What wonders await?
This fantasy strategy game is a sort of mix of Master of Magic, Heroes of Might and Magic and Age of Empires, and although it lacks a little something in the replay department, it remains a very enjoyable experience. The game is a turn-based strategy affair, set in a familiar fantasy world and which gives you the option to play through two campaigns, which each telling the tale of how humans came into the land and caused a terrible conflict, but from opposing perspectives. You're offered a number of options when setting up, and can customize the AI, hero attributes and so on, and you can even choose between standard turn-based or simultaneous gameplay. There's less micromanagement of cities and suchlike here, with a strong focus on combat, and which makes extensive use of hero characters, while the wide selection of races brings a nice sense of diversity to proceedings. There's also a very sophisticated diplomacy matrix to consider, and choosing your allies wisely is a key, but very difficult, part of the game. There's a nice range of units to use too, along with some cool spells, and it's perhaps this range of options that's at the core of the game's appeal. There's a lot to sink your teeth into here, and you'll be occupied for some time, playing through the two campaigns and the custom scenarios. There's plenty of depth and opportunities for strategic play, although the visuals are simple and rather ugly, while there's not a great range of maps. Apart from this minor niggles though, this is a fine addition to your strategy collection.
