Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption

There's a candidate for longest game name. Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption (hereafter abbreviated FoC for all sakes) is an expansion to the original excellent Real-Time Strategy game set in the Star Wars galaxy. Although released in 2006, the graphics can still easily hold their own. Gameplay is greatly increased with the addition of a new faction, the Zann Consortium, which uses corruption to spread its influence. A wealth of new units and heroes fills out FoC.

Space battles are better than ever, including Darth Vader's flagship, the massive Executer

FoC's new faction adds a very unique campaign, in which you play as Tyber Zann, a criminal overlord trying to make a name for himself after the destruction of the first Death Star. Consortium units are very powerful and make quick work of most Rebel and Imperial units, but come at a high price. During the campaign and galactic conquests, Zann spreads corruption in many forms, adding new small battles and providing increased income. In response to the deadly new Consortium forces, a number of new Rebel and Imperial ground, space, and hero units are available which help balance the game.

New additions for ground battles include terrain effects, improved defenses, and new planets to fight for

In short, FoC is a very worthwhile expansion to one of the great Real-Time Strategy games out there. Needed depth is provided in abundance, and three-way space battles are epic to say the least. If you have purchased the original, make sure to check out its expansion, Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption.

Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday

After a long absence, it's time to come back with some updates. Nearly every strategy game is updated, patched, or expanded. So I'll be bringing forward some of these expansions, beginning with Hearts of Iron II .

Opening of the Cold War in Europe

Hearts of Iron II: Doomsday is an expansion pack for this excellent World War Two strategy game, and adds much to the overall gameplay. You still have the option of 175 different countries to select from, but now you can control these nations from 1936 until 1953. This allows time for Doomsday's greatest addition, a scenario depicting a Cold War gone hot, with the Soviet Union and Allies at war. Also included is a new espionage tab, which allows you to spy on friends and enemies alike. Spying, assassinations, and revolts are yours to instigate.

Espionage allows many more options

While keeping the core of the original, Doomsday makes an excellent expansion. Any fan of World War Two strategy games should at least check it out. The gameplay is limitless, now more so than ever before.