Old PC games vs. the new ones

There is no real gamer who didn’t played at least one “Age of Empires” game. Those games are product of a genius. First one was revolution, second and it’s expansion was great. Third is just a RTS without soul

a) Age of Empires II

This game was made 1999. It was pretty like first AoE, with just enough changes to make it stand-alone game. Battlefield is now moved to medieval era, instead of ancient times (first game). Graphic quality is increased, so don’t expect from house to be larger than a soldier...

But graphic is on second place. Most important is GAMEPLAY. There are 13 civilizations: Britons, Byzantines, Franks, Mongols, Turks, Saracens, Celts, Vikings, Persians, Teutons, Goths, Chinese and Japanese.

In campaigns, you can free Scotland from English invaders (first campaign with William Wallace), fight with Joan of Arc against English invaders (second campaign, poor Britons...), battle crusaders in infernally middle-eastern deserts (third, Saladin’s campaign), try to conquer whole world (fourth, Genghis Kahn’s campaign), or try to reincarnate Roman Empire (last, Frederick Barbarossa’s campaign). Campaigns are interesting, with historical lessons between missions. One, and maybe only flaw is poor diplomatic options. There are only several: be ally, neutral or enemy, and send tribute. With more options, game would certainly become a legend. That’s it about AoE II.

Rate: 8.5/10

b) Age of Empires III

Sad part of the story. I don’t know, game is... just a ordinary RTS. To be honest, it’s totally OK, but it’s just... not AoE. Campaign is not historically correct, and story is somewhat stupid. If I remember, it’s about searching for something powerful magic item or location in South America. WTF? Magic? No, this can’t be! It’s a NIGHTMARE! MUUUUUUUM!!! HELP!

Graphic is good, it’s a fact. But another bad thing is Major City, and its improvements, which are almost useless. Crate with 300 food? Why the hell I need that? To build one soldier? Don’t make me laugh...

Rate: 7/10

Posted by Dark_Brother on Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 12:37 AM | Permalink