Complete command: visually impressive strategy games perfect for ROG rigs

When you think of games with impressive visuals, it's normally first- or third-person games that spring to mind, so it can be easy to overlook other genres.

Take strategy games, for example. While the subtleties of commanding pixelated armies from the comfort of an armchair, surrounded by pizza (possibly from yesterday, but there are more pressing concerns in the heat of battle) might not be for everyone, there's no denying that there are some pretty graphically impressive titles out there. Here are some of the best when it comes to turning mass destruction into eye candy.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

A precursor to the space-bound Homeworld series, Deserts of Kharak takes the fight to, well, the desert. While endless sand dunes might not seem like the kind of environment that lends itself well to impressive graphics, you'll soon change your mind as you watch buggies weave their way through sandstorms, locked in firefights with the enemy. The lighting and particle effects are a joy to behold, as units light up the desert with explosions, missiles, and of course, ion cannons. 

Total War: Warhammer

Some things are simply meant to go together. Peanut butter and jelly; coffee and donuts; the aforementioned pizza and gaming. Sitting comfortably on this podium of perfect pairings are Warhammer and the Total War series. Already known for its impressive visuals, especially when it comes to sheer scale, Total War: Warhammer takes things to a whole new level. The undead shamble while orcs rage, and Griffons swoop, resulting in beautifully-rendered carnage, physics, and lighting effects.

Battlefleet Gothic

Another one from the world of Warhammer, but this time based in the grim future setting of Warhammer 40K. It's probably not a coincidence that a lot of the Warhammer titles end up looking so visually striking. The art style of the environment is unique, and there's plenty for artists and modellers to get their teeth into. Battlefleet Gothic sees you taking command of – you guessed it – a battlefleet, as you try and outmaneuver (or more often than not, ram) the enemy. The intricate designs of the ships are stunning, and look great on high settings. Not to mention the impressive firework displays you're treated to when incinerating an opposing ship.

The right arsenal for the job

As mentioned, to get the very best fidelity and visual effects from the above titles, you'll need something fairly high to mid-range card wise. If you really want to get the ultimate graphical quality though (especially higher resolutions), you'll need something with a bit more kick. Given that these games are ideal for whiling away a few hours on the move, or playing with friends, you can't go wrong with something like the ROG G752 with a 17-inch 120Hz G-SYNC display. It has more than enough power to run all these titles even when you're on the go. If on the desktop, take a look at a ROG Strix 1060 or RX 480 to be VR ready, make sure you've got a powerful processor for handling all those units, and bigger is always better when looking at a colossal battle in detail so be sure to take a look at the MG28UQ or PG27AQ.

 

By Simon Marshall