Which RTSs have the best single player campaigns?

So I'm looking for a new RTS to play. I only play the single player (I don't play multiplayer because I know I'll get slaughtered and I just don't feel like climbing the huge learning curve). Also, I really like RTSs with good graphics (also must support my native resoluation of 1680x1050 w/ community hacks or by default), storyline, and good presentation, and don't particularly care if base-building is not a part of the game, if well executed (like in WiC). For example, the following are some of my favorites:
*World in Conflict
*Company of Heroes
*Starcraft 2
*Command & Conquer 3
*Caesar 3

RTSs I skipped/avoided/ignored:
*Sins of a Solar Empire - no actual single player campaign, just skirmishes and the game has a huge learning curve and a terribly slow pace (which I wouldn't mind if I felt like spending incredibly long period of times on a SINGLE game)
*Supreme Commander - apparently the single player is lengthy and lackluster (in storyline & doesn't let you use fun units until the last few missions)
*All Total War games. They seemed too different at first, but when I really decided I should try Rome: Total War, I read that the single player campaign can take over 50 hours, so I passed up the chance.
*All Warhammer games. W40K is too old & DoW 2's campaign is apparently not very strategic at all or interesting at all.
*WC3 - beat the human campaign, but the undead campaign really bored me.
*Age of Empires series - don't want to play the old ones and no one talks about AoE3 so I assume there must be something about it that made it a bit dull

Anyway, let me hear your recommendations. Also, mention any future RTSs games you're anticipating yourselves!

WiC SC2 isnt anything spectacular sp wise its a far better multiplayer game

WiC SC2 isnt anything spectacular sp wise its a far better multiplayer game

ionusX

I realize that. However, I enjoyed their single player campaigns regardless. I was especially surprised how good SC2's campaign was. I was never bored.

I think you should try the Total War series. It definitely has the most repaly value for singleplayer of any of the games you've mentioned. No storyline though...

Also wondering about the WiC campaign, thinking of getting it but got SC2 to satisfy my MP gaming.Vfanek

I'll agree wholeheartedly with the WiC SP recommendations. The story that is presented before us in that game is extremely intriguing and really drives the game forward.

[QUOTE="ionusX"]

WiC SC2 isnt anything spectacular sp wise its a far better multiplayer game

giant11

I realize that. However, I enjoyed their single player campaigns regardless. I was especially surprised how good SC2's campaign was. I was never bored.

Starting to sound like a broken record here, but Homeworld and its sequels have amazing SP campaigns.

Starting to sound like a broken record here, but Homeworld and its sequels have amazing SP campaigns.

dos4gw82

VERY good call homeworld is awsum like cookies or pie

Just keep in mind that the multiplayer in WiC is dead.

[QUOTE="dos4gw82"]

Starting to sound like a broken record here, but Homeworld and its sequels have amazing SP campaigns.

ionusX

VERY good call homeworld is awsum like cookies or pie

SC2's campaign seems damn good to me and I'm just getting started.

Homeworld, it's old but still looks good and it has hands down the best campaign and writing in an RTS.Ragingbear505

What about Homeworld 2? Is it worse than Homeworld 1? I'd rather play a game with better graphics. Plus, the length of the games is a bit of a turn off. Also, are there plans for Homeworld 3?

Anyone else notice the abundance in RTS threads for the last few days? :D

To answer your question, Homeworld is an amazing RTS game, very unusual and very fun.

Anyone else notice the abundance in RTS threads for the last few days? :DResistance_Kid

Hmm... I bet it's entirely coincidental.. :roll:

[QUOTE="Resistance_Kid"]

Anyone else notice the abundance in RTS threads for the last few days? :Dgiant11

Hmm... I bet it's entirely coincidental.. :roll:

You're right!!! Especially with Starcraft II being released :lol:

If you liked Caesar 3 then you should like Tropico 3. Similar sort of gameplay in a way, and its addictive as anything. :D Its much more on the construction side of things (entirely, in fact) but its still worth trying. Try a demo at least if you can.EnergyGoose

Around release time I tried it and it ran surprisingly bad on my rig, which has a very fast dual core & GTX260. Also, I'm not sure if Sim-style games count as an RTS.

Starcraft 2 and Warcraft 3.

dawn of war 2

dawn of war 2

edinsftw

You might be in the minority on this one. What did you like about DoW2's single player that made it so exceptional?

[QUOTE="edinsftw"]

dawn of war 2

giant11

You might be in the minority on this one. What did you like about DoW2's single player that made it so exceptional?

[QUOTE="giant11"]

[QUOTE="edinsftw"]

dawn of war 2

kieranb2000

You might be in the minority on this one. What did you like about DoW2's single player that made it so exceptional?

dow was bad sp wise i agree but chaos rising is a horse of a different color i LOVED chaos rising

OK, I've made up my mind. WC3 it is! I have almost all of WC3 and all of FT still to beat. Thanks for everyone's input!

OK, I've made up my mind. WC3 it is! I have almost all of WC3 and all of FT still to beat. Thanks for everyone's input!

giant11

it seems as though you discounted a lot of good games for a lot of stupid reasons.

DoW II is great, essentially the same game as CoH.

WiC SC2 isnt anything spectacular sp wise its a far better multiplayer game

ionusX

Warcraft3 and frozen throne

Homeworld 2 is by far the best RTS I've ever played. Still looks fantastic, plays very differently from most RTSs (I revel in its slow pace), has a riveting storyline, exceptional soundtrack and atmosphere, impressive AI that will take advantage of your every mistake. Simply superb on all fronts.

I don't really like RTS campaigns, but I loved Warcraft III. Wasn't so much into The Frozen Throne though, I don't think I ever beat the Night Elf campaign in it honestly.