(CNN) -- For gamers, the urge to conquer and pillage dates back to time immemorial. Tabletop amusements like chess and its numerous variants have enthralled players for centuries.
Given their often-complex rules and cluttered pieces, military simulations were among home computing's earliest killer apps, giving rise to popular publishers such as SSI and MicroProse.
But despite a rapid retail decline in the late '90s that forced many titles out of stores and into the hands of niche online publishers like Matrix Games and HPS Simulations, "wargames" are still going strong today.
Now disguised under catchall categories like "strategy" and "simulation," you can find them on every platform -- from PC to iPad to Xbox 360 -- clothed in an equally diverse array of styles, from contemporary to futuristic.
Here are four virtual spins on classic combat that armchair generals of all ages will appreciate, whether they're looking to build an empire after a trying workday or crush Constantinople under their iron heel during a quick coffee break.
"Empires & Allies" (Free)
"World of Tanks" (Free)
"HISTORY Egypt: Engineering an Empire" ($2.99)
"Civilization World" (Free)
Reference from cnn.com
