Age of Wonders II - a very good game
Age of Wonders II is the third tittle from the turn based, fantastic genre and it is as good as the other competitors from this gaming field, Disciples II and Heroes of Might and Magic IV. Unlike the first part, this game does not come with a random map generator, but it has maps that are huge and comes with an editor that can change them. Besides this the game is excellent and any fan of the genre should play it.
Age of Wonders is a very complex, deep game that cam be cumbersome for beginners and because of its increased difficulty. Like any other fantasy strategy, you create an army of fantastic creatures that explore the huge and wonderful map, get your hands on resources and treasures and fight with enemy soldiers or neutral monsters on the map. Each battle is given on laps, but you have the possibility of simulating the battle, which can save you time. You have a lot going on besides battles, namely the development of cities, buildings, magic and you will always be attentive to the movements of enemies. So if you are a beginner you better make the tutorial fist before you go into the single player campaigns.
The game begins with the selection of wizard, a character that appears on the map, he can be moved and engaged in battles, but he doesn't gain experience. It is recommended to keep the wizard at home, to create troops and to call troops and heroes to send them into battles. From the start you will choose the race and Age of Wonders has the plurality of options, up to 12 races, including: Lizardmen, tigrans, Draconians and much more. Each race can create units like priests or attack units, but the rest of the units have a diversity that favor each race separately. Powerful units differ completely from all races.
Game maps are not only on the surface, they include also subways full of monsters, and treasure that you have to take over during missions to get to your destination. Performing these huge maps of Age of Wonders II is extremely entertaining and it is a good way to spend an afternoon and a night without sleep.
Age of Wonders II has support for multiplayer, but being a turn based, can last very long, but it also offers players the opportunity to play at the same time, reducing the time spend in the game halfway.
The game looks great, supports high resolutions and the graphics are more detailed and more colorful than the last one. The game sound is also very good. Ambient music is pleasant and the voices are successful, especially the young wizard Merlin voice.
You will definitely can find negative aspects if you want to look for them, but otherwise the game is very good. Although it seems hard for beginners, Age of Wonders II sounds good, looks goods and plays well!