Evil never sleeps in this strategy game
Evil Genius 2: World Domination is a satirical single-player strategy video game wherein you play as the criminal mastermind instead of the hero. Developed by Rebellion, this real-time strategy simulation title is the sequel to Evil Genius. It’s salvaged after the original developer’s plans for a second installment were canceled.
Like the first game, you’re thrust into a hilarious spy thriller setting that puts you in the shoes of the antagonist of spy stories. There are new playable characters, campaigns, and base-building mechanics compared to its predecessor. However, they can be quite lackluster for fans of the first game.
The quest for world domination continues
Evil Genius is a 2004 single-player real-time strategy and simulation video game developed by Elixir Studios and published by Vivendi Universal Games. Set in an alternative 1960s–70s era, it was notably inspired by the popular James Bond film series and put a spin on its story by having you play as the villain instead. Your goal is to achieve global domination in your evil lair while fending off secret agents.
In Evil Genius 2: World Domination, the concept is still the same: achieve world domination by accumulating enough money—either through your legitimate businesses or your illegal activities—and creating your Doomsday Device. There are four playable criminal masterminds: Red Ivan, Emma, Zalika, and Maximillian. They each have their own unique missions, specialties, and doomsday devices—although in cut-scenes and flavor text, they don’t really differ from each other.
The original gameplay mechanics return here, with some improvements. For one, minions are now varied in gender, appearance, and personalities—allowing you to train them in a specialty. The classic base-building management simulation gameplay is still here and you can choose from 3 island lairs to create your ultimate base filled with traps for secret agents. However, it’s a bit more complicated due to the lack of useful tooltips.
Could use several improvements
All in all, Evil Genius 2: World Domination is still a nice base-building strategy for fans of the genre. It’s got upgraded graphics and gameplay mechanics that you can enjoy, even if you’re new to this kind of game. However, it falls flat when compared with its predecessor—from the playable characters to the base management interface’s ease of use. It doesn’t provide many challenges to veteran Evil Genius fans.
