Alright, full disclosure: 7th Legion was the first RTS game I ever played, so yeah, I might be a little biased. But honestly, there are very few real-time strategy games out there that capture the same kind of quirky flair and unique mechanics that 7th Legion brought to the table.

The game drops you into a bleak future for Earth, a time when rampant pollution and overpopulation pushed our home planet to the brink of collapse. The “solution” for the elite, the super-rich and powerful, was simple: pack up and jet off into space, leaving the rest of humanity to perish on a dying world. For centuries, these privileged few, known in-game as the Chosen, drifted among the stars, assuming the planet and its remaining inhabitants would simply fade away.

But here’s where the story gets interesting (and a bit inconvenient for the Chosen): not everyone died. Against all odds, the Earth slowly began to heal, and the “poor” who were left behind managed to survive and even thrive. Now, the Chosen have returned, intent on reclaiming Earth as their birthright. The only problem? The planet is already inhabited, and its current residents aren’t too keen on giving it back.

In 7th Legion, you get to pick a side in this epic struggle. Will you command the 7th Legion, a tribe of the resourceful survivors fighting tooth and nail to repel the invaders and keep Earth for themselves? Or will you lead the Chosen, returning to conquer the planet you believe is rightfully yours?

While both campaigns offer distinct storylines and missions, the differences go beyond just narrative. Each faction boasts its own unique roster of units. The Chosen, having been augmented for the harsh realities of space travel, are generally stronger, possess more health, and wield superior technology. Think quality over quantity. The 7th Legion, on the other hand, relies more on sheer numbers and clever strategy to gain an edge. Playing as the Legion truly forces you to be strategic, leveraging every advantage you can find against a technologically superior foe.

One of the most innovative features that truly sets 7th Legion apart from other RTS games of its era is its ingenious playing card system. These aren’t just cosmetic additions; they function like powerful spells or unique abilities that can dramatically shift the tide of battle.

Throughout gameplay, you’re randomly dealt these cards, and each one has a distinct effect. We’re talking everything from stealing enemy units and unleashing devastating damage on enemy forces to cloaking your own troops for surprise attacks. The sheer variety of effects is impressive, and because you receive them randomly, every mission feels fresh and unpredictable, constantly forcing you to adapt your tactics on the fly. It’s a fantastic layer of strategic depth that keeps you on your toes.

Beyond the unique gameplay, 7th Legion also delivers in the aesthetics department. The game boasts some truly amazing music and sound effects that really enhance the atmosphere. The art style, while perhaps a product of its time, remains unique and interesting, giving the game a distinct visual identity.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The game does have its flaws, and one of the most prominent is the unit pathfinding. It’s notoriously awful, and if you want to get anywhere, you’ll need to adapt to it quickly. Try to select too many units or send them too far, and they’ll often take random, illogical routes, even if they’re not near each other. This can lead to your forces trickling into enemy lines and getting wiped out – that is, if they even decide to go to the place you told them to at all! Success in 7th Legion absolutely demands meticulous micromanagement of your units. It can be frustrating, but it’s also part of the game’s unique charm (or challenge, depending on your perspective).

Despite its pathfinding woes, 7th Legion offers a genuinely engaging experience. Between the cool cutscenes that flesh out the compelling story, the awesome music, and that truly unique card system, I still wholeheartedly recommend checking it out. You can usually find it for a very low price these days, and it’s well worth a look for any RTS enthusiast or retro gamer looking for something a bit different.

Get 7th Legion at GOG.com