Games Database
Power Mac
Strategy: Management
| Also for: | PC | ||
| Viewed: | 2D Isometric, Scrolling | Genre: | Strategy: Management |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Ensemble Studios | ||
| Publishers: | MacSoft
(US) |
Released: | 2000
(US) |
| Ratings: | ESRB Teen 13+ (T) | ||
| No Accessories: | No accessories | ||
Summary
Age of Empires II is a strategy management title that delivered to expectations, and its expansion pack, The Conquerors, even more so. Now the two classics have been brought together to form a Gold Edition, the most complete AOE experience available.
Age of Empires II can be split into two categories. There is the combat-based element and also a management style not dissimilar from the Sim City series. AOE2 is at its most involving when you choose the option to build an empire from scratch. You must first create a population and then construct buildings for it live in. Once you have yourself a town, you need to learn how defend it, as there will be unpleasant neighbours lurking nearby, just waiting to take your hard work and achievements away from you. It’s just a case of expanding and defending your territory.
Other game options include scenarios in which you will be thrown in at the deep end and be expected to defend your empire. Depending on your preferred approach, you will have to decide whether to take the in-game tutorial and learn the game in detail, or throw yourself in at the deep end and take on the scenarios.
The Conqueror’s expansion includes a whole feast of new features. There are real world maps such as France and Great Britain to build your empire on. New modes of play such as ‘Wonder Race’ and ‘King of the Hill’ have been included to help introduce new strategies of play. A new selection of units (buildings, transport, etc.) have been made available in an attempt to vary the environment a little. Also, the AI of the game has been significantly improved. Villagers now collect wood and gold using their own initiative after a building has been constructed. Age of Empires 2: Conquerors is a smart game, in every sense of the word.
Age of Empires: Gold Edition really is a stunning compilation. Real-time strategy fans couldn’t ask for anything more.
Age of Empires II can be split into two categories. There is the combat-based element and also a management style not dissimilar from the Sim City series. AOE2 is at its most involving when you choose the option to build an empire from scratch. You must first create a population and then construct buildings for it live in. Once you have yourself a town, you need to learn how defend it, as there will be unpleasant neighbours lurking nearby, just waiting to take your hard work and achievements away from you. It’s just a case of expanding and defending your territory.
Other game options include scenarios in which you will be thrown in at the deep end and be expected to defend your empire. Depending on your preferred approach, you will have to decide whether to take the in-game tutorial and learn the game in detail, or throw yourself in at the deep end and take on the scenarios.
The Conqueror’s expansion includes a whole feast of new features. There are real world maps such as France and Great Britain to build your empire on. New modes of play such as ‘Wonder Race’ and ‘King of the Hill’ have been included to help introduce new strategies of play. A new selection of units (buildings, transport, etc.) have been made available in an attempt to vary the environment a little. Also, the AI of the game has been significantly improved. Villagers now collect wood and gold using their own initiative after a building has been constructed. Age of Empires 2: Conquerors is a smart game, in every sense of the word.
Age of Empires: Gold Edition really is a stunning compilation. Real-time strategy fans couldn’t ask for anything more.
