One of the very first console RTS games, by Technosoft, with mechs clashing in real time. Pioneering, demanding, still fascinating for genre fans.
Your verdict
Category
Real-Time Strategy1 player12+
Description
The player builds bases and battles enemy armies in this Sega pioneer RTS for Mega Drive. Published by Sega, released in Japan in December 1989. Genre-founding real-time strategy with base building, resource management and real-time army battles.
The Japanese edition of Herzog Zwei is the original pressing of Technosoft's game, the first true console real-time strategy game (founder of the RTS genre). Exceptional collector value: the original pressing that inspired the entire RTS subculture.
An underrated gem
Long before real-time strategy exploded on PC, this Technosoft title was already laying its foundations on console: managing a base, producing units and crushing the enemy, all while personally piloting a transformable craft. Its baffling controls did it a disservice at launch. A fascinating forerunner, especially exhilarating in two-player for strategy fans.
Is Herzog Zwei still worth playing in 2026?
A precursor of the real time strategy genre by Technosoft, Herzog Zwei offers a hybrid system between RTS and action where you directly control a mech that transports units and gives orders. This entirely novel 1989 concept would deeply influence Dune II and modern RTS games. The mecha art direction, two player versus mode and strategic depth make it an absolutely historical reference. For anyone fond of video game history, an absolutely essential recommendation today still here truly indeed for any RTS curious player.
