Do RTS games have to be very deep to be great?

Games Halo Wars Series
1

I’m looking forward to diving into my early access when I get home, but from what I’ve seen in some reviews, the negative ones all seem to cite a lack of depth as a main reason for lower scores.

I’ve played numerous RTS games (AoE2, WC3, SC2, DoW1/2, HW1) and agree that strategic depth adds value, but I don’t feel like it is a prerequisite to having a good RTS game. In fact, having a more straight forward system would hopefully appeal to a wider player base and bring in players who feel like most RTS games have to steep of a learning curve. On console, I want an RTS that doesn’t feel clunky, has lots of action, and has good competitive balance. I don’t need super deep strategy for it to be a fun, great great.

I’m looking to get others’ perspective on this topic. Whether you’ve played HW2 yet or not, what are your thoughts?

2

Some? The game is getting thoroughly demolished in user reviews on sites like Metacritic. I get that it just came out and not everyone has had a chance to finish and review it, but a 5.9 is a pitiful start. I honestly don’t expect this game to get higher than a 6.