Really Good War/Military/Strategy Game?

Hi Guys,
I am a looking for a PC game that would really impress my boyfriend!
He used to be an officer in the army (paras). He loves everything military, strategic etc.
I'd love to have a game that he'd really enjoy playing at my house (to keep him out of the trouble while I am cooking...).
I have a really big monitor (widescreen LCD TV and a high spec system with a good graphics card.

What do you guys think my boyfriend would enjoy?
I think it would have to be quite strategic, good graphics and quality and generally an intelligent game.
But there is so much to choose from! A few recommendations would be really helpful.

Secondly, I think I need a joystick.. Could you recommend some high end, stylish models that you like?

Hoping for lots of advice!

Regards
Johanna

First, Welcome to Hell

Second, I would look into the Total War series. Rome Total War has gotten some good marks

Third, what do you want the joystick for? (Scary question)

I don't know alot about War/Military/Strategy games, but I can recommend a good joystick company!
A company called Saitek makes great joysticks at reasonable prices. Here is a picture of one:



A popular game people play (though is first person shooter) is Battlefield 1942. It a WW2 game with lots of vehicles and awesome online play...Most people download the mod DC (Desert Combat) DC transfers it into a modern combat game with Helicopters, planes, and tons of modern-military vehicles and weapons. BF1942 has a sequel, Battlefield: Vietnam BF:V is a good game, and improves the graphics of BF1942, but I personally don't think it's a good a game as the original. As an added bonus, BF1942 and BF:V have Joystick support, so your boyfriend can be piloting a plane with his cool joystick. Hope this helped!! Good luck!

Rome Total War Kicks ass :thumbup:

I'd say

Rome: Total War
Act of War: Direct Action (not released yet, but I'm beta testing it.. good game)
Starcraft (old but great)
...C&C Generals (LAST RESORT.)
Silent Storm (good but turnbased, WW2 centered)
Warcraft 3 + Frozen Throne Expansion
Rise of Nations

Most of these are low priced too, (www.ebgames.com,www.gogamer.com)

All I can think of at the moment.. but if he wants a good military game, try our America's Army (First Person Shooter, but free AND good) www.americasarmy.com

There is nothing that impresses a guy more than being money smart. Head over to www.americasarmy.com and download Army Operations: Special Forces. It is a free game with online multiplayer. It is extremely fun and tactical, and most people that are older like your boyfriend like it. My dad even plays it! The game takes place in a modern setting, and it has maps that realistically represent modern day battlegrounds. The weapons are very realistic and the community is also good. The game has free updates all the time, and the game gets better and better every day. Id strongly recommend this to you. Here are some screenshots:

Yeah but AA lags. but the training is fun

but you should buy Warhammer: dawn of war

Combat Mission 2: Barbarossa to Berlin
Is for hardcore strategist, beginners will be easily overwhelmed.

I use a joystick for flight sims only.
And a good mouse like the MX 510 helps for FPS.

My pick I would say.
Command and conquers: Generals and Zero Hour.
Call of Duty. Ur Boy Friend will love this game.
Brother in Arms.. Though this game hasnt beem released yet. It got a very good preview rate and is gonna make big.
Then Panzers and other games also come in the line.

Rome total war :thumbup:

Even my girlfriend likes it!, on a time to time basis ;)