Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

Since Its Been around for nine years, it's hard to believe this hasn't featured in the Budget section already. While this resource-gathering, townbuilding classic may have aged visually in a decade, the fundamental gameplay still offers a brilliant balance of military and domestic strategy.

Something that never dates is subtlety, and the levels of nuance in Age of Empires II are magnificent - such as 19 different infantry units, with upgradeable armour and weapons. Add the element of research (allowing you to counter sheer numbers with improved weaponry), and the non-military needs of your settlements, and you've got a fulfilling, wonderful game that shines even brighter when played against a group of human opponents.