My RTT/Strategy/Wargame GotY. Strong focus on information warfare and grand strategy. Revolutionizes the genre!
RUSE is a real time strategy game that is more akin to strategy wargames with its depth. If you are looking for a generic RTS with the same gameplay turn around and look elsewhere as this game with weird you out. If you are looking for a game that innovates a genre and builds upon it and then proves that an exhausted genre can find new breathing space by being unique, then this is your game.
RUSE feel like your commanding small plastic units with bases from a zoom out point. When you zoom in, it feels like your on a battle field, with some artifice still intact. This game is all about artifice (artificiality). Trying to convince your opponent that there is a threat that in truth is not there.
Information warfare features a huge role in this game, whether it is knowing where your opponent is striking or faking an assault, this game make you think twice about what your opponent is doing.
Balance of units is pretty straight forward, it leaves little room for exploits which Starcraft was known for (hence the years of patches to its current state). The balance is akin to Advance Wars, but in real time. There were exploits in the game which have been getting fixed, and a gamer will always find a way to exploit a game. But when played like it is supposed to be, it is wholesome and fun.
Graphics are outstanding, I am on mid graphics settings and the game is beautiful. Sadly this means if you have a terrible computer you cannot play it readily, but I recommend you to get a new computer, especially for this game!
The campaign is pretty challenging at times, straight forward and well paced. Combat might seem slow at first, and the learning curve varies. Basics are learned quickly but the game has proven to be hard to master. The campaign is IMPORTANT, play through is at least ONCE. As it will teach you things you will never realize on your own.
So, in closing. Commanding large armies on war boards have never been so fun!