Factoid

Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Price: $59.99
Release: Out now
Web Site: www.microsoft.com/games
Players: 1-8
Processor: P 90
Memory: 16 MB
Space: 80 MB
Graphics: 1 MB Card
Sound: SB or 100% comp
Controls: Keys & Mouse
Multiplayer: Yes, 1-4 over Internet gaming service, LAN, TCP/IP
Multiplayer Requirements: 28.8 Kbps modem
Online Component: None

Only a few C&C clones become popular. This game is one of the few. Set in the historic Stone, Tool, Bronze and Iron ages the game pits you as the tribes guiding spirit. You control your little tribe and you gather different resources to advance to the next age. The game features over 100 different upgrades. And it's a chained process (You need to use one of the upgrades to get the next, higher upgrade). The game has the elevation bonus and some other cool things, as well as a multitude of different buildings. The graphics in the game are excellent, you can see birds flying and fish jumping around in the water (You can also fish them).

The gameplay is easy to use and handy. Tips are all over the place, as well as everything about a unit when you click it. The game has grouping and waypoints to aid in your conquest. 4 Campaigns have been added for the single player lovers. As well as a random map generator and map/scenario builder, and a campaign builder. This is the most single player options I have ever seen.

As for the multiplayer, well it offers even more! It offers all the standard features like TCP/IP, LAN, IPX and play on the MSN Gaming Zone or the other game servers. You can play with up 6 to people over the MSN Gaming Zone and 8 with the other servers and connections. You can play on a random map, deathmatch map or scenarios (your or built-in). There can be teams or neutral or 2 or more people can control one tribe or base. This makes multiplayer really fun to play. I think this game has a lot of potential on the market. Well, you can see that Ensemble is already busy making a sequel (and has already made an add-on).

Rate-o-Matic

ORIGINALITY: 15/20
PLAYABILITY: 20/20
GRAPHICS: 20/20
SOUND: 20/20
RELEASE: 20/20
COMMENT: One of the best games of 98'
RATING: 95/100
AWARD: The B&W Must See Award