a multifaceted experience. Set during the monumental events of World War II, I chose to play as Britain, facing the brutal tests of that era.
In Hearts of Iron IV, the imperial chessboard is not only about military clashes but also about political and economic maneuvering. As Britain, I had to balance domestic industrial production, technological research, and the management of overseas colonies. Facing the threats of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, every decision could mean the difference between survival and collapse.
The game’s technology tree is vast, covering army, navy, air force, and industrial research. I once invested heavily in radar and aircraft technology to ensure early detection of enemy submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic, boosting the survival rates of my escort fleets. In the air, I deployed fighter escorts for bombers to seize air superiority.
The political and diplomatic layers are equally complex. I had to maintain strong alliances with the United States and the Soviet Union while countering espionage and internal unrest. On one occasion, I successfully delayed America’s entry into the war through diplomacy, buying Britain valuable time to prepare.
The game’s war simulation is deeply detailed—troop allocation, supply line maintenance, and battlefield command are all critical. I have gone through the arduous preparations for the Normandy landings and fought fiercely in the African theater. Each battle tested not only my military skill but also my grasp of the overarching strategic picture.
The Brilliance of London in the Imperial Chessboard
From the grand strategic planning of Civilization VII, to the iron-blooded battlefields of Total War: Empire Age, to the political and economic interplay of Hearts of Iron IV, these three games each offer a unique perspective on the richness of the imperial chessboard. They allowed me to relive the grandeur of history in a digital world, experiencing both the glory and the hardships of a conquest beginning in London.
The imperial chessboard of the future may unfold in even more realistic virtual worlds, but the desire to explore the world and shape destiny will never change. Every time I open a game, draft a plan, and lead an army, it is another journey of conquest from London—a battle of honor that belongs to both wisdom and courage.
