7th Legion (2014)

"7th Legion (2014)" plunges players into a furiously fast, kill-for-money, real-time blood-fest where survival hinges on ice-cool strategy in the blazing heat of combat. There's nowhere to hide as you smash opponents in 'to-the-limit' conflict, commanding a host of murderous military units including mechs, tanks, troops, and mounted slavens, all honing their killing skills with experience. Navigate over 40 massive missions, including indoor and night scenarios, and beat the clock in special timed sub-missions, all rendered from an intense isometric perspective. The tides of war can turn in a flash with random power-ups and a massive selection of battle cards, introducing elements like the devastating 7th legion priest or the summoning of the dark legion. Managing your force's skill and accuracy through an experience-based ranking/promotion system is crucial, but beware: a single, unknown battle card from your opponent can wipe away your entire force, making salvation a distant dream. This title earns its place among the best games by Atari due to its innovative blend of real-time strategy and collectible card game mechanics. While originally a MicroProse release, the 2014 re-release under the Atari brand solidifies its presence in their celebrated catalog. "7th Legion" distinguished itself with fast-paced unit management, a compelling experience system for military units, and the truly game-changing impact of battle cards that introduced an unpredictable, tactical layer. It garnered praise for its challenging gameplay and unique features, standing out in the crowded RTS genre of its era. Its inclusion on such a list underscores Atari's commitment to presenting quality and engaging experiences, even through re-releases, showcasing a game that offered both depth and explosive action, contributing significantly to the genre.