Aug

03

Rollercoaster Tycoon 3

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 03-08-2009

Tagged Under : ,


Let's face it, that's what it should be called. Not that I dislike the game. I spent several hours playing it and built myself quite an empire.
But the main thing I wanted was something to design rides on. And this one yeah you can ride the rides, but you're still limited by the prefab modules you have to stick to.
Ultimate Ride Coaster: Disney Edition may be better if, like me, you want more options. With the Disney coaster you have your prefab modules, but you can tweak them and customize them a bit more, and you can add sounds, etc. There is also a game mode, but it's more about having challenges of rides to build.
Of course if you really want the ultimate customizability with the steep learning curve that goes with it, look into No Limits Coaster.

Rollercoaster Tycoon 3

Product Description:
Platform:  WINDOWS 98/ME/2000/XP Publisher:  ATARI Packaging:  MINI RETAIL BOX Rating:  EVERYONE An All-New Roller Coaster Tycoon! Completely updated and redesigned to take the series to all-new heights. Featuring incredible 3D graphics and the exclusive new Coaster Cam you can now see your park from any angle and ride the coasters you build.  From street level to blimp see your park pulse with fun and excitement like never before!Experience Incredible 3D GraphicsRide the Rides with the Coaster Cam. Build rides easier with the enhanced user interface. Light up the night with the new park lighting system. View your park from any angle with complete camera control. See breathtaking park vistas including realistic sunsets moonlight weather patterns and more!Huge Array of Guests... Everyone is Unique! Create your own family members and friends and add them to your park. Respond to the individual likes and dislikes of kids teens and adults. See fully animated individuals including facial expressions exhibit intelligent behavior both individually and as a crowd More Rides and Attractions. Create pyrotechnic wonders with the new Fireworks MixMaster. Build your Dream Park in Sandbox Mode Add music to rides and fireworks shows from your own MP3 library. Includes many New-to-RollerCoaster Tycoon rides and attractions. Design your park with 5 fun themes: Generic Spooky Western Adventure and Sci-fi.There are currently no downloads available for this product.System Requirements : Windows 98/ME/2000/XP Pentium III 733 256MB RAM 600MB free hard drive space 4X CDROM or faster Any ATI Radeon or GeForce 2 with 32MB RAM and hardware T&L Windows 98/ME/2000/XP compatible sound card DirectX 9.0 (included on CD) Keyboard and Mouse

Features:
  • Create and customize your own amusement park
  • New 3-D graphics; complete camera control allows players to view their park from any angle
  • The new CoasterCam lets you ride what you build
  • Create your own family members and friends and add them to your park
  • For 1 player
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 19.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 2.99
Lowest New Price: USD 4.49

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Jul

27

Hearts of Iron 3

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 27-07-2009

Tagged Under :


Hearts of Iron 3




Hearts of Iron 3 is a great game in most aspects. I bought this game 1 week after it was released so its the standard game. Here are some of the aspects of the game that I highlight.
1. Hearts of Iron 3 is a very complex game, but with hours of playing it becomes fun. All the content in the game are very accurate and helpful.
2. The game allows you to play with almost any country in the world, but that depends on what country are you playing with. If you play with a country like Albania, its no fun because all you do is accepting trading agreements. ESPECIALY if you are not at war, so you have to wait until war brakes out somewhere to move your 2 units of infantry.
3.Production and Technology is very realistic and realy makes you feel that you are progresing.
4. Battles in this game are fun and sometimes a battle like Iwo Jima is easier than you thought. Ground units move a little slow though.
5. Reasources in this game are very crucial and may decide the outcome of a battle, but sometimes it spoils the fun.
6. Lastly, the game is very heavy and took a lot of space out my computer, so you should think about where to put it.

This game is very fun to some people and boring to others, but I certainly enjoy it. 4 of 5.

Average Rating:
Brand: Paradox
Edition: Standard
Model: 00207
Release Date: 2009-08-04
Languages:
Unknown: English
Original Language: English

Product Description:
Hearts of Iron 3 lets you play the most engaging conflicts of World War 2 as any country and through multiple scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948. Wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made.

Features:
  • Play as any nation from 1936 to1948 with more than 150 countries to choose from. More than 10,000 land provinces makes this game five times more detailed than Hearts of Iron 2 and the most detailed depiction of World War 2 ever made.
  • Control the oceans with aircraft carriers, submarines and battleships. Use your air force to defend the skies, support naval and ground forces, and bomb your enemies.
  • Customize your divisions in detail with more than 20 types of brigades.New economic system makes it possible to buy weapons overseas. Mobilization and reserves gives the option of surprise attacks.
  • A completely new intelligence system makes it possible to get information about enemy reserves and troop movements.Assign troops to ?theatres? on the map to fight two-front wars more successfully.
  • Thousands of historically accurate real-world military commanders and politicians. Realistic military command AI with unprecedented levels of interaction. In-depth diplomatic and political system.
Format: CD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 29.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 3.89
Lowest New Price: USD 3.99

Customer Reviews


fun for those that like deep strategy games
For those that like deep strategy gaming this is the game for you. Make sure and download the latest patch as it has fixed allot of the bugs that the original release had. I'm a big WWII buff and a strategy nut so it fit me perfectly. I recommended it to my friends that like in depth strategy games like this.


Not a completed product - caveat emptor
After almost a year on the market, Hearts of Iron 3 still hasn't addressed the glaring bugs that it shipped with, let alone lived up to the promises its promoters made. This game is still a work in progress, and at this pace, it won't be finished until at least 2012. As a game, it isn't fun, since most of the features of the game still have yet to be fleshed out or brought to a semblance of realism. If you are a student of World War II, then it will give you lots to think about at least. The game escaped from beta testing onto shelves, and it seriously damages the reputation of Paradox Interactive that they would not promptly fix the game. Buy a WW2 history book instead - it'll be more fun.

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Jul

02

Age Of Empires Collector's Edition (Limited Edition)

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 02-07-2009

Tagged Under : , , ,


Age Of Empires Collector\'s Edition (Limited Edition)


So, this is a pretty old set of games (especially the first one in the set), but it's still what I would call unique - yeah the graphics are bad but overall they did give a nice sense of time setting (ancient and medieval) and I've seen people have a lot of fun making scenarios reenacting all sorts of battles, historical and imagined.

Not a game that you'd probably play for a week and get tired of, but something that would take you in and leave a feeling of a game well played...


But, the main reason I might have written this review is more about the compatibility problems - The games run fine on Windows XP (the first is iffy but it still works) AND on Windows Vista/7 (only AOE 2 + expansion).

However, you will definitely run into glitches - For the second game there is a driver issue with the mouse THAT CANNOT be fixed, only temporarily avoided by the usual gamut of reinstallation and crying, etc. (This issue rarely pops up but when it does.....) And in the game community there is the infamous "toxic waste" problem - most graphics drivers can't handle the oldness and will wack out - everything turns neon and bright, like toxic waste (hence the name) - this issue can be fixed by alt+tabbing

yet, even with these problems I would say that it is DEFINITELY worth buying, I had a lot of fun with this game as a child and still do. I mean seriously, you won't miss those ten dollars you spent, lol

Average Rating:
Brand: ValuSoft
Edition: Standard
Model: 29644
Release Date: 2009-04-08
Languages:
Unknown: English

Product Description:
Control 10,000 years of human history and rewrite it to suit you. Lead your civilization to glory across the Millennia by choosing your path to greatness. Battle alongside legendary heroes as you conquer rival empires. Discover new technologies and chart your course well - from the Stone Age to the Imperial Age - and your legacy shall live forever!

Features:
  • Limited Edition - 3 CDs in Jewel Case Packaging - Age of Empires and Age of Empires II Complete with all Expansions
  • Includes: Age of Empires; Age of Empires Rise of Rome Expansion;Age of Empires II : Age of Kings Gold Edition;Age of Empires II Conquerors Expansion
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 9.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 4.99
Lowest New Price: USD 6.39

Customer Reviews


LOVE.
What is there to say?!
Super cheap, was exactly what the description said it was going to be.
I have no issues with it, it runs on Vista and Win 7 even though the games are old.

Super fun blast from the past- I'd recomend in a heart beat.
If you're on the fence- just buy it. You'll be glad you did, no matter if you're a vetran player or first time owner :)
Age of Empires was so classic- but two and three are amazing also. They're games that everyone can enjoy- I remeber playing when I was seven or eight and now I'm in college and still adore these games.
Shipping was fast too!
Awesome games.


top-of-the-line classic game
this game was my favorite growing up (the first one) and i still like it now. it's very dated but it still has fun factors when you just wanna get back to the basics.

i would recommend this game for the great price it's at (i grabbed it for [...]).


Fun game for the whole family
Since this is such a great price, I purchased 3 sets of the Age of Empires software game. This is so much fun, and we play as a whole family. Both of my kids are in elementary school, and they learned the game quickly. We battled each other, and other times, we play in the same team and battle the computer. You have choices of what army you want to build, and if you want to be by a coast where you can build fishing, transport, or battle ships. Lots of fun. The only complaint I have is when the CDs arrived, the center plastic clips that holds the CDs together broke off. Since it's a great price, I had to give it 5 stars.

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Jun

26

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 26-06-2009

Tagged Under : , ,


Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack


The Asian Dynasties is a wonderful addition to the already excellent Age of Empires 3 game. Created by Big Huge Games, rather than Ensemble Studios, 'TAD' reflects everything that made Age 3 and the the Warchiefs Expansion fun: sweeping landscapes, great gameplay, diversity of different nations, etc.

Whether you're marching towering elephants of India, Japanese samurai, or Chinese Cho Ko Nu, the new units look and feel real and impressive. In addition to the 3 new units, their naval units also have a distinct look and the new maps and Asian locales are truly impressive. People who watch this game take one glance and say 'wow.'

This is not as good as the Age 3 'vanilla' edition or the Warchiefs expansion, but a worthy addition to your RTS collection. For those who haven't purchased any of these, the entire collection of Age3, Warchiefs, and Asian Dynasties can be purchased as a single product now. Otherwise isn't bad to complete your collection.

Average Rating:
Brand: Microsoft
Release Date: 2007-10-23

Product Description:
Microsoft Age of Empires III: Asian Dynasties Expansion Pack Win32 . Rule powerful and exotic Japanese, Chinese and Indian civilications of the East; battle with Samurai, Chinese Banner Armies and devastating war elephant troops; build powerful wonders such as the Great Wall and TajMahal to advance in Age.

Features: Sold Individually
Special Features: nv:Software Type^Games
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 29.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 13.59
Lowest New Price: USD 16.12

Customer Reviews


best of aoe
latsest step in the aoe line.each step has more.more graphics,more complexityif you liked aoe 2 and its cousinns you will love this.as an offshoot of iii


Amazing
This wont be a long well written review because there is enough of those out there. But to simply put it this game is just fun. If you are a fan of the age of empires 3 game this expansion pack is a must. The expansion adds so much more to the game other than just a new campaign. The new maps, characters, and overall game-play changes significantly and really adds a whole new flame to the game. If your kid enjoys strategy thell love this, if you love strategy and do not want to be limited by turn base games this game is for you. And if your like me who love to compete with friends online get this game!!

As a for a few side notes this expansion is almost exclusive to online purchases since the golden edition with all three expansions has come out, the single expansions are hard to come by. Also this game can be made into a virtual disk if the player doesn't want to mess around with disks, once its done you can just store the disks away somewhere.


More than you could what in an expansion.
This game is really good i thought it was great. It has nice features and it gives you the original game with it, so you wouldn't even need to buy the original game in th first place. This game was great i would recommend it for people who like AOE 2 with the building of the wonders.


Great Expansion
Package came on time and was as promised. Installed with no difficulties.

Asian Dynasties adds more cultures and different capabilities to AOE III.

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Jun

17

Age Of Empires

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 17-06-2009

Tagged Under :


Age Of Empires Collector\'s Edition (Limited Edition)


So, this is a pretty old set of games (especially the first one in the set), but it's still what I would call unique - yeah the graphics are bad but overall they did give a nice sense of time setting (ancient and medieval) and I've seen people have a lot of fun making scenarios reenacting all sorts of battles, historical and imagined.

Not a game that you'd probably play for a week and get tired of, but something that would take you in and leave a feeling of a game well played...


But, the main reason I might have written this review is more about the compatibility problems - The games run fine on Windows XP (the first is iffy but it still works) AND on Windows Vista/7 (only AOE 2 + expansion).

However, you will definitely run into glitches - For the second game there is a driver issue with the mouse THAT CANNOT be fixed, only temporarily avoided by the usual gamut of reinstallation and crying, etc. (This issue rarely pops up but when it does.....) And in the game community there is the infamous "toxic waste" problem - most graphics drivers can't handle the oldness and will wack out - everything turns neon and bright, like toxic waste (hence the name) - this issue can be fixed by alt+tabbing

yet, even with these problems I would say that it is DEFINITELY worth buying, I had a lot of fun with this game as a child and still do. I mean seriously, you won't miss those ten dollars you spent, lol

Average Rating:
Brand: ValuSoft
Edition: Standard
Model: 29644
Release Date: 2009-04-08
Languages:
Unknown: English

Product Description:
Control 10,000 years of human history and rewrite it to suit you. Lead your civilization to glory across the Millennia by choosing your path to greatness. Battle alongside legendary heroes as you conquer rival empires. Discover new technologies and chart your course well - from the Stone Age to the Imperial Age - and your legacy shall live forever!

Features:
  • Limited Edition - 3 CDs in Jewel Case Packaging - Age of Empires and Age of Empires II Complete with all Expansions
  • Includes: Age of Empires; Age of Empires Rise of Rome Expansion;Age of Empires II : Age of Kings Gold Edition;Age of Empires II Conquerors Expansion
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 9.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 4.99
Lowest New Price: USD 6.39

Customer Reviews


LOVE.
What is there to say?!
Super cheap, was exactly what the description said it was going to be.
I have no issues with it, it runs on Vista and Win 7 even though the games are old.

Super fun blast from the past- I'd recomend in a heart beat.
If you're on the fence- just buy it. You'll be glad you did, no matter if you're a vetran player or first time owner :)
Age of Empires was so classic- but two and three are amazing also. They're games that everyone can enjoy- I remeber playing when I was seven or eight and now I'm in college and still adore these games.
Shipping was fast too!
Awesome games.


top-of-the-line classic game
this game was my favorite growing up (the first one) and i still like it now. it's very dated but it still has fun factors when you just wanna get back to the basics.

i would recommend this game for the great price it's at (i grabbed it for [...]).


Fun game for the whole family
Since this is such a great price, I purchased 3 sets of the Age of Empires software game. This is so much fun, and we play as a whole family. Both of my kids are in elementary school, and they learned the game quickly. We battled each other, and other times, we play in the same team and battle the computer. You have choices of what army you want to build, and if you want to be by a coast where you can build fishing, transport, or battle ships. Lots of fun. The only complaint I have is when the CDs arrived, the center plastic clips that holds the CDs together broke off. Since it's a great price, I had to give it 5 stars.

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Jun

09

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 09-06-2009

Tagged Under : ,


Blizzard did an excellent job once upon a time ago on Starcraft. I didn't think that they could top it, but they did. The UI is streamlined, annoy things like getting SCV's and other units getting stuck behind piles of supply depots has been solved, and you can queue up buildings and automatically have it return back to mining. Siege tanks can also now be told to move to a location first and deploy via the improved ui. The single player campaign is well over 50 hours. Excellent value.

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

Product Description:
Starcraft II PC

Features:
  • Fast-paced, hard-hitting, tightly balanced competitive real-time strategy gameplay that recaptures and improves on the original game
  • Three completely distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg
  • Units and gameplay mechanics distinguish each race
  • 3D-graphics engine with support for visual effects and massive unit and army sizes
  • Full multiplayer support, with competitive features and matchmaking utilities available through Battle.net
Format: DVD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 59.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 48.99
Lowest New Price: USD 53.00

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May

30

Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 30-05-2009

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Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition


I played civ I and civ II when I was younger, and the improvements upon the series are solid. I've played through a half-dozen or so games since buying this about a month ago and the differences add a refreshing a new set of game elements. National borders really add to the feeling of a cohesive nation rather then a group of cities along with adding new strategic elements by with things like reducing road availability to enemy nationals when they invade. The system for resource management takes a bit to actually fully understand, but makes tile resources such as fish or iron much more important then previously. Caravans have always been a pain to deal with in Civ I and II and their removal and replacement with trading resources through negotiations is a welcome sight. Just in general a very very solid improvement over the previous games I've played.

Average Rating:
Brand: 2K Games
Edition: Standard
Model: 31571
Release Date: 2009-05-12
Languages:
Unknown: English

Product Description:
The final and ultimate installment of the classic Sid Meier’s Civilization IV series, offering the pinnacle of value at a new and lower “Complete”edition price
Amazon.com Product Description:
Sid Meier's Civilization IV is the ultimate PC strategy game, offering players the chance to lead their chosen nation from the dawn of man through the space age and become the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Now the complete Civilization IV experience is available, DRM (Digital Rights Management) free in Civilization IV: The Complete Edition. Containing the original Civilization IV strategy classic, plus both the Warlords and Beyond the Sword expansion packs and the standalone Colonization game in one box, it's an incredible value any gamer will cherish.

Turn-based battles in 'Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition'
Engage in classic turn-based battles.
View larger.
City building in 'Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition'
Mine resources for city building.
View larger.
Architectural wonders in 'Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition'
Create architectural wonders.
View larger.
Civilization expanded into space in 'Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition'
Expand into space.
View larger.
Great People unit from 'Sid Meiers Civilization IV: The Complete Edition'
Utilize 'Great People' units to advance your civilization.
View larger.
The Games
'Sid Meiers Civilization IV' game logo
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier’s Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new tools to manage and expand your civilization, all-new easy to use mod capabilities and intense multiplayer modes and options. Civilization IV will come to life like never before in a beautifully detailed, living 3D world that will elevate the gameplay experience to a whole new level. Civilization IV was already been heralded as one of the top ten games of 2005, and a must-have for gamers around the globe.

Key Features

  • The Strategy Classic - Includes the multiple game of the year award winner that started the series. Rule throughout time and create your legacy in this landmark game.
  • 3D Living World - Detailed environments where animals roam and smoke billows from small huts, set in a vibrant and colorful world.
  • Innovative Features - Great People, Holy Cities, missionaries, variable game scales, new land, sea and air units, and loads of new civics.
'Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords' expansion pack game logo
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant worldwide hit. Paying homage to some of history’s greatest military leaders, the expansion will deliver six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their new powerful "Warlord" unit. Civ IV: Warlords includes new civilizations, leaders, units, and wonders that will offer even more fun and exciting ways for players to expand their civilization’s military power.

Key Features

  • New Leaders & Civilizations - More of history’s greatest military leaders including Shaka, Wang Kon and Augustus Caesar, plus six all-new civilizations.
  • Warlord Unit - Utilize a great new person unit – the Warlord. Change the course of history through military might.
  • New Scenarios - Eight new scenarios including Alexander’s Conquests, the Rise of Rome, Genghis Khan and more.
'Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword' expansion pack game logo
The biggest, most ambitious Civ expansion pack ever Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for the definitive strategy title Civilization IV – the 2005 PC Game of the Year and worldwide hit. Focusing on the late-game time periods after the invention of gunpowder, the expansion delivers more epic game and scenario content than any Civ expansion pack in the history of the series. Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword contains 11 amazingly unique and challenging scenarios created by the development team at Firaxis, as well as some esteemed members of the Civ Community. In addition, ten new civilizations, sixteen new leaders, five new wonders, a variety of new units and several new gameplay innovations offer players even more strategic options for expanding their civilization’s power as they strive for world domination.

Key Features

  • The Biggest Civ Expansion Ever - A massive increase of 10 civilizations, 64 buildings, 11 scenarios, 5 wonders, 6 technologies, corporations, brand new espionage system and expanded trade routes.
  • Scenarios - Expect the World: 11 additional scenarios include settling new worlds in Final Frontier, battling zombies in Afterworld, conquering medieval Western Europe in Charlemagne and more.
  • Unstoppable Corporations - Found your own corporation and spreads its influence as another tool to gain control over the world.
'Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization' game logo
Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization strategy game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players lead a European nation on a quest to colonize and thrive in the New World. Players will be challenged to guide their people from the oppressive motherland, discover a New World, negotiate, trade and fight as they acquire great power and battle for their freedom and independence.

Key Features

  • Classic Game Design - The strategy classic Colonization is rebuilt with beautifully improved visuals, while retaining the famous addictive gameplay and endless fun that are synonymous with Sid Meier games.
  • Establish a New Nation - Play as the English, Spanish, French or Dutch and journey to a brave new world in search of freedom from your oppressive homeland.
  • Multiplayer Offers Tons of Replay - Compete with friends from all over the world via the Internet and Play by E-mail modes or compete locally via the Hotseat and LAN modes, offering endless ways to conquer the New World.

System Requirements:

Minimum Specifications:
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
Processor:1.2 GHz Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor or equivalent
RAM:512 MB RAM
Video: DirectX 9.0c compatible 64 MB video card with Shader 1.1 Support or better
Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible
DVD-ROM:4x DVD-ROM drive or faster
Hard Drive Space: 3.8 GB free hard drive space
Other: Internet connection required for online play


Features:
  • Multiple multiplayer options including the ability to compete with friends via the Internet, play by E-mail modes or compete locally via the Hotseat and LAN modes.
  • Includes four classic games: Sid Meier's Civilization IV, Civilization IV: Warlords expansion pack, Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword expansion pack and Sid Meier's Civilization IV Colonization.
  • Innovative features in all four games including: Great People, Holy Cities, missionaries, variable game scales, new land, sea and air units, and loads of new civics.
  • New scenarios to encounter in each adventure.
  • Classic turn-based PC strategy gaming at its best.
Format: DVD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 39.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 20.00
Lowest New Price: USD 28.99

Customer Reviews


I'm a civ fan.
BAD:
- The child or cartoon graphical design.

GOOD:
- The change in the revolution manage.
- The change in trade and religion manage.


No CD Required
DRM free is a big thing to me. Even if this game wasn't that fun I would still feel compelled to buy it simply to support the developers choice. Luckily I didn't have that problem, this game is as addictive as its predecessors! (Not having to remember where I left my CD is just an added bonus) Long reviews about game play mechanics I find unnecessary for amazon, we have other places for full game reviews. So let me simply say that this game is 5/5 for anyone who liked the other Civs, SimCity, Risk, and other games with emphasis on building, expansion, and human ingenuity.

(As a side note I run this flawlessly in GNU/Linux)


Problems
It had problems installing, eventually leading to me having to delete my user account, because it had ruined all of my files, and after transferring it, you can't play "Beyond The Sword" or "Warlords". I am using a brand-new computer, running on windows 7 64-bit. Colonization is good, which is why I gave it 3 stars, but I can get that separately for about 8 dollars. DO NOT BUY!

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May

13

Myst 10th Anniversary DVD Edition

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 13-05-2009

Tagged Under : ,


I have owned both the original versions of these games and now have the 10th Anniversary edition.
Please be aware that you must have a Mac that is capable of running OS9 and or Classic. That means the "newest" Mac machine you run this game on must be be a PPC (Power PC) G5 operating Tiger (OSX 10.4). The "oldest" Mac machines you can run these games on goes back fifteen years. (note that Exile runs native in OSX and does not require Classic)
I HAVE NOT! TESTED EXILE ON A PPC MAC RUNNING OSX 10.5 LEOPARD. (not certain if it will work)

What is good about this version of these games is that the original versions had some troubles running under OSX Classic, they would be sluggish and fragmented and unstable.
I installed the 10th Anniversary Edition and all three games have ran flawlessly and smoothly.

One of the troubles with the older versions of these games is that they were written in a time when CD drives were running at 48x speed or greater. The invention of the Superdrive slowed things down considerably.
I am not going to tell you how to get around this problem but I can tell you that a fairly new and fast DVD drive is a bonus.

This version of Myst is quite nice since hints and a map is included as well as solutions. This is very nice for Myst beginners but can spoil the game. (some noticeable improvements in graphic quality are also present, especially in Riven)

Bottom line, If you have a machine capable of running the Myst games, this is an excellent version to purchase. (Windows 98-XP) (non Intel Macs OS8.1-OS9.2-OSX 10.4 Tiger)
Keeping that old computer around can provide MANY hours of fun with these games. (you can also buy obsolete computers very cheap these days, I would suggest a Mac G3 minimum)

Myst 10th Anniversary DVD Edition

Product Description:
Myst 10th Anniversary Edition - discover the grandeur contained in a strange new world. Unlock the power & legends behind each of the Ages of Myst, as you live the storylines of the classic game series. Your eyes will be dazzled and your brain will be puzzled by the mysteries you pursue here. This collection includes Myst Masterpiece, Riven, and Myst III: Exile. Special digital guide with multiple levels of help, making the Myst games more accessible Now fully compatible with Windows XP, or Mac OSX (Myst III not compatible with Mac)

Features:
  • Collection includes Myst Masterpiece, Riven, and Myst III: Exile
  • Explore new ages, dramatic storylines, and incredible sights and sounds
  • Engineered to be fully compatible with Windows XP
  • Exclusive interview with Rand Miller
  • Footage from the making of Myst III: Exile and Riven
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 19.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 9.97
Lowest New Price: USD 19.96

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May

10

Europa Universalis III: Complete

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 10-05-2009

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The Europa Universalis-series of games must be one of the things in my life I have spent most time with, if I take my childhood into account, as well. Not a few hours were spent colonizing the Americas, Africa, Asia and various islands, waging war against those pesky European neighbouring nations, achieving monopoly of trade in important centres of trade, investing money and time into research to improve my state, navy and army and so on. I basically love the series, and who wouldn't love a game that gives you the opportunity to play basically any nation between 1399-1820. One can begin as the relatively small, but well-positioned England in 1399, and in 1820 have turned the major parts of the World into the domain of the British Empire. The game is basically creating history as we knew it anew, and you are given the choice to shape that history into what you envision (somewhat limited by the game's rules, naturally). Those are all the positive parts, and believe me, they are more than enough to keep you occupied for months.

That being said, the game is sadly somewhat lacking in certain areas. The patches and various additions to the game are highly necessary to be able to enjoy the game, without them it is basically very boring. The big question I'm left with after playing several complete games is this: what happened to all the nation-specific events? It seems 'quests' are the replacement for these events, but several of the quests are of such a nature that it is very inpractical to 'solve' them, so they just clog up the game and hinder the fun, as I view it. The game is beautifully rendered and has such great potential, yet it feels somewhat tedious to just colonize the interior Russian Empire for two hundred years without anything happening besides the usual waiting. It wouldn't take much to make this into the perfect grand strategical game, yet sadly they stopped before achieving this. NB: Make sure you get the 'Complete' version of the game and upgrade it with all available patches and expansions, otherwise it is virtually unplayable.

Europa Universalis III: Complete



Average Rating:
Brand: Paradox
Model: PDX40
Release Date: 2008-10-23

Product Description:
Delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy, is an epic strategy game where players take control of a nation and guide it through the ages to become a great global empire. Unparalleled in its depth and historical accuracy, EU gives players freedom to rule their nation from an impressive choice of over 250 historically accurate countries.

Features:
  • Flexible Nation Building ¿ decide on your type of government, the structure of your society, your trade politics and much, much more
  • Highly detailed and interactive cities which are unique for each culture
  • Use historical Ideas and recruit Great Men in order to make your country flourish the way you want it to
  • Co-operative multiplayer over LAN or Internet
Format: DVD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 29.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 8.95
Lowest New Price: USD 4.99

Customer Reviews


Can't stop playing
Can't stop playing the game since I bought it over a month ago! Tons of fun. Great online community to find out more info about the game. Like RISK but 10 times bigger and on the PC and historical.


Very Fun Game
From what I can see is this game has been bashed due to people installing it on a sub par operating system. Windows Vista is terrible. This has been extensively documented. All I can input is that this is one of my favorite games. Also I have Windows 7 (64 Bit) and the game runs flawlessly. I have played Europa Universalis since the first edition and have bought every one after. This truly is a great strategy game. Very fun to play multiplayer, you and a friend can take over the world!


Europa Universalis III
This game has the fun incentive of playing with many minor regions in Old Europe, and not only with the large empires. The gameplay is not as advanced as in other strategy games but overall a fun and interesting game.


Best Strategy Game Ever?
Europa Universalis III (+ expansions)is one of the best strategy games I've ever played. It's not so much about micromanagement as some other paradox games, but still gives a lot of control. The diplomacy system is fairly easy to pick up and keep track of. The military side of things is not complicated, but it doesn't need to be. Each country has its unique advantages and disadvantages making it fun to replay and try new things.
When I first started I thought the game would be too short because it goes by days and you can have them pass at about 1.5sec/day (or faster if you want). But I've been playing one campaign for about 20+hrs and have only reached 1484 (grand campaign goes from 1399-1821).
In my opinion it's one of the best strategy games out there and the expansions are worth it. After you learn the game you can play it at high speed for more intense play, or slow it down while you listen to a book or something. Play it how you want, it's an awesome game.

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Apr

22

Demigod

Filed Under (Strategy Games Reviews) by admin on 22-04-2009

Tagged Under :


A lot of games are good in Multiplayer, but very few offer such a great Co-Op, teaming-up style experience. I'm playing another game now in which the online multiplayer mode does not allow for computer-controlled AI opponents, it only allows for players to oppose each other, not work with each other against the computer. This game DOES have that ability.

The graphics are great, and the maps are terrific! One of the maps features the playing field actually on a large stone snake sculpture and it's great - it makes the maps of other games seem boring.

The characters are unique and the skill trees are interesting and allow you to vary the strategy different ways for the same character, so there is lots of replay value. There is also a satisfyingly-large and diverse set of weapons and equipment for purchase, which really adds to the game's depth.

A great purchase!!

Demigod

Product Description:
Revolutionary strategy/RPG hybrid that combines the character building of a role-playing game with the epic battles of a real-time strategy game. Choose one of nearly a dozen unique demigods each with their ownspecial skills, powers, and capabilities. Battle your way into the pantheon of the gods in a persistent singleplayer or multiplayer universe. Wage massive, earth-shattering battles across a series of awe-inspiring arenas. Seize key, strategic positions on the map and turn the tide against your enemy as you assail the enemy demigod's stronghold. Watch your demigod grow in power as they gain experience, level up, and brush aside hordes of enemy minions. One of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year with stunning graphics, seamless multiplayer, and compelling single-player experiences.
Amazon.com Product Description:
For gamers who love Real-Time Strategy (RTS) and Action Role-Playing Games (RPGs), Demigod offers a unique hybrid that brings new fun for fans of both genres. In order to become a god, you'll have to master two types of game play: building up a hero for single battles and controlling armies for an entire war.



Level up your character and gain new skills and weapons. View larger.


Strategically command an army of allies to victory. View larger.
The Best of Two Genres: Real-Time Strategy and Action RPG
Demigod allows you to control two types of demigods -- generals and assassins. When playing as an assassin, you'll have control of a warrior who gains experience and money as he kills enemies. You'll have the ability to upgrade weapons and items, and to learn spells, just like in an action RPG.

When playing as a general, you'll control allied forces, commanding them to attack where you want, just like in an RTS game. Allied creeps and minions continually enter through reinforcement portals, and as the general you direct them into battle.

The goal is the same whether you are playing as assassin or general: capture the enemy's control points. Each different general and assassin has his own unique set of skills and powers, and you'll need to learn how to use each one effectively against another.



Zoom in and out to see individual fights or the whole war. View larger.
Fantastic Graphics and Beautiful Art Style
Demigod features a beautiful art style that has a sense of whimsy. The game takes place on different maps, each featuring unique elements. Beautiful, exotic locations include a lava mine, waterfall temple, and more.

The monsters and creatures of the game are rendered in great detail, and observing a mass of them engage in battle is a thrilling spectacle. Angels, demons, and creatures both gigantic and tiny all inhabit the world at the same time, giving it a diverse and varied look. By zooming in and out of the map, you can see just how massive everything is. From a birds-eye view, you'll barely be able to see the movements of the small creatures, yet zoom in and you'll be a part of an epic battle. Depending on whether you're playing as a general or assassin, you'll make different use of the zoom levels.

Different game play Modes Provide Replay Value
Demigod has different game play modes including single-player, skirmish, and five-on-five multiplayer. Single player mode provides a compelling story line concerning the tournament to become the newest god.

Multiplayer mode provides many options: you can jump right into a game for instant gratification, or you can join in tournaments that allow you to carefully build up a character and upgrade him to your liking. Multiplayer games have different settings for players to tweak, such as the amount of gold income and achievement items that can be reached.



System Requirements
Minimum
Recommended
OS
Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Vista Service Pack 1
Processor
1.8 GHz
3.0 GHz
Memory
512 MB
1 GB
DirectX Version
9.0c+
Video
128 MB gfx card (GeForce 6800/Radeon 9800 or better)
256 MB gfx card (GeForce 7600/Radeon x800 or better)
Internet
Broadband connection for Online-Multiplayer



Features:
  • PC game combines elements of Real-Time Strategy and Adventure Role-Playing Game Genres
  • Zoom in and out to fight individual battles or manage the war effort
  • Hundreds of items and upgrades to purchase and acquire
  • Choose between unique demigods that have different special skills and powers
  • Multiplayer mode lets you set up quick matches or play in tournaments
Format: DVD-ROM
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 29.99
Lowest Used Price: USD 4.39
Lowest New Price: USD 15.00

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