Age of Empires II

Age of Empires II

In addition to all the features found in the original Age of Empires, Age of Empires II enhances game play in the following areas:

Players can use garrisoning and military formations that add interesting tactical choices. Units are also smarter, with new artificial intelligence (AI) options like Guard, Patrol and Follow as well as multiple aggression levels.

Players can improve the economy of their civilization through trade and diplomacy options. In addition to gathering resources, they can trade at their own market or use trading routes with their allies. A market-based economy gives new options for players to buy, sell, and speculate on resources.

Gamers command one of 13 mighty civilizations. These include the Franks, Japanese, Byzantines, Vikings, Mongols and Celts civilizations. Each civilization has unique attributes, buildings and technologies as well as a unique combat unit based on its historical counterpart.

The William Wallace learning campaign makes it incredibly easy for new users to get started. The new two-layer interface lets players select the level of command buttons displayed based on their needs. Additionally, the game also includes production queues, rally points, customizable hot-key system, as well as expanded rollover help.

In contrast to the linear game play found in other real-time games, Age of Empires II lets gamers choose one of several ways to achieve world domination and ultimate victory:

• Domination of enemy civilizations
• Economic victory through accumulation of wealth
• Building and defending wonders of the world

Age of Empires II lets gamers choose from numerous technological paths to help lead their civilization to greatness. From an economic path of farming and craftsmanship to a military route of siege and naval warfare, the game comes with a technology tree that has more than 100 nodes, larger than one player could possibly complete in just one game.

• Story based campaigns focus on historical figures and their struggles like William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, Barbarossa and Saladin bring the player much deeper into the game as they strive with the hero to victory.
• A new expert system driven computer player with artificial intelligence providing a solitaire opponent who seems human.
• Maps are larger which adds to the sense of exploration and allows more options for extended play particularly in multiplayer.
• The very popular Random map generator brings unlimited replay value for both multiplayer and single player.
• In addition to the traditional Deathmatch option, there is a new gameplay mode: Regicide, where players have to protect their Queen or King while they try to assassinate the enemy one.
• A Map editor extends also the game play by allowing users to create and exchange scenarios or link them into campaigns.

• Multimedia PC with Pentium 166MHz or higher processor.
• Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5 operating system.
• 32 MB of RAM
• 200 MB of hard disk space; additional 100 MB of hard disk space for swap file.
• Super VGA monitor supporting 800x600 resolution.
• Local bus video card that supports 800x600, 256 color resolution and 2 MB of VRAM
• Quad-speed CD-ROM drive.
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
• 28.8Kbps modem (or higher recommended) for internet or head-to-head play.
• Audio board with speakers or headphones.
• To access the MSN Gaming Zone you need Internet Explorer 3.02 or later software or Netscape Communicator 4.0 or later.

Internet access required for internet play. May require payment of a separate fee to an Internet Service Provider. Connect time and local telephone charges may apply.

Intro Video Download the video (5.4 MB AVI)

	King	Queen	Female Villager	Male Villager	Military	Religious
Arabic
Chinese
Farsi
Gaelic
German
Japanese
Latin
Middle English
Mongolian

* All sound files are in WAV format.

In Age of Empires II, you can command any one of 13 mighty civilizations. These include the Franks, Japanese, Byzantines, Vikings, Mongols, Celts and more. Each civilization has unique attributes, strengths and weaknesses, buildings and technologies, as well as a unique combat unit based on its historical counterpart. Be sure to try them all to find the civilization that best suits your playing style.

To investigate specifics on any of the 13 civilizations in Age of Empires II, select any of the civilization icons below. To find out more information on the multitude of units available for your command, be sure to visit GameStats (links provided below) and read through their building showcases.

Download the Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings trial version today! The Age of Empires II trial version gives you a taste of what you'll experience in Age of Empires II and includes the following:

• The William Wallace Learning Campaign - Whether you are a master at Age of Empires and Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome or completely new to real-time strategy games, the William Wallace campaign will teach you the basics, plus you'll see what's new in Age of Empires II.
• A Sample Random Map Game - This is the heart of Age of Empires II and the variations are endless. You start in the Dark Ages with just a Town Center, three villagers and a Scout. Build your empire to eliminate your two computer-player opponents.
• Four-player multiplayer game - Using another sample Random Map, you can join your friends and battle your enemies on the MSN Gaming Zone.

DOWNLOAD NOW (47 MB)

Please review the system requirements before downloading.

• Multimedia PC with Pentium 166MHz or higher processor.
• Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows 98, Windows NT® 4.0 with Service Pack 5 operating system.
• 32 MB of RAM.
• DirectX 6.1 or later.
• 90 MB of hard disk space; additional 100 MB of hard disk space for swap file.
• Super VGA monitor supporting 1024x768 resolution.
• Local bus video card that supports 1024x768, 256-color resolution and 2 MB of VRAM.
• Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.
• 28.8Kbps modem (or higher recommended) for Internet* or head-to-head play.
• Audio board with speakers or headphones.
• To access the MSN Gaming Zone you need Internet Explorer 3.02 or later software or Netscape Communicator 4.0 or later.

The Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Update 2.0a features many updates and fixes. Some of those include:

• The AI Update located below.
• Town Center changes.
• Improved performance of single player campaign games.
• Improved overall stability.
• You can no longer use a fishing ship to build buildings other than a fish trap.
• The cooperative farming bug has been fixed.
• A number of computer player and scenario editor bugs have also been fixed.

DOWNLOAD NOW English (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW Korean (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW Spanish (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW French (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW German (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW Italian (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW Traditional Chinese (2.6 MB)
DOWNLOAD NOW Japanese (2.6 MB)

The Age of Empires II AI Update - This update addresses the issue where the computer player resigns after a few minutes of play. It does not affect multiplayer, meaning players with the update can play with players who do not have the update. It is localized into English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian all in the same build. You choose your language at the start of setup.

Note: This update is also included in the Age of Kings Update 2.0a, available above.

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The Pandora's Box/Age of Empires 2 Box Cover Puzzle - Solve the puzzle and reveal the cover of the Age of Empires II box in all its glory! A must have for all Age of Empires fans.

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