Review: Rewrite history with PC sequels
By Marc Saltzman
Gannett News Service
Why merely read about history when you can change it? Two new strategy game sequels for the PC let you flex your military, economic or diplomatic muscle by taking control of a civilization and its resources.
Vivendi Universal Games' "Empire Earth II" and 2K Games' "Stronghold 2," both rated "Teen," build upon their predecessors. Here is a closer look:
'Empire Earth II'
Similar to its award-winning 2001 epic, "Empire Earth II" ($49.99) allows players to re-create all of human history from the Stone Age to the present and beyond.
The game can be played solo or via the Internet against up to nine other gamers in one of nine modes, such as the straightforward Conquest match that challenges you to destroy all enemy military units and all buildings capable of producing them.
The single-player option is divided into a lengthy tutorial and three campaigns covering the progress of the Aztecs, Germans, Koreans and Americans. As with most real-time strategy games, players must collect resources and then produce civilian and military units that pave the way for more sophisticated buildings and vehicles.
You must also explore a huge map to interact with nearby villages or towns. Researching new technologies unlocks more possibilities.
"Empire Earth II" offers new user-interface enhancements including a picture-in-picture window that shows close-ups of specific groups or spots on the map, and a citizen manager to easily find and control worker units. Other additions include weather effects and streamlined diplomatic rewards including bonuses for forming alliances.
Some pathfinding issues remain and some minor snags occur in the lobby for multiplayer matches, so be sure to download the version 1.05 patch from the official game site: www.empireearth2.com.
Otherwise, this ambitious game is a gem for megalomaniacs and history buffs alike.
'Stronghold 2'
Immensely popular in Europe, the "Stronghold" series ($39.99) focuses on castle building and siege warfare during medieval times.
"Stronghold 2" offers various modes, so those interested more in developing a thriving economy and less on creating mighty armies to siege enemy castles should play The Path of Peace. Along with the story-based campaign, the Free Build option provides a canvas for gamers to begin constructing fortifications with no goals or enemy attacks to worry about.
War hungry players, however, will opt for The Path of War, which not only requires economic growth but mastery of medieval warfare. A new Kingmaker mode challenges you to manage multiple castles and estates while fending off a mix of opponents; advancements in rank open up extra buildings and defenses.
Similar to 2001's "Stronghold," the military mode requires the training of fighting monks, boat warriors, horse archers and assassins, all the while keeping your peasants happy as they toil away on building drawbridges, stone towers and punishment devices for captured enemies.
While the biggest change from the original game is the move from 2-D to 3-D, other extras include a multiplayer mode and a scenario and campaign editor to create and share custom challenges.
"Stronghold 2" can be fun for those interested in castles or medieval warfare, but an overall lack of polish can spoil the fun. This includes various graphic glitches and game-play bugs, and artificial intelligence that can be predictable for the enemy and noncompliant for your own forces. A downloadable patch addresses some of these issues, available at the official game site: http://www.2kgames.com/stronghold2/
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