Scott
07-03-2008, 03:37 AM
Kneel Before the king of PC strategy, dog!.
If there's one thing I've learned in my time as a bone-crushing dictator, it's that peacetime is unprofitable and downright dull. While peaceful diplomacy is useful for supplementing income and forming the odd alliance, sooner or later you'll have to revert to the bloody business of war if you want to expand the borders of your empire.
A key new addition for budding rulers is the choice between either nurturing cities or converting them into castles. One has obvious military benefits, while the other will soon swell your coffers with gold. Hmmm, decision, decisions...
Orchestrate your manoeuvres from the beautiful campaign map, before diving into battle to wreck red ruin on your foes. This mix of protracted turn based strategy and intense real-time battles might be tough on the cerebral Civilisation crowd, but those of you who like a bit of action alongside all that brain work will find your lust for blood well and truly sated!. At the end of the day Medieval 2 is a stunning triumph on every level. Kingly stuff indeed.
Religion plays an important role in Medieval 2. Use it to subdue your populace, ensure friendly diplomatic relations and even launch Crusades!.
http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2006/11/Medieval_2_Total_War/02.jpg
^^Protect this whopping crucifix with your life - your men go all sissy if it's captured.
Score;
Graphics;
Campaign map is great, but it's in the heat of the battle where this shines.
90/100
Gameplay;
Gloriously satisfying insight into the mind of leadership.
92/100
Lifespan;
You'll spend months pouring over strategies.
94/100
Overall;
A kingly mixture of action and strategy - not only the best PC Game of 2006 but the greatest RTS ever.
94/100
http://images.amazon.com/images/G/03/videogames/features/Medieval_II_screen1_large.jpg
If there's one thing I've learned in my time as a bone-crushing dictator, it's that peacetime is unprofitable and downright dull. While peaceful diplomacy is useful for supplementing income and forming the odd alliance, sooner or later you'll have to revert to the bloody business of war if you want to expand the borders of your empire.
A key new addition for budding rulers is the choice between either nurturing cities or converting them into castles. One has obvious military benefits, while the other will soon swell your coffers with gold. Hmmm, decision, decisions...
Orchestrate your manoeuvres from the beautiful campaign map, before diving into battle to wreck red ruin on your foes. This mix of protracted turn based strategy and intense real-time battles might be tough on the cerebral Civilisation crowd, but those of you who like a bit of action alongside all that brain work will find your lust for blood well and truly sated!. At the end of the day Medieval 2 is a stunning triumph on every level. Kingly stuff indeed.
Religion plays an important role in Medieval 2. Use it to subdue your populace, ensure friendly diplomatic relations and even launch Crusades!.
http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2006/11/Medieval_2_Total_War/02.jpg
^^Protect this whopping crucifix with your life - your men go all sissy if it's captured.
Score;
Graphics;
Campaign map is great, but it's in the heat of the battle where this shines.
90/100
Gameplay;
Gloriously satisfying insight into the mind of leadership.
92/100
Lifespan;
You'll spend months pouring over strategies.
94/100
Overall;
A kingly mixture of action and strategy - not only the best PC Game of 2006 but the greatest RTS ever.
94/100
http://images.amazon.com/images/G/03/videogames/features/Medieval_II_screen1_large.jpg