Strategy starts to begin to matter and make a difference more in this sequel of the Age of Empires series. In AOE 2, your choice on build, town, villagers, upgrades, and units make a very significant impact on how your game will progress. Winning or losing will depend solely on you and your opponent even if you have a better economy and larger army. Massing as a strategy does not work in this game.

This game truly embodies the core of what makes AOE series great and probably one of the most tactical RTS games out there. The difference between players is large depending on who is playing and the skill ceiling is very high. Unlike most RTS games, microing is far more hectic and unorthodox. The difference in the skill of players is truly seen in this game, if this was a really popular competitive esport today, I have no doubt it would be one of the most enjoyable to watch.

Even for single player campaigns, the slide show cinematics and art work although minimal really encapsulate each of the nations and is also historically accurate as you play each of the main characters. You get to learn about the history of various civilizations while playing as the heros of them from every nation and continent around the world in a game. Even if you aren't a fan of RTS or playing competitively/multiplayer, this is well worth your dollar just to play for the story.

Strategy starts to begin to matter and make a difference more in this sequel of the Age of Empires series. In AOE 2, your choice on build, town, villagers, upgrades, and units make a very significant impact on how your game will progress. Winning or losing will depend solely on you and your opponent even if you have a better economy and larger army. Massing as a strategy does not work in this game. This game truly embodies the core of what makes AOE series great and probably one of the most tactical RTS games out there. The difference between players is large depending on who is playing and the skill ceiling is very high. Unlike most RTS games, microing is far more hectic and unorthodox. The difference in the skill of players is truly seen in this game, if this was a really popular competitive esport today, I have no doubt it would be one of the most enjoyable to watch. Even for single player campaigns, the slide show cinematics and art work although minimal really encapsulate each of the nations and is also historically accurate as you play each of the main characters. You get to learn about the history of various civilizations while playing as the heros of them from every nation and continent around the world in a game. Even if you aren't a fan of RTS or playing competitively/multiplayer, this is well worth your dollar just to play for the story.