Features:
1,000 of the most significant years in history: rule from 950 AD to 1950 AD, including the Medieval Age, the Gunpowder Age, the Imperial Age, World War I, and World War II. Historically-based civilizations: Command one of several distinctive nations. From the Chinese's use of gunpowder to Germany's incredible air power, game outcomes are affected by each nation's strengths. Historically-accurate units and abilities: Utilize units from the past, from the plague-ridden cow carcasses flung by enemy forces to the German V2 rocket. Battle on land, at sea, and in air: Create authentic and varied strategies to dominate your opponents with land, sea, and air units--from a cavalry charge to firing a broadside shot into an enemy's sails or a surprise air strike.

Single-player game modes: Play random map games and do battle against up to seven AI opponents or lead your troops into battle as one of three of the greatest military leaders in history - General Patton, Richard the Lionheart, or Admiral Yi—in story-based campaigns.

Multiplayer mode: Battle against or alongside up to seven friends online as you struggle for ultimate victory. Spectacular graphics: Cutting edge 3D graphics and the zooming camera give you a general's view of battle in all its glorious detail, unlike any other RTS.

Verdict:
I am an avid RTS player with games like 'Age of Empires I & II,' 'Clone Campaigns,' 'America,' 'Cossacks,' 'American Conquest,' and 'Rise of Nations' and this one blows them all away - easy! Medieval period is great all the way up to WWII, but finally I get my favored; but much neglected Napoleonic period (Imperial age). And the art and graphics are absolutely gorgeous! The camera can fully rotate, the art is smooth and clean (not like 'Age of Mythology' or 'Empire Earth,' both let downs for me). You can zoom in right up close. The sound effects are awesome and realistic, and the scenario editor is easy to use and gives some extras. I just can't reccommend this product enough. The game is designed for "Wargamers", not farmers, so if you want to get quickly in the action and stay in it, this is the one. Plus, this game cleaned up my new Win XP system! That's right, all of my games were buggy and unstable until I installed the full version of 'Empire DMW' and voila! Hours and hours of fun with no problems. Must be the Direct X 9.0b the disc includes. So if there are some of you out there who may be experiencing some problems, despite a specs-rich system, maybe this game will work for you too. Plus you will love it. I never thought I would say it, but it beats 'AOE,' and 'RON' hands down! RTS generals, buy this game, you will not regret it!

Colin Matthews

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