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Age of Empires II GameSpot Preview

Developer:
Ensemble Studios

Publisher:
Microsoft

Target Release Date:
October 1999
 
To read more Age of Empires II entries, go to our Age of Kings hub page.
 
Visit the site of Age II developer Ensemble Studios for more info.
PREVIEW UPDATE
The Celts
By Elliott Chin

Our ongoing Age of Empires II showcases have looked at many civilizations so far, including the far-ranging and advanced empires of the Middle East and Asia, as well as the burgeoning nations of Western and Eastern Europe. Yet one group of peoples we have yet to consider are what Ensemble Studios once termed the "raider" civilizations. These are the nomads and barbarians who terrorized the more advanced civilizations close to them and became known throughout history for their ferocious raids. Although Ensemble no longer officially refers to these remaining three civilizations as raiders, it helps to think of them in that light. Though technically, the first of these civilizations that we will preview is not composed of raiding barbarians.

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Our eleventh showcase returns to the British Isles to look at the Celts, who were the native inhabitants of the isle and moved back and forth between English and self-rule for many centuries. However, they chafed under outside authority and more often than not were at odds with the English. They are a strong civilization and will prove as durable and tenacious a people in Age II as they were in recorded history. In Age of Kings, the Celts are a fast and aggressive military-minded civilization, designed for frequent and swift rushes. However, not only are they a terror in hand-to-hand combat, as strong as the Goths in fact, but they also can field some fine siege weapons as well.

In this showcase, we'll take a look at the Celtic bonuses, unique unit, strengths, and weaknesses. As an added bonus, we will reveal the monastery and the abilities of the monk. Again, turn the page to read about a little Celtic history. Otherwise, skip to the gameplay section.

Next: History