There is somewhat similar game, where you do not have direct control of your units at all. And it is RTS. It's name is Majesty. And especially the first game is absolutely fantastic!
Because the sequel removed something that some people complained about. The individualistic behaviour and different patterns of different hero types. Now they are all braindead.
All I want him to do is figure out the rights issues and do re-releases of the Black and White games. Populus, Dungeon Keeper and Magic Carpet games. Remasters would be nice, but just get them working 16:9 on modern windows would do.