Martin JørgensenDark Colony is a retro RTS with Mars, aliens, and a killer ’90s vibe
Dark Colony is a real-time strategy game from the era when RTS thrived on dark sci-fi, fast battles, and clearly defined factions. Originally released for Windows in 1997 and later for Mac, it’s set on a colonized Mars where humans end up at war with an alien race known in the game’s universe as the Taar.
We tested Dark Colony through a retro lens, and it’s one of those games that still delivers if you’re into classic strategy. It’s not as polished as the biggest names from the period, but it has a distinct charm. The mood is dark, the battles are direct, and the world feels more grim than colorful. It’s exactly the kind of old PC game retro fans still actively seek out, even if search volume isn’t huge.
The war for Mars is still the game’s big draw
The story in Dark Colony is simple but effective. Humanity has terraformed Mars and begun exploiting its resources when it discovers a foreign race. That sparks a conflict between humans and the Taar, with both sides fighting for control of the planet. There are two campaigns, so you can play as both factions, providing more variety than you might expect from a game of this age.
What we liked most during testing is that Dark Colony doesn’t try to be everything at once. It moves quickly from base-building to combat, giving the game a pace that really suits it. Many newer strategy titles drown in systems, but here it’s more straightforward: build up, move your units, watch the map, and react fast.
Gameplay focused on combat over heavy base management
Dark Colony leans on classic RTS fundamentals, but several sources also highlight that it emphasizes combat over heavy economy and complex resource management. The interface is often compared to Command & Conquer, which still feels spot-on today.
One fun detail is that your commander isn’t just an invisible figure in the background. In Dark Colony, the commander is physically present on the battlefield, which adds a real sense of risk. Play too aggressively and you can lose momentum; play too defensively and you lose tempo. It’s a small thing, but it gives the game personality compared to many RTS titles from the same era.
We also noticed the game still works well in short sessions. It’s not necessarily something you’ll binge for eight hours straight in 2026, but it’s great for a couple of skirmishes or a nostalgic campaign night.
Day–night cycle makes battles more interesting
One thing that helps Dark Colony stand out is its day–night cycle. Humans are stronger in daylight, while aliens have the advantage in darkness. It affects things like range and effectiveness, making fights more tactical than screenshots alone suggest.
How Dark Colony feels today
Coming straight from modern strategy games, Dark Colony can feel dated—there’s no getting around it. Pathfinding, pacing, and presentation show their age. Unit designs aren’t always exciting, and both sides resemble each other in several unit roles. Multiple write-ups also point out that the factions largely mirror one another.
But if you approach it as a retro game rather than a modern competitor to new RTS releases, it’s much easier to appreciate. We think it’s especially appealing if you’re searching for old strategy games for Windows, classic Mars games, or just want something beyond the most obvious retro hits.
Top 5 tips for Dark Colony
Use day and night to your advantage
It sounds simple, but it matters. We saw the best results when timing attacks around lighting conditions instead of just charging in.
Protect your commander more than you think
Dark Colony rewards offensive play, but your commander isn’t expendable. He’s more central to mission flow than you might expect.
Think in short, decisive fights
The game feels best when you stay aggressive and keep the tempo up. Long, passive stretches make the experience stiffer than it needs to be.
Play it as retro, not as a modern RTS
If you expect modern quality-of-life features, you’ll get frustrated. Embrace it as a ’90s game with charm and you’ll have a much better time.
Save it for days you want darker sci-fi
Dark Colony nails a specific vibe. It’s a little raw, a bit grim, and much grittier than many other strategy games from the period.
