Computer Games I Play
Yes, I play computer games. Alot. Too much. Agreed. Anyhow, you learn a lot of strategies playing computer war games, and I'll be talking about those here. Someday. Soon. Right.
Rome: Total War
I usually don't like RTS (Real Time Strategy) games as I prefer long-term strategy wargames, but the Total War series is able to balance grand strategy, RTS battles, and empire management into a truly fun gaming experience. I enjoy reading about the Roman period of history and so playing a game about it only adds to that enjoyment. I recently bought the Barbarian Invasion expansion pack, but haven't gone through an entire game of that yet. Like Civ, this game requires a good plan for growing your cities and economy in order to support the type of armies you'll need to conquer your neighbors. While Civ is the best game for managing a civilization that is constantly going through various technological changes, Rome is a period piece that lets you focus in on a few years of history with great detail.
Civilization IV
I've played every incarnation of Civilization since it was first released way back in 1992. Some of my college papers would have been a little longer and, well, better, if it wasn't for this damn game, lol. As has been said before, Civ is a very addictive game, and since it is turn-based, players will find themselves always wanting to go "just one more turn" before it's time to go to sleep, get in the car for work, or even sit down to eat. The latest version of the game is the most detailed yet, but I find it difficult to turn Civ IV into the all-out wargame that I used to do with Civ I through III. Wars in Civ IV can come at a high price and I find that for me to win on the Prince level or higher, I have to control my warlike nature, damnit. The recent Warlords expansion for Civ IV has eased my pain just a little.
Although I'll turn 40 years old in 2007, I can bet that I will still be playing some type of game. In fact, I'm 100% sure of it.