Age of Empires: The Age of Kings

"Not Age of Empires for the PC, but definitely worth a shot if you're a fan of the series"

I'm a fan of the Age of Empires series for the PC, and though this certainly isn't anywhere close mechanics wise to the PC versions, it's certainly not bad. If you're a fan of the series, and you've got a DS, I recommend that you check the game out.

Starting off, the differences between the PC and the DS versions are obvious; hardware limitations pretty much take out a lot of the action and fludity you'd expect from Age of Empires. Thus, it's simplified, but there's still enough of a strategic element to it. If you're familiar with Advanced Wars, then Age of Empires DS will seem familiar enough to you.

Graphically, the game is lacking, and is typical of other DS games. If you're getting this game for the pretty colors, then don't bother. Then again, no one's getting this game for the graphics. The units are a bit small though, and there may be some straining when your units are garrisoned in buildings.

The sound in this game is fair, and once again, DS hardware limitations pretty much put a cap on the quality of music and sound. It gets the job done if that's what you're asking.

Obviously, we're getting a strategy game for the gamplay. In this sense, Age of Empire delivers. It's very familiar to Advance Wars: it's turned based, terrain affects your movement capability, you produce units from buildings. Notable exceptions include that you can of course build your buildings and there are two kinds of resources. You also have the option of turning off fighting cinematics and movement animation, essential for those long, long battles that include a large number of enemy forces.

As mentioned earlier, gameplay is not as fluid. It's turned based, so if you're a fan of that, you'll like this. Gameplay can seem sluggish since it uses the turn based system and you have a large number of units to control per turn. Resources are gained automatically and slowly, as is research. Thus, to reach the highest age, you'll always have to wait at least 30+ turns, regardless of how efficient you are. Units can only occupy their own individual square spaces. Often, you'll find yourself in long drawn out battles over a bridge or a city as you wait for reinforcements to arrive and you recall/send out troops, slowly heal them, repeat, etc.

The many civilizations are a nice touch. They're fairly balanced, and don't expect major distinctions among them. All in all, you pretty much develop the same buildings. A pikeman is still a pikeman, and a bowman is still a bowman. Certain civilizations have certain bonuses, but it's nothing to lose your mind about. The hero units, however, are definitely unique and can really turn a battle to your favor. Saladin, for example, can boost all friendly archers attacks significantly, while Joan of Arc can heal her nearby units.

Since the game's pretty old, it's a fair bang for your buck. I'll admit, I lost my patience with the story mode and just jumped into the skirmishes. I'd say if you like the game, bother to try out all the civilizations, and ditch the story mode, you'll get at least 10+ hours on it if you don't rush.

If you're a fan of turned based strategy and historical context games, this is a game worth checking out. If you really hate waiting, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/05/07

Game Release: Age of Empires: The Age of Kings (US, 02/14/06)