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This is the realm of the real-time strategy game Age of Empires II: Gold
Edition, available from game publisher MacSoft. Built to run on both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X, this award-winning game takes full advantage
of Apples next-generation operating systems improved features and enhanced
performance.
Its time to get started making history as you lead your nascent empire from humble beginnings to major world power. How to Conquer the World in 1,000 Years or Less The sequel to the best-selling Age of Empires, AOE II: Gold is a game that had to walk the narrow line between updating the original but not straying too far from what people know and love, according to designer Greg Street, of developer Ensemble Studios. I think we nailed it pretty close. The game spans a thousand-year period from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages. You choose one of 18 civilizations (see the guide to civilizations and campaigns for more details) and build it into a mighty, continent-spanning empire. Whether you play against your friends or against the computers diabolical artificial intelligence (AI), your goal is to conquer the world by whatever means necessary. One if by land, two if by sea
Each civilization is based on historical reality, so it has the unique strengths and weaknesses-buildings, armies and technology for example-that it had in the past. For example, the Vikings are remarkable craftsmen, sailors, explorers, and traders. In the game, they excel on maps with plenty of water, but they fare worse on land. The Basic Facts Theres a ton of new stuff, Destineer president Peter Tamte says of the sequel, which he says was the companys first release because it represents a perfect blend of interesting subject matter and really fun gameplay. |
View QuickTime Trailer Welcome to the Castle Age.
Age of Empires II: Gold improves on the original in several ways, including greater ease of use. Tamte adds, It is easier for people to get into the game quickly. Alternatives to combat allow players the option of winning the game through trade and diplomacy rather than war. A market-based economic system also offers new options to buy, sell, and speculate on resources. If youre a newcomer to Age of Empires, youll probably want to start with the single-player William Wallace campaign, in which you command a group of Scottish highlanders and attempt to defeat the better-equipped British army. (If youve seen the movie Braveheart, then you know the William Wallace story.) Its a great way to learn the tactics you can use to be successful throughout the game, according to Tamte. Building a Better Empire The game begins in the Dark Ages, during the fifth century AD, after the Roman Empire has fallen and much of Europe is plagued with lawlessness. Your fledgling empire consists of a town center, some villagers, and a Scout Cavalry unit. The rest of the world map is black, so the first thing you need to do is explore and see what else is out there, including the other players civilizations.
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