EMPIRES: DotMW is in many ways a sequel to Empire Earth. Many of the concepts are the same, and the interface is very similar. The resource model has been simplified with the elimination of Iron as a resource, as well as a number of Civilization-specific resource gathering benefits. The research model seems somewhat over-simplified, on the other hand. A great deal of attention is given to the Civ-specific cards that can be used much like God powers in Age of Mythology. The single-player campaigns struggle almost too hard to avoid the build-a-base-and-attack-the-enemy RTS standard. Nearly every scenario has you starting off with a handful of units, finding more, and using small-scale tactics to overcome the battle. I generally applaud these scenarios when they are mixed into a larger thread of more base-building levels. Much of the single-player game ends up feeling more like a tactical RTS, such as Commandos or even UFO: Aftermath, then necessarily an empire building exercise (as the title of the game would suggest). This is fortunately made up for by the two modes of skirmish play available, and the AI is decidedly capable of putting up quite a good fight. Multi-player is excellent, as long as you play with a good match of opponents and allies. The graphics in Empires are excellent. The full camera rotation and room is very smooth and definitely adds to the strategic elements, as well as the visual pleasure of watching your army of swordsmen, knights and archers decimate the other guy. I am particularly fond of the camera setting keys accessible with the F6 and F7 keys that subtly adjust how the camera pans and zooms. The sound is definitely lacking. Most of the voices and sound effects are, at best, adequate. The music is barely noticeable, and quite unremarkable. Perhaps I am spoiled by the excellent soundtracks of AOM and WarCraft III (even Rise of Nations had better music), but the music is definitely one of the weakest points of the game. You get plenty of bang for your buck with Empires. Three lengthy and challenging single-player campaigns, limitless AI encounters in skirmish mode and a complete multi-player functionality with effective random match-making. Any fan of RTS games will enjoy Empires, but few will be truly amazed by it. The historical accuracy and the remarkable distinction between civilizations are both excellent, as is the unit balance. I don't expect Empires to consume my time the way AOM, W3 and RON have, however.
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ok so it dosent have amazing graphics and a high powered engine so it runs better, but thats because its old. now i think this game can last a long time for any player and offers great diffrences between diffrent countri... Read Full Review
Thoughts On -- Gameplay. Instantly i knew this game was a classic, i can't quite define what makes it like that for me, seeing as i am a big fan of the RTS genre with many games from it, this one just seemed fantastic. ... Read Full Review
