Information

What is Age of Empires: Age of Kings? Spooky 12/25/99 11:50 PM

Product Overview: Age of Empires II is the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling real-time strategy game Age of Empires. Age of Empires II spans a thousand years, from the Dark Ages to the late medieval period, in which players control the destiny of humankind from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages. The game keeps the epic scope of Age of Empires' game play while evolving the combat, economic, trading and diplomacy features.

Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their nations into great cultures. Gamers can choose from several ways to win, including conquering enemy civilizations, accumulating wealth by extensive trading and diplomacy, building and defending wonders of the world. Age of Empires II, being developed by Ensemble Studios, features the expertise of Bruce Shelley, co-designer of Age of Empires and the hit strategy game Civilization.

Currently under development at Ensemble Studios, Age of Empires II is under the guidance of gaming legend Bruce Shelley, co-designer of Age of Empires and Civilization.

Can I Run AOE:AOK on my machine? Spooky 12/25/99 12:30 PM

Well, if you have a machine that is less than 2 years old you can run this game perfectly. If not here are the requirements.

1.) Multimedia PC with Pentium 166mhz or higher processor
2.) Microsoft® Windows® 95 or Windows 98 operating system, or Windows NT®
3.) 32 MB of RAM
4.) 200 MB of hard disk space; additional 100 MB of hard disk for swap file
5.) Super VGA monitor supporting 800X600
6.) Local bus video card that supports 800X600 256 color resolution and 2 MB of video memory
7.) Quad-speed CD-ROM drive
8.) Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
9.) 28.8Kbps modem (or higher recommended) for Internet or head-to-head play
10.) Internet access required for Internet play. May require payment of a separate fee to an ISP. Connect time charges may apply.
11.) To Play MSN Gaming Zone, you need to have one of the following Web browsers: MIE 3.02 or above or Netscape 4.0 or later.
12.) Audio board with speakers of headphones recommended.

New Feature of AOE:AOK Spooky 12/26/99 01:25 AM

New Features: In addition to making use of the features found in Age of Empires, Age of Empires II enhances the players' experience in the following areas:

* Combat:

Players can use garrisoning, military formations, and advantages in direction facing add interesting tactical choices. Units are also smarter, with new artificial intelligence (AI) options like Guard, Patrol and Follow as well as multiple aggression levels. Also boats will be able to ram or board enemy ships to capture them.

* Alternatives to combat:

Players can improve the economy of their civilization through expanded trade and diplomacy options. In addition to gathering resources, they can trade at their own market or use trading routes with their allies. A market-based economy gives new options for players to buy, sell, and speculate on resources.

* Diverse cultures:

Gamers command one of 13 mighty civilizations. These include Franks, Japanese, Byzantine and the raiding Viking, Mongol and Celt civilizations. Each civilization has unique attributes, buildings and technologies as well as a particular combat unit based on its historical counterpart.

* Ease of use:

Production queues, improved navigation points and customizable hot-key systems have been added. In addition, more audio cues make empire management easier. Map shortcuts like gathering points make it easier for players to coordinate and plan their battles.

* A new era:

Players have more than a thousand years of evolution to build their nation into a powerful, flourishing empire. Buildings and units upgrade and improve as players pass through the Middle Ages.

* Achieve victory in many ways:

In contrast to the linear game play found in other real-time games, Age of Empires II lets gamers choose one of several ways to achieve world domination and ultimate victory:

- Domination of enemy civilizations

- Economic victory through accumulation of wealth

- Building and defending wonders of the world

* Choose a technology path:

Age of Empires II lets gamers choose from numerous technological paths to help lead their civilization to greatness. From an economic path of farming and craftsmanship to a military route of siege and naval warfare, the game comes with a technology tree that has more than 100 nodes, larger than one player could possibly complete in just one game.

* Experience intense single and multiplayer game play:

Enhanced historical campaigns, a random map generator and a scenario and campaign editor offer players extensive replay value. Advanced Technology Support:

* Internet play for up to eight players via the Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone, over a LAN or modem to modem.