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The real-time strategy (RTS) genre experienced a golden age on PC around two decades ago, with legendary titles like Age of Empires, Rise of Nations, Warcraft III, and Red Alert 2 captivating players. Among these giants stood Praetorians, a unique offering from Pyro Studios (later Pyro Mobile, which closed in 2017) and published by Eidos Interactive (now Square Enix Europe). This 17-year-old classic has recently returned in a remastered edition, alongside the renowned tactical game Commandos 2. Let’s dive into the world of Roman legions and imperial guards in Praetorians HD Remaster. The remaster’s release follows the controversial Warcraft III: Reforged, which highlighted the challenges of revitalizing classic games. Does Praetorians HD Remaster fare better?

A Unique Approach to RTS Gameplay

In the modern gaming landscape, RTS titles have dwindled, giving way to newer genres. Many developers hesitate to invest in the perceived risks of RTS development, leaving Age of Empires IV and Stronghold: Warlords as notable upcoming titles, though their release dates remain uncertain. Remastering older games offers a lower-risk path to reintroduce players to the genre, leveraging established brands and gameplay while gauging market interest for future installments. The success of the Age of Empires remasters and the subsequent development of Age of Empires IV serve as a prime example.

Roman soldiers in formation in Praetorians HD Remaster

Praetorians HD Remaster arrives at a crucial time for RTS enthusiasts. Its gameplay offers a distinctive experience, even compared to its contemporaries from the genre’s heyday. Unlike many RTS titles that focus on managing and developing an entire nation, Praetorians HD Remaster centers solely on battles. Resource management is entirely removed. Instead of mining, gathering, and allocating resources like in Age of Empires or Rise of Nations, players focus on capturing villages. Economic buildings are also absent, with the only management aspect being the population of occupied villages. This streamlined approach allows Praetorians HD Remaster to focus entirely on tactical combat, which is its greatest strength.

Gameplay screenshot of Praetorians HD Remaster

Innovative Tactical Combat

Seventeen years ago, Praetorians stood out for its innovative combat mechanics, rarely replicated in other RTS games. Each unit type boasts unique formations for various situations. For example, Legionaries can form a “Turtle” formation, using their shields defensively like in the film Gladiator (2000), to advance under archer fire. Spearmen have a “Stationary” formation to counter cavalry charges. Similar to the renowned Total War series, units have stamina, requiring players to manage movement and speed to avoid exhaustion before engaging in combat.

Praetorians HD Remaster also borrows other elements from Total War, such as utilizing terrain for tactical advantage. High ground provides archers with increased range, forests offer concealment, and special hero units provide buffs to their troops.

Screenshot of a siege battle in Praetorians HD Remaster

Engaging Siege Warfare

Lengthy sieges are another defining feature of Praetorians. Veterans of the original game likely remember the “Of All The Gallic Tribes” mission, where players defend against relentless enemy attacks. This mission demands careful positioning and unit management to avoid reloading. When attacking, players must strategically place ladders to gain an advantage against defending archers and coordinate assaults to breach gates. This adds another layer of tactical depth to the game.

Dated Elements Remain

While Praetorians was graphically impressive for its time, the remastered version struggles to match modern standards. Despite the addition of higher resolutions and improved textures, the visuals may not immediately impress modern gamers.

Gameplay screenshot showing the game's graphics

Furthermore, as a “HD Remaster,” the game retains many of the original’s flaws. The unit pathfinding remains clunky, with units frequently behaving erratically despite clear orders. Input lag can also be an issue, with units responding slowly to commands. Finally, crashes can occur when too much action is happening on-screen, a critical issue that can deter potential players.

In-game screenshot of Praetorians HD Remaster

Conclusion

Praetorians HD Remaster offers a unique and engaging RTS experience with its focus on tactical combat and innovative unit formations. However, the remaster’s dated visuals and lingering technical issues may hinder its appeal to a modern audience. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable, these shortcomings prevent the remaster from fully realizing its potential. For RTS fans seeking a classic experience with a distinctive flavor, Praetorians HD Remaster is worth considering, but be prepared for some rough edges.

Game Information

• Developer: Pyro Studios, Torus Games
• Publisher: Kalypso Media
• Genre: Real-Time Strategy
• Release Date: January 24, 2020
• Platform: PC

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
• CPU: Intel Core i3-3220
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GT640
• Storage: 3 GB

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i7-4790
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070
• Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD