Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings - PC

If you enjoy action and strategy, Age of Empires 2 is a must-have game that makes huge advances on its predecessor. Graphics are a nice improvement, but most important is that everything seems more in scale. The unique units and varied architectures associated with the different civilisations allow you to quickly change the character of the game by selecting different options; likewise, varying the map changes the face of the game. Most welcome are settings allowing you to take maximum advantage of very high performance PCs, while scaling back graphics and number of units controlled to enable the program to run on older Pentium's as well. This is key, and Microsoft does it better than other makers of entertainment software. Gameplay is first rate. You can assign numbers to groups of units and control them quite easily, specifying formation types (close, wide, flank, etc.) A mini-map in the lower right alerts you to units engaged in combat, construction completed and other events that require your attention. In general, success comes down to matching the right units against the appropriate enemy unit types, while constructing fortifications in a way that is defensible. At the same time you must run the economy -- gathering resources in anticipation of need. You will build and deploy units, construct and repair structures and advance technologies. Sound easy? Well... There is a learning campaign, so that you can get up to speed on game controls and shortcuts before taking on the computer or real opponents online. While you can play immediately and have a great time, I agree with several other reviewers that it will take a lot of time to master every aspect of AOE II, but that's part of the fun. Also part of the learning: there are definite advantages to some civilisations, and diplomacy can be extremely important. On the downside: the elaborate screen allows a pretty limited display of the battlefield map, so there can be a LOT happening in the periphery and you must pay attention. This is a small concession to the enhanced graphics of AOE II when compared to the original AOE. Overall, very highly recommended for both strategy and action gamers. The random map generator and variety of civilsations and maps lets AOE II continue to seem new and challenging every time you play.

I loved this game, and bought it after all these years based on the answers saying that it works on Windows 7. It does not work. It installs but when I try to play nothing happens. I've switched compatibility mode to 2000, XP, 98, you name it. It doesn't play.

I first played this game way back when it came out in '98, I was 7 years old (young, I know) and I played it at a friend's house. I begged and begged for my family to buy it for me for Christmas, and I got it. Let me tell you, I played that game SO much that I wore out the disc! I didn't even know that was possible. It lasted for maybe 5 or 6 years of pretty regular gameplay. I'm 20 now and I just re-ordered a new copy last year. The game hasn't lost its appeal one bit after all this time! I've played the other AoE games, but this one is by far the best. Even without the Conquerors expansion (which is amazing too). If you are like me and love citybuilding, history, and war games, then this game is definitely for you!

Could not figure out how to get it to work on my computer. Seems to only work on older systems

I lost my orignial copy of Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings and was so surprised and releaved to see that it was still available on Amazon since they only sell new games in the stores. The product shipped expeditiously and plays marvelously. I like the earlier version because it keeps you hoping since you have to do everything manually - like moving pieces on a chess board. My favorite is Random with two allies against two enemies. My toughest challenge is getting the Mongols to find a way to beat the Chinese. They did in the real world, but in my Empires world they keep being defeated. So the game is still a challenge to me: Never Give Up! Well done and thank you.

I got what I wanted and the game worked and came on time. The case it came in was broke, maybe it happened upon delivery. Could have been wrapped better, though I'd use them again.

When I was younger, my brother and I would play this game all day. We would sign in to our MSN accounts and play against friends and each other. Unfortunately, my CD was lost in shipment when I moved to the states. My brother recently found his and suggested we played another round, so I bought this game again. I was so excited when it arrived and the condition was great. It plays like a charm and I forgot how informative the history is within the game. I bet I would have been able to pass my high school courses with higher grades if I didn't lose this game. Overall, a wonderful game with great history lessons and a great strategy game.

Llegó a tiempo el envío, solo que el disco llegó con un poco de pelos, algo maltratado y usado, esperare que sirva y no se averie pronto.

Mon bon vieux jeux que j'adore. Je bâti mon empire

My son enjoys playing this game at the same time learning a bit of history that comes with it.Who says playing with history isn't fun and educational.Now to just figure how to get him to let go of it in his sleep,lol.

Bon