"Much better then everyone says."

Settlers III is a heck of a lot better then everyone has said. I've been playing this game for a long time, and it still isn't boring because of the scenario battles. This game is definitely almost if not just as good as Settlers II.

Graphics: 9/10
This game has some great 3D graphics, unlike the first two. Each race has it's own look and feel. The trees sway in the breeze, and your settlers will walk around a beautiful landscape. There really aren't many flaws with these graphics.

Sound: 10/10
The sounds fit the mood of the game absolutely perfectly. The music in the background is great, and specific to each race. The background noises, such as waves when you are looking at an ocean, wind when you are in the mountains, and bubbly muck when you are in a swamp are all great. The noises that the soldiers make when they are killed fits the silly style of the game without flaw. It all comes together for some great mood-setting sound.

Game-play: 8/10
It has some great game-play, with lengthy campaigns for each of the races and some great multi-player. It has an on-line mode, albeit that isn't very useful now that the game is so old, but it was once a nice addition. The thing that kept me coming back for more where the single player scenarios, in which you create your team and your enemies team and battle for control of the land, or just go by yourself and explore/expand on your own time. The campaigns offer some variety, but more or less it will be the same mission every time. This is the only part where the game needs work.

Replay Value: 8/10
Campaigns....well, if you're in the mood to do them again, sure. But it's the other features that will make you want to play again and again and again. It's definitely not a game you will play through once and put down forever.

Overall: 8/10
Great game. Absolutely. The perfect sound, great graphics, and solid game-play make this game a must-play at least once. Bluebyte/Ubi-soft did a great job with this game.

Yup, this game is pretty good despite criticism that it's not as good as the first two. It really is almost better then them, and I hope I changed your mind about this misunderstood jem. If you can't find a copy of the third one, the fourth one is almost as good, and you can still have a great time with it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/14/06