The Age Of Empires II

THE AGE OF KINGS

There can be no doubt that the original Age of Empires, was both a huge gaming and commercial success for both Microsoft and  Ensemble studios. Whenever I ventured on to the gaming zone, the number of players for the game would almost always be in the thousands, and a Microsoft source told me the sales were measured in Millions of copies sold. To put it bluntly, this was going to be one hard game to follow.  The long wait is now finally over and during the coming long winter nights, many will be locked in the epic battle of Kings.

In the game world, just as in the movie world, sequels are often inferior to the original game or movie. The exceptions are infrequent, but thankfully do happen.   After three days of near non stop play, I can confirm Age of Empires The Age of Kings is one such sequel, which more than surpasses the original game. The Graphics have been improved and expanded upon, the A.I. that controls your opponents is more cunning and devious at winning the game. The game has now matured in to one which needs sustained concentration. Several new tribes/nations have been added all superbly rendered.

The Age of Kings is the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling real-time strategy game Age of Empires. Age of Empires II spans a thousand  years, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages in which players lead one of 13 civilizations into greatness. The game keeps the epic scope of Age of Empires’ game play while evolving the combat and economic features. Starting with minimal resources, you are challenged to build your civilization into mighty empires. You can choose from several ways to win, including conquering enemy, accumulating wealth by extensive trading and diplomacy or building and defending wonders of the world. Age of Empires II, developed by Ensemble Studios, features the expertise of Bruce Shelley, co-designer of Age of Empires and the hit strategy game Civilization.

You can use garrisoning and military formations that add interesting tactical choices. Units are also smarter, with new artificial intelligence (AI) options like Guard, Patrol and Follow as well as multiple aggression levels.

You can improve the economy of their civilization through trade and diplomacy options. In addition to gathering resources, you can trade at your own market or use trading routes with your  allies. A market-based economy gives new options for you to buy, sell, and speculate on resources.

You command one of 13 mighty civilizations. These include the Franks, Japanese, Byzantines, Vikings, Mongols and Celts civilizations. Each civilization has unique attributes, buildings and technologies as well as a unique combat unit based on its historical counterpart.

The William Wallace learning campaign makes it incredibly easy for new guys to get started. The new two-layer interface lets you select the level of command buttons displayed based on your needs. Additionally, the game includes production queues, rally points, customizable hot-key system, as well as expanded rollover help. 

Age of Empires II lets you choose from numerous technological paths to help lead your civilization to greatness. From an economic path of farming and craftsmanship to a military route of siege and naval warfare, the game comes with a technology tree that has more than 100 nodes, larger than any one player could possibly complete in just one game!