Age of Wonders is the game I dig out of my closet each and every rainy day.
Gameplay - 9/10
What ever you’re fancy, be it building an underground Goblin Empire, or a peaceful Human confederacy, Age of Wonders is the game for any fantasy strategy game fan. Combat has a very balanced yet intricate system harkening back to the Heroes of Might and Magic series. Leaders, Siege Machines, creatures/monsters, and plain units all play important roles in combat. With over 100 different spells, combat becomes even more unique and interesting. Outside of combat, Age of Wonders is a classic turn-based strategy game, with the added feature of 3 different vertical levels of play, those being the surface level, the underground level, and the depths level. As you slowly conquer your way across the map you will have to balance the defensive and offensive needs of your empire, diplomatic relations with as much as 11 other races, and the research system.
Graphics - 9/10
The Graphics in Age of Wonders, while not 3d, are almost poetic in nature. The terrain appears to be hand drawn (in a good way), cities each have a unique look and feel to them, and each of the game’s units is unique to its race aside from the siege machines. The spell effects in Age of Wonders are also exceptional, while slightly outdated now, is a good example of how a game can look 3d without actually being 3d.
Sound – 7/10
The Music is very enjoyable in Age of Wonders; each race’s city has its own music while the general music used in the overview map is also quite enjoyable. Sound effects are also unique to each unit.
Value – 9/10
Age of Wonders is a classic which you will probably enjoy for many months if not years after buying it. Easy to find on Ebay or at most stores that carry older games, I recommend anyone interested in a fun Fantasy/Strategy game to buy it.
Reviewer’s Tilt – 9/10
I gave Age of Wonders a rating of 9/10 because I still enjoy the game and want it to continue to be popular. With a decent multiplayer ability, run through gamespy, online games are pretty common and the map editor is very accessible.