OVERVIEW

Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings is probably the most popular rts (real-time strategy) in the USA, so it requires a detailed description. Here it comes then. The game doesn't differ dramatically from the first part of the series, so those of you who played AoE shouldn't have any problems playing the sequel. AoE 2 spans a thousand years, starting from the fall of the Rome Empire throughout the middle ages. Your goal is to develop an effective system of workers and warriors and defeat the enemies. The economic factor is crucial in the game - you start with a small amount of resources and have to build your power throughout the game. There are a few ways to win. Firstly you can "place your bet on the army" and conquer other civilizations. Secondly you can build and defend wonders of the world. And finally you can develop your economy and trade to reach certain amount of wealth. You have 13 civilizations to choose from, but there is no "best civilization". Each civ has its own characteristics and therefore another strategy. The game contains a Map Editor which allows to create your own scenarios and campaigns. Oh, and the maps have been enlarged - now there's even more fun!

GAMEPLAY

You can choose between a single scenario and the campaign. To get started I advise you to play William Wallace training campaign. This will give you a good look into the game. All campaigns are based on historical protagonists (among them Saladin and Joan of Arc) and their struggles. Scenarios, in turn, are good for a long play with using all your skills. You begin the game with just several workers. Use them to collect food (including fish, fruit from bushes and meat), wood, stone. Having enough resources, build houses and create new workers. This is the point where you have to choose your strategy. If your priority is to build an army at all costs, remember that if you fail to beat the enemy in a first strike you may not have a chance to rebuild it (army) due to lack of resources. On the other hand if wealth is your priority you might not have enough time to collect it - other players may, for instance, build wonders of the world and you'll lose in spite of all your wealth. Finally, if you choose to build the wonder you must be ready to face the enemies who will try to destroy it. To sum up: you have to exploit the resources to build your economic and military strength (quite common, isn't it?). You can choose your technological path from economic (craftsmanship) to military.

STRATEGY AND TIPS

• at the beginning focus on developing your workforce; 20 men is minimum;
• in the Dark Age your main resource is wood; go for it;
• in general don't build an army in the Dark Age; your town hall can defend itself;
• build houses to create more villagers;
• you have to build another building to advance to Feudal Age; try a lumber camp for instance;
• initial sources of food: berry bushes, sheep, fish and other animals;
• build farms to set food independence;
• build farms near a mill;
• start mining gold and stone as soon as possible;
• when attacking the enemy try to cut off his resources instead of biesieging his headquarters;
• use skirmishers against bowmen;
• use heavy infantry and bowmen against cavalry;
• never underestimate the importance of technological improvements;

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• Multimedia PC with Pentium 166MHz or higher processor.
• Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5 operating system.
• 32 MB of RAM
• 200 MB of hard disk space; additional 100 MB of hard disk space for swap file.
• Super VGA monitor supporting 800x600 resolution.
• Local bus video card that supports 800x600, 256 color resolution and 2 MB of VRAM
• Quad-speed CD-ROM drive.
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
• 28.8Kbps modem (or higher recommended) for internet or head-to-head play.
• Audio board with speakers or headphones.
• To access the MSN Gaming Zone you need Internet Explorer 3.02 or later software or Netscape Communicator 4.0 or later