"Better than the Original"

Myth 1 was great. A break from resource management, it proved to be superior to the real time strategy games of its time. But that time is passed, and now we have Starcraft and what not. Well, now Bungie gives us Myth 2.

Though not nearly as revolutionary as its predecessor, Myth 2 offers players what they want -- namely, new features, more units, and more multiplayer. Myth 2 delivers.

If you played the original, you know what to expect. If not, I'll fill you in. Myth II is a real time strategy game where tactical strategy, not resource management, is what makes or breaks a game. The entire game takes place on a 3D map, and whether it be a one player game or a multiplayer game, you have an objective to accomplish, and you must do your best to accomplish that objective. *(duh?) The game features a super-realistic terrain engine, where gravity effects everything and every last particle reacts realistically.

With that over with, let me tell you what Myth 2 offers. First of all, even more variety. There are over twice as many units in this game! Even old characters have new tricks -- for instance, archers now have a limited supply of fire arrows. You also get a few new interesting units when playing as the good guys -- you finally get to control a Trow, and even Warlocks, not to mention what may be the most useful new unit in Myth 2, the heron guards!

The improvements in graphics are immediately noticeable. The terrain is still as pretty as ever, especially with a 3D card, but the units now move much more fluidly, with twice the frames of animation, and many have been redone to get rid of that "1st Gen" computer generated look. Sounds, for the most part, are the same -- the the music, while there isn't much of it, is masterfully orchestrated. The animated sequences in between one player levels are now in the anime-style, and are truly worth sitting through, if not repeating. Just watching Soulblighter take the plunge at the end.. ahhh...

And of course, the Multiplayer game. This version adds a few new tricks, like Stampede, where you have to guide animals to a flag, or Hunting, where you want to kill the most wildlife. Also, the Bungie Net has been redesigned for Myth 2. It now includes a buddy list, order rankings, and a new ranking system that judges you by all your games individually, instead of giving you all the points you really want for one or two games in particular.

It ain't perfect, but Myth 2 is still a helluva lot better than most of the stuff out there. Do yourself a favor and peel yourself away from Blizzard's latest long enough to get a nice, long look at this one. You won't regret it. I promise.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99