I completely agree; the buildup and production involved in most RTS games is tedious to me. Close Combat seems like the perfect middle between simulationist war games and RTS chaos. It was actually developed as a Squad Leader game before they lost the Avalon Hill license.

The Combat Mission games were fairly similar, with my favorite feature being a mode where you issue orders in 1 minute increments; you’re watching the battle play out in real time, but it’s still turn based. Edit: Apparently they’re still making these. Here is the one I remember playing most. I still like the Close Combat games better to just jump into though.

The only modern franchise I’ve played that has a similar play style are the Total War games, but I think they realize WWII isn’t a great fit for them.

Why would anyone eat at a restaurant called Robert James Ritchie’s overpriced middling fare?

Oh, I’d forgotten about that game. I actually liked it better than Age of Empires.

I’ve been meaning to watch it for a while now; I’ll have to make that happen soon.

Ever seen The Frighteners? The CGI definitely does not hold up, but the plot and acting are top-notch. Combs plays a super creep in it that you love to hate.

Jeffrey Combs.

He’s mostly a supporting actor, but he’s a chameleon who always delivers.