Rule the history books with strategic genius
Age of Civilizations II is a grand strategy game that gives you the tools to create your own alternative history and rule over the world. As with most wargame genres, the focus is placed on the strategy of maintaining strong relationships with other nations, handling military movements, and governing the economy of your people.
Those who enjoy games like Hearts of Iron IV and the strategic components of Crusader Kings III will be familiar with the gameplay of Age of Civilizations 2, and the intense focus required to achieve victory.
Taking history in a different direction
Age of Civilization II takes a bold stance on convectional history by allowing you to take control as a leader and influence history how you see fit. Starting from the age of civilization, your actions will shape how powerful your empire will be, whether through military dominance or political influence.
Growth is mainly dependent on your ability to expand your territory. Building up your civilization will see you establish economics, direct scientific efforts, construct military buildings, and organize various cultural events. With the aid of military movement, you can overthrow other civilizations by attacking and ransacking provinces, developing vessels, creating new civilizations, and more.
Civilizations II also gives you the freedom to strategize the game how you want, instead of funneling you down on only one path of play. One would imagine that you’d be bombarded with tutorial text or a barrage of mechanics one after another, given the flexibility. However, Civilisations II handles this well and gives you room to breathe while you figure out how you want to conquer those around you.
Age of Civilization II truly gives you the flexibility to experiment with various gameplay styles, including the variety offered by the in-game editor for maps, and games. These editors allow you to tweak scenarios, civilizations, events, and leaders. Maps allow you to create a brand new world in whatever shape you wish, including province locations, growth, and so on.
Game variety such as these provides a whole range of replayability, ensuring that no one game is the same while also providing the option to add an additional challenge.
Understanding your civilization
Age of Civilization II requires you to put on an analytical head and invest yourself in the gameplay mechanics presented. Unlike games in the Total War series, Total War Rome II for example, the combat and campaign mechanics aren’t delivered the same way. Total War provides a relatively straightforward base, create units and move to attack. Attacks then take place in a real-time fashion.
However, Age of Civilization II gives you control from a bird’s eye view on the map. Markers are moved, and decisions are made based on the analytics about your civilization. You can make informed decisions about your next move by looking at the stats surrounding various components and positioning multiple units around your civilization.
Battle animations are non-existent, and there is no adrenaline rush when playing. Instead, these elements are replaced by intelligent strategic play where looking ahead multiple turns in advance and planning adequately will give you the most sense of fulfilment.
Grand strategy for the strategic mind
One thing that stands out immediately is the relatively modest visual fidelity. The game doesn’t look pretty, nor does it look unappealing; instead, it has a basic but practical graphic style that may turn some gamers off.
Similarly, Age of Civilizations II knows exactly what it’s trying to be – a game for grand strategy fans. Casual gamers that aren’t turned off by the graphic style may find themselves intimidated at the level of mechanical complexity. The game plays to its strength and appeals directly to those who prefer a strategizing game.
Will you take up the throne?
We’re sure you’ll find something to sink your teeth into with Age of Civilizations II if you’re a grand strategy fan. There are hours upon hours of gameplay with multiple mechanical changes to keep things fresh and new.
Casual gamers looking to get into grand strategy may find this title too intimidating on the first try. However, the flexible options available allow for some changes to enable the game to be easier for beginners.
