Tips for Playing Strategy Games Online

One of my happiest surprises was the inclusion of strategy games in many new online arcades. These intellectual upgrades to chess don't seem to fit with the standard idea of an arcade. You usually don't use strategy games in a setting where you're expected to spend about a half hour. Programmers have figured out great ways to make these games fast paced to act as a perfect add-on to arcades. They can be defense games where you're using towers to fight off an invasion or you can be the one building units to crush the computer's defense. They effectively use the same strategies though. The only difference is that one keeps you stationary while the other lets you lead the horde onward. Regardless of your side, you will probably need some help to overcome the computer.

The first tip that I can offer is that you really know the units in the game. There usually aren't any more than about 10 or so. They usually follow the basic rules of a strategy game. You'll have a weak melee unit and a weak ranged unit that can be churned out in mass to follow the Zap Brannigan's school of conflict. If you didn't watch Futurama it means you'll send wave after wave of your own men at them until you tire out the enemy. You will usually want to use the fighters to tie up the front lines while the ranged pick off the rest. After this initial stage of tie ups you will gain money and prestige so that you can use higher level units. You will probably have upgraded versions of the basics at a higher price. Then you will pick up an air unit or two. Finally you'll get a good siege weapon to really just burn things to the ground. By understanding what does what, you will be in a better position to really deploy them well and avoid stupid mistakes. It is certainly worth the few minutes it will take.

The next thing you should do is pay attention to the powered attacks. These are usually in the form of an artillery strike or powered charge attack. These things will usually be available to hold off the stronger enemies in a tougher section. The thing to note is that you won't gain much by holding them back. You might as well use them and let them recharge. That said, you shouldn't waste a powered attack either. There's no point in throwing a brick to kill a fly, especially if a 5-foot hornet is about ready to come through.

The last tip is to make sure that you aren't needlessly saving money. There isn't much of a point in stockpiling money for the sheer purpose of stockpiling money. Unless you are really saving up for something grand than you need to keep building. That said, it doesn't hurt to hold a little bit in reserve so that you can quickly respond to new threats or launch a defensive action. I think managing a good balance is key to winning. You will have to learn this in regards to each specific game.

Strategy games are a special beast in online arcades. They require a bit of thought and careful positioning to ensure victory. These tips should set you on the path to glory though.