Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

The most fun you can possibly have playing an RTS; it's goofy on the surface - with crazy unfeasible units and abilities, but serious when it comes to balance and playability. Gameplay is smooth and satisfying. The 12 factions have wildly asymmetrical abilities giving an unprecedented amount of replayability, and it has a great sense of humour. This was the gold standard back in 2000. Sadly it still holds that position today, but this is the only one you need.

RTS games are iffy since they are one part tamagotchi, two parts board game, and one part combat simulation. "Red Alert 2" remains the gold standard because the game is calibrated to be realistic, if you accept the fact that your little guys are more likely divisions or battalions than individuals. Forget the missions, focus on single player, and focus on destroying the economy of your enemy. Needs an update for "modern" operating systems.

Probably the best Red Alert game; the first one was not that innovative, coming just after the very similar C&C, and the third one is fun but not for everyone; I love it, but many don't. You've got two asymetrical but balanced factions with their flavourful units that are all interesting to play, sub-factions with their special units (gotta love playing Libya or Iraq), the first appearance of meme-worthy units like the Kirov airship...

Loads of fun.

Holy shit it's President Leland Palmer