"1602 A.D. and Long Ago"

1602 A.D. and Long Ago

The game itself is filled with many different kinds of challenges and fun facts. As the player gains different features and options, he or she also gain knowledgeable tidbits and information about 1602 A.D., but is the game worth the payment.

Game play: 8/10 The player starts out with few options. Most of which are just building and surviving. As time moves on, an army is available, and the towns people move from the low rank of pioneer to the much more sturdy rank of aristocrat. With luck, the player can defeat his or her current challenge and move on to a more difficult background, or even stay and build up on his or her village(s). However, many complexities block this path including pirates, competing nearby towns, and natural disasters.

Story: 6/10 There is not much of storyline at first. Long ago, in 1602 A.D., towns of England and nearby countries were attacked and suddenly destroyed. As ships full of precious cargo and tons of homeless people deport of their once cozy, little islands, the player must find other islands suitable for their needs. Once the player finds the new land, and complete the challenge given by the CPU, different stories are unlocked. Each are unexpected and fun to play through.

Graphics/Sound: 7/10 Much like in Age of Empires, 1602 A.D. if full of 2D images used for a 3D effect. The camera faces one direction and can be turned 90 degrees if requested. The graphics are superb, and are easily classified as thrilling and fantastic. However, the originality of the graphics is somewhat scarce. Many other games of its time used the same kind of imaging.

The sound, including the music, if educationally delightful, and helps the player depict how life was in 1602 A.D.. Unlike other games, the sound effects and voices don't get blocked out by the music. The narrator told the story greatly as the player set his or her mark in history.

Playing/Replay ability: 9/10 The game will take weeks to beat, and after words there is a ''make a mission'' option available, or, if the player gets bored of the game beforehand, the ''make a mission'' choice is always available then too. With much land to cover, the player makes their efforts to spread great in value. After the task is done, the player can sit back and watch as his or her small shack grows into a palace and masterpiece of long ago.

Final Recommendations: If anything, you should at least rent the game. Once you have tested it, then you may make your own final recommendation. It is a very unique game that needs a persons specific liking if he or she would even like the game.

Overall score: 8/10
Game play: 8/10
Story: 6/10
Graphics/Sound: 7/10
Playtime/Replay ability: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/26/03, Updated 06/26/03