Age of Empires II: Age of Kings

If you weren�t one of the million-plus gamers who spent countless sleepless nights with Microsoft�s 1997 hit game Age of Empires, it may be difficult for you to understand the appeal of this real-time strategy (RTS) series. For the uninitiated, Age of Empires involves nurturing a young civilization by having the villagers harvest valuable resources such as food, wood, gold and stone, and through combat, researching technology and exploration, the overall goal is to grow in size and prowess and advance to the next �age�. Ah, it was micro-management at its finest and despite a few AI flaws, it stood head and shoulders above the competition.

Well, fortunately, the long-awaited sequel does not stray too far from the formula but adds a host of new features, additional gameplay modes and repairs some annoying inadequacies to make this one of the most immersive and polished strategy games of �99.

Chronologically, Age of Kings (AoK) takes place where Age of Empires (AoE) left off, beginning with the fall of Rome and spanning roughly a thousand years to the late Middle Ages. Each of the thirteen new civilizations � such as the Byzantines, the Japanese, the Persians and the Franks, to name a few -- feature its own architecture, technologies, language and a few unique units per culture. Though there�s more civilizations this time around, gameplay is well-balanced between each of them. The manual does a fine job in highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each civilization. For instance, the Celts may have faster lumberjacks and infantry, but the Saracens create better galleys and faster transport ships, and so forth.

Along with the usual random map games, AoK offers fresh ways to indulge in a solo or multiplayer experience. New to the series are story-based campaign games, complete with specific missions to accomplish, including the real-life adventures of Ghengis Khan, Joan of Arc or Barbarossa. These add all to the depth and replayability to the game by adding story elements instead of just hacking and slashing thine enemy into oblivion. Next, is a hotly-anticipated map editor that allows gamers to create and exchange scenarios (or link them together into campaigns with importable AVI movies as cut-scenes!). There are many customizable options with the map editor, too � you could spend ages just toying with various selections in type of game and map layout. Lastly, there are also other gameplay modes including �Regicide� (protect thy King) and the familiar �Deathmatch� mode where the last man standing wins.

There�s a few ways to engage in a multiplayer game but the most seamless is via Microsoft�s free MSN Gaming Zone [www.zone.com]. Up to eight players can indulge in a variety of multiplayer game types, including team-based matches, and gameplay proved smooth and fairly lag-free when tested on both a 33.6 dial-up and cable modem.

The discerning folks at Ensemble Studios obviously made a list of how to add new interface tweaks to AoK while retaining the intuitive feel from AoE. And they�ve succeeded in this area, too. New micromanaging additions include: the ability to queue unit production (as with the Rise of Rome expansion pack); align troops in formations for battle or travel; the option to buy, sell or trade goods with allies; garrisoning units inside buildings for added protection; new military commands such as �stand guard� or �follow�; and lastly, a button (or hot key) to "find idle villagers� in order to automatically highlight an idle unit so you can put them to work.

Fans of AoE will be glad to know the artificial intelligence (A.I.) in AoK has been greatly improved in a number of ways. For one, unit pathfinding is much better so when you order your villagers or military units to another area of the map, they will now take the logical route from A to B, regardless of the obstacle(s) in the way. Also, troops won�t stand around anymore if there�s a fight nearby � chances are, they�ll get right in there to help your odds (just remember, in multiplayer games, the A.I. is helping your opponents, too!).

There�s only a few minor beefs with AoK. While I enjoyed the robust ship component for water-based battles, there�s no ability to use the unit formations option with ships. Therefore, it�s not uncommon your tactical plan of attack will be nothing more than a messy and disorganized convoy...and easy target for the enemy. I also found the ship A.I. not as clever as land units. Often demolition and fire ships would get stuck on a beach or refuse to attack enemy vessels unless instructed by the gamer. Other minor beefs include the cheesy voice-overs for the story-based campaigns and in some instances, the map editor wouldn�t allow me to exit the game unless I chose to �save� my creation.

Trivial shortcomings aside, Age of Empires II: Age of Kings is a good-looking and feature-full 2D RTS that manages to provide hours and hours of solo or multiplayer gaming enjoyment. The kicker? With its extremely lean system requirements, you don�t need the latest and greatest computer in order to get in on the fun.

Be sure to download the free playable AoK demo (the William Wallace tutorial) at www.microsoft.com/games/age2

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