Age of Empires II

Copyright KBkids.com

 

The original Age of Empires (AoE) was a wonderful game that became an instant classic with gamers. AoE II looks as if it will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. With updated scenarios, military units, and a much-needed overhaul of the interface, AoE II is perhaps the best strategy game you can buy.

AoE is all about building an empire, either by military conquest, diplomacy, or by building a "wonder". You move your units around the map to perform tasks such as gathering food, to build a structure, or to attack the enemy, moving your groups through various historical periods.

Game features include:

13 Unique civilizations

• Historically accurate campaigns (William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan etc.)
• All new technologies and military units
• Improved interface: ordering formations, and building queues is easier
• Upgraded graphics and sound
• Powerful scenario builder with new features: construct worlds and situations of your own
• Wonderful Multi-player support over the Internet (www.zone.com) or a LAN connection

A surprising aspect of AoE II is the historical accuracy and depth of the campaigns. They are not perfectly accurate, but more so than any other game available. Also, people will remember more information when they are actually acting out these scenarios as opposed to reading about them in a textbook.

AoE II is rated "Teen" for animated violence and blood. When a unit falls in battle, you see the corpse on the battlefield with a small bit of blood. As time goes on, the corpse starts to decompose, and you will notice the skeletal remains. This is a really cool effect, but may be offensive to some families.

With its cinematic scenarios, unique civilizations, robust scenario editor, and loads of re-play value, AoE II is destined to become a classic.

Bottom Line: Historically accurate campaigns and endless re-play value makes this one a winner. A new Benchmark for Real Time Strategy games.

Ratings: (KBkids.com used a 4 star rating system)

Overall: 4

BrainGain:3 1/2

Fun Factor: 4

Ease Please: 4

Buy Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings at Amazon!