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Combining the features of hit games Dune II and Civilization, this strategy adventure proves to be one of the more challenging and graphically advanced we've seen in some time. We were floored by the program's highly detailed graphics, based on an isometric, two-dimensional design, which presents a world of medieval warfare in which you can practically feel the gritty action. Even when compared to more contemporary graphics, the game's soldiers and weapons, the program environment, and especially the interface elements will satisfy players. The interface is user-friendly and features plenty of options, including a great control system. Each of the 13 nations involved in Age of Empires II has its own strategic advantages over the others, and most units are put together on a "ro-sham-bo" strategy. The game includes historical scenarios as well as "skirmish" modes and multiplayer options. The game's choice of music adds an appropriate tension to the gameplay, and in a nice touch, the warriors of different nations speak in their native languages. Overall, we can't wait to get our battle gear on again. Any fan of historic action games who hasn't yet experienced Age of Empires should be sure to at least download this demo version.Publisher's Description
From Microsoft Game Studios:
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is the sequel to the award-winning, best-selling, real-time strategy game Age of Empires. Age of Empires II spans a thousand years, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages. In it, players lead one of 13 civilizations into greatness. The game keeps the epic scope of Age of Empires' gameplay while evolving the combat and economic features.
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All versions:
4.8 starsout of 1,206 votes
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Current version:
4.8 starsout of 1,206 votes
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My rating:
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"CNET is adding malware with this download"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
great game
Cons
Malware added upon download
Summary
Malware added upon download
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"Could be Beter"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
Downlads and works... but not terribly well..
Cons
ssslllooowww... or slow... outdated
Summary
Interesting- but not very...
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"How to play AoE II on Windows 7 -- see Summary"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
Great game. I played it for two years.
Cons
Graphics are outdated, and if you try playing it on Win 7 they will look even worse. But see the fix below. This works for the FULL game, I assume it will work for the Demo offered here.
Summary
What follows is the official word from Microsoft on how to play this game with Win 7. I certainly makes the graphics more acceptable.
ADVANCED
Simply turn off Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) after starting the game. Then, Alt-tab into the agem. Of course, after playing use Task Manager to turn Exporer back on again.
NOT SO ADVANCED
Create a batch file to do the above for you.
1. Open your text exitor -- eg Notepad. Do not use Word!
2. Enter the following into Notepad:
taskkill /F /IM Explorer.exe
age2_x1.exe
Start explorer.exe
3. Save the file in the same folder where AoE II is installed..probably C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires II.
4. Save the file as AOE2.BAT -- or anything you wish as long as it ends with .bat and not the default .txt
5. Right click on the file.
Select Send to
Select Desktop (create shortcut)
Now you can play the game any time you wish, it will automatically turn off Explorer while you play the game, and will turn it back on for you when you are finished.
Just in case you don't know what happens when you turn off Explorer, be aware that it removes your desktop icons etc. So you screen will look blank. However, if you screw up--not to worry, just reboot and all will be well.
Enjoy the game. -
"My favourite game, made it's history interesting."
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
Umm...I bought this game like...long ago, but on the disc it is AGE OF MYTHOLOGY.
Cons
And I recalled Age of Empires II is a different one.
Summary
Great game, but name error. XDD
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"Awsome demo"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
- Huge replay value
- Great MusicCons
- The demo has little content
- Monks are overpowerdSummary
A good demo of a Spectactular game,defunetly worth try.
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"it was alright"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
easy to move characters
Cons
its ok but it takes too long to get a compliment of riders together,
Summary
takes skill to learn to spread out you soldiers to prctect the town and conquer the enemy
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"Very addicting, but outdated."
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
-Historically accurate campaigns (If you get the full game)
-Easy + beginner friendly interface
-Addicting + tons of replay value
-Lots of other races + their own technology tree (If you get the full game)Cons
-Graphics are less than average
-Gameplay feels very outdated, at least compared to newer RTSes
-Too little stuff to do in the demoSummary
This was the reason why I love the Middle Ages. Age of Empires II was one of the few games, from my childhood, that managed to survive the test of time. Today, I download the demo and... I still love it. What does Age of Empires have that other RTSes don't? Well, it's nothing much due to my child self's low standards.
One of the pros listed is that you learn while you play the campaigns, at least, if you get the full version. Let's see, Joan of Arc, Barbarossa, Saladin, and more. Quite a package of learning and fun. Another is that, when I started to play this, it was easy to get though all of everything. And it's very addicting. You probably couldn't see why due to its "click to do everything" nature. And there are a lot of other races with their own technology tree, (You know, own set of available and unavailable technology) as well as their special unit when you build a Castle.
Every addicting thing has its cons, and Age of Empires II is no exception. The graphics are outdated, and thus, the graphics are less than average. And the gameplay... to, say, Starcraft II players, it seems a little too outdated. And this demo doesn't contain all of the good stuff (more campaigns, more game modes, etc.) has to offer.
Overall, a pretty good, but outdated, RTS. -
"True masterpiece of RTS"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
-historically relevent, good for your knowledge
-original, one of the first RTS on Earth, developed by Microsoft (wow)
-unit formation (which was missing from AoE1)
-good campaigns (relates to history, gameplay learnings)Cons
-game is based on historic times, no futuristic settings
-in result, no fancy graphics (but low client size covers it)
-gameplay is very classic, feels outdated compared to recent RTS competitors like StarCraft 2Summary
A must-try for any RTS gamers or anyone who is interested in old time gaming with crisp graphics and smooth gameplay with tactics
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"Unbelievable game."
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
It's a truly addicting game.AOE2 Is one of the best games I have ever played in my life!
Cons
None of what i think.
Summary
greatest game ever
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"i really love it i wish i can have the full version"
Version: Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings 1.0
Pros
i really really love it its really easy thers no word i can tell about it just love it XD
Cons
too bad its just a demo everything is limited
Summary
please i want a full version of it
