For the uninitiated Age of Empires was a popular historical strategy series where players would develop civilisations and achieve victory by meeting certain objectives. Age of Empires 2 brought the series into the medieval age allowing for grand castles and other technological advancements, beautifully detailed maps and units, and such a vast range of features that made the struggle for supremacy all the more exciting.
In the Deathmatch mode you could achieve victory via conquest, constructing/defending a wonder, or by capturing/defending relics scattered about the map, and you could fine tune the settings to construct your own game modes as well. There was also a campaign mode following the tales of key figures from history, for instance Joan of Arc and William Wallace.
In the Deathmatch mode you could achieve victory via conquest, constructing/defending a wonder, or by capturing/defending relics scattered about the map, and you could fine tune the settings to construct your own game modes as well. There was also a campaign mode following the tales of key figures from history, for instance Joan of Arc and William Wallace.
One of the finest features of AoE II however, was the map editor. It allowed users to create beautiful maps to explore along with pre-prepared units to crush your unwitting foes (if you were a dirty cheater). I remember painstakingly creating my own neighbourhood down to the finest detail, allowing for street brawls and skirmishes.
I also remember when my high school decided it would be a good idea to install AoE II on classroom computers. I'm not really sure why they thought it was a good idea, it kept some kids out of trouble by allowing us the chance to play during lunch, but for those needing computers for school work they had a tough time finding an available machine.
Microsoft have tried, and failed, over the last few years to revive the magic of the Age of Empires franchise. I don't hold out much hope for the new mobile release, but let's pray Microsoft will eventually see sense and create a brand new Age of Empires game. One that's even better than the Age of Kings, delivering the intuitive gameplay and glorious scale the series was once known for.
Microsoft have tried, and failed, over the last few years to revive the magic of the Age of Empires franchise. I don't hold out much hope for the new mobile release, but let's pray Microsoft will eventually see sense and create a brand new Age of Empires game. One that's even better than the Age of Kings, delivering the intuitive gameplay and glorious scale the series was once known for.
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