Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

"Adictive and fun"

Introduction-
This game was originally very popular for PC in the late 90s, I missed it back then though. Porting games from PC to the constraints of the PS2 is always challenging and whilst I can't compare the two versions this game in itself impressed me immensely.

Gameplay-
You control up to 100 little men and women and assign them tasks to do- building houses, collecting food, and fighting with little players the computer makes. it's very simplistic on the surface I was shocked by just how in depth this game gets.

The controls are a tad daunting and poorly explained- telling me "R1 does the same thing as shift on a keyboard" really didn't help me as a newb. But thankfully it has an excellent simplistic tutorial mission which explains most of what you need to know to get the most out of this game.

Story-
The game features 5 campaigns you can enter. These amount to half a dozen levels involving you reconstructing historic events such as oan of Arcs liberation of France. I found this compelling and fun, although you will never really feel for a second like you're Joan exploring the maps and completing the various objectives is fun and unlike free play mode relatively quick.

Free play mode allows you to play up to one other human, but as that requires a link cable, two discs, two PS2's and 2 TVs I doubt you'll ever get a chance. Rather you will play on randomly generated maps against 1-3 computer generated opponents. You all represent different historical groups like the Mongols or Persians, each with it's own strengths and weaknesses. You can also pick from a range of map styles and game objectives. This mode is probably where you'll spend most of your time and is extremely addictive.

Graphics-
Awful. The graphics belong on an Atari 2600 game. But live with it, this is the sacrifice they made for that brilliant AI.

Sound:
Mediocre. Tell someone to do something and they'll make sim like noises, if a battle starts you may hear a clash of swords but it's all very dated, even for it's day.

Play Time-
I get bored easily and after 20 hours I have no desire to stop playing this. Between the campaigns and free play this game should keep you busy for weeks if not months.

Final Recommendation-
If you have a gaming PC look to get that version. but if you don't have that option this game is well worth buying or at the least a week long rental. I paid full price for it 5 years after it's release and have no regrets.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/06/06