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Best Strategy games of 1994

The 9 best Strategy games released in 1994, ranked from 1,200 critic and player ratings.

The best Strategy game of 1994 is EarthBound, with a critic score of 93/100 — updated October 2026.

How this ranking is built
  • Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
  • A game only enters the ranking with at least 30 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
  • Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
  • Release window covered: 1994.
  • 9 games are listed on this page, carrying 1,200 ratings between them.
  • Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 12 October 2026.

Top 9

01 EarthBound S EarthBound 1994 · 572 ratings · 1 Tier vote A turn-based JRPG and sequel to then-Japan-only Earthbound Beginnings (1989) in which Ness, a young boy living in a land based on the USA, leaves home to go on an adventure through strange locations, get to know quirky characters and defeat an unknowable alien threat called Giygas while facing up to the realities of growing up and becoming familiar with the real world. 93 /100
02 X-COM: UFO Defense X-COM: UFO Defense 1994 · 135 ratings X-COM: UFO Defense is a strategy game that combines tactical combat with base management and global defense. Players lead an international organization tasked with defending Earth from an alien invasion. The game unfolds on two levels: a global view where players manage resources, research alien technology, and intercept UFOs, and a tactical combat mode where squad-based battles occur. Players recruit and train soldiers, build bases, and develop new weapons and equipment based on recovered alien technology. Missions involve turn-based combat against aliens in various environments, with permadeath adding tension to each engagement. As the alien threat escalates, players must balance research, defense, and offensive operations to protect Earth's nations from panic and alien infiltration. X-COM: UFO Defense's blend of strategic depth, tactical combat, and atmospheric tension creates a compelling gameplay experience in the face of a global alien threat. 85 /100
03 Master of Magic Master of Magic 1994 · 33 ratings You came to the world of Arcanus as a fledgling wizard. Sparsely equipped with but a spell or two, you begin as the ruler of a tiny hamlet and its people. With these raw materials, you must build a thriving city, explore the two worlds of Arcanus and Myrror, expand your empire and learn new spells. In time, you will meet other wizards, each rising from equally humble beginnings, each having the same goal as you, namely conquering the worlds. How well you allocate resources, make use of your races’ potentials, seize opportunities and negotiate with other wizards determines your eventual success. In the end, though, there can be only one Master of Magic! 90 /100
04 Transport Tycoon Transport Tycoon 1994 · 40 ratings Released on PC in 1994. Developed by Chris Sawyer, and coded in X86 Assembly language, it was among the first in the relatively new 'tycoon' genre of games - simulations of business empires that the player founded, grew and took full control of. Transport Tycoon saw the player running their transport empire from 1930 to 2030, with rail, road, sea and air transport available to help the player's expansion of their business. New technologies are introduced to the player at historically accurate times, and players could see first-hand how advancements changed the way their businesses were run. 88 /100
05 Sid Meier's Colonization Sid Meier's Colonization 1994 · 52 ratings The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you. Finally, the much-anticipated follow-up to Civilization is here! Sid Meier's Colonization takes you into the Colonial Era to discover, explore and colonize vast territories that promise both danger and reward. Play one of four colonial powers as you set sail to discover the New World. Explore new lands and strategically plant your first colony. Direct its growth, manage its resources and establish lucrative trade routes. Balance economics, political and military strategy to create your own powerful nation. But beware of your enemies! Angry natives and rival powers can encroach upon your territory. You'll have to overcome your foes with superior military strategy and wily diplomacy. Only then can you launch your revolution and declare your independence. Colonization, The newest strategy game from Sid Meier continues the great tradition of Civilization. 85 /100
06 Theme Park Theme Park 1994 · 106 ratings You have inherited a fortune from an eccentric aunt and her will states the money can be spend building the world largest and most profitable theme park. Create a wonderful theme part full of thrilling rides and greasy - but delicious - food and start to make the loads of money. You are a lucky one who can create the best theme park ever made plus make a fortune. Your park will be compared to 40 rivals all over the world every year. Your goal is to become the best park in all categories. 79 /100
07 Super Bomberman 2 Super Bomberman 2 1994 · 39 ratings Super Bomberman 2 is the second of five games in the Super Bomberman series developed by Produce and Hudson Soft and released on the Super Nintendo. It is the only Super Bomberman game without a 2-player story mode, although one was originally planned. 80 /100
08 Breath of Fire II (1994) Breath of Fire II (1994) 1994 · 49 ratings The incredible sequel to the best-selling RPG hit Breath of Fire is here! You are the last member of the Dragon clan, fighting to rid the world of a growing evil. A cast of unusual and exciting companions joins you in your adventures across a wondrous land full of magic and mystery. You'll find strange mystic items, memorable monsters and exotic locations in your quest to conquer evil. There's strategy and spellcasting galore in the hours of compelling action and adventure that awaits you. Breath of Fire II is the ultimate in RPG excitement! 77 /100
09 Warcraft: Orcs & Humans Warcraft: Orcs & Humans 1994 · 174 ratings Warcraft: Orcs & Humans is the first game in the Warcraft series developed by Blizzard Entertainment. The Orcish hordes are summoned through the dark portal to the peaceful human Kingdom of Azeroth. When the two races meet each other, a terrible war ensues. Only one race can dominate the land. Players can choose to play as either the Humans or the Orcs. There are 12 scenarios for each race with mostly a single objective: destroy the enemy. As with most RTS games of the same era, a lot of time is spent collecting resources and building structures to make/upgrade different types of units. 77 /100
Browse all Strategy games

Other years

Best Strategy games of 2025Best Strategy games of 2024Best Strategy games of 2023Best Strategy games of 2022Best Strategy games of 2021Best Strategy games of 2020Best Strategy games of 2019Best Strategy games of 2018Best Strategy games of 2017Best Strategy games of 2016Best Strategy games of 2015Best Strategy games of 2014

Same year, other platforms

Best PC games of 1994Best Arcade games of 1994Best Game Boy games of 1994Best PlayStation 1 games of 1994Best Linux games of 1994Best Mac games of 1994Best Sega Genesis games of 1994Best SNES games of 1994Best Amiga games of 1994Best Sega Saturn games of 1994

Nearby rankings

Best Strategy games of 1993Best Strategy games of 1995Best Arcade games of 1994Best Platformer games of 1994Best Puzzle games of 1994Best Shooter games of 1994

Catalog statistics

Most abandoned gamesMost completed games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Strategy game of 1994?

EarthBound currently tops the ranking with a score of 93/100 across 572 ratings. Ranking updated October 2026.

How is this ranking built?

Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.