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Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness is the sequel that helped turn Blizzard fantasy real-time strategy formula into one of the defining PC experiences of the 1990s. Released in 1995, it pits humans and orcs against each other in a campaign filled with resource gathering, base construction, unit production, exploration, and plenty of opportunities to discover that your carefully planned attack has somehow attracted the entire enemy army. The game is fast, colorful, and remarkably easy to understand while still offering considerable strategic depth. Different units have useful strengths and weaknesses, while terrain and resource management can make the difference between victory and a very expensive defeat. The campaigns provide memorable scenarios, and multiplayer adds the possibility of discovering exactly how ruthless your friends can be. With its distinctive art, lively interface, and satisfying mechanics, Warcraft 2 remains an excellent example of how to make real-time strategy feel both accessible and wonderfully addictive.