WarBreeds

The game is from 1998. If you bother to understand how the resource system works (plant crops, use generator to get the energy to maintain your building, psy control = pop and the gene system(harvest genes from killed enemy units for new tech)), the unit system (being able to craft units to your liking) you get to play one amazing unpolished diamond of a game. The soundtrack is amazing (I like it, and it is not your usual generic hero music).

WarBreeds is one of those strategy games that feels far ahead of its time despite originating from the late 1990s. Developed by Red Orb Entertainment and published by SNEG for its modern Steam release, the game revisits the classic real-time strategy formula by introducing a concept that remains uncommon even today: evolving an army through genetic manipulation. Set on the distant world of Aeolia, players command one of four alien factions left behind after the collapse of a once-great civilization. The result is an experience that combines traditional base building with an inventive emphasis on adaptation, experimentation, and biological warfare. What immediately separates WarBreeds from its peers is its approach to unit progression. Instead of simply unlocking stronger troops through a technology tree, players are encouraged to collect the DNA of defeated enemies and incorporate their traits into their own creations. This mechanic transforms every encounter into an opportunity for growth. A difficult enemy unit is not merely an obstacle to overcome but a potential addition to your arsenal. The game offers an impressive variety of genetic combinations, allowing players to experim…

one of the classics I grew up playing back in my windows 98/XP days.

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. I completely understand those who buy this & give a positive review because it enables them to re-live childhood memories. As someone who has never played this before, this is just a bad game.

Has a lot of soul, but the AI is awful, can't control your units at all sometimes and when fighting a skirmish, the AI opponents all target you and don't even attack each other. Check it out, but the game is not a hidden gem.

An awesome old school RTS, that is said completely influenced by nostalgia. It is an old RTS: controls are dated; path finding is dreadful; unit AI is woeful. But I still love it, the creatures, building, & structure designs are fantastic. Base building is somewhat unique with crop fields instead of resources; collecting genes from your enemies to steal their technologies, each faction has a unique look and theme.