Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne Critic Reviews

A phenomenal game.

Casts a massively powerful spell of gaming joy, and it's one you can't resist.

With beautiful graphics, a smart AI, and a dragon’s hoard of replayability, Age of Wonders II is a winner.

Deep, classy, and fiercely addictive.

AOW2 effectively straddles that fine line between hands-on control and micromanagement busywork.

A balm for those left unchallenged and disappointed by "Heroes of Might & Magic IV" and those still thrilled by "Disciples II."

The sheer variety of units and maps alone make for a wide variety of strategic approaches - unlike some games you can not rely on the same basic strategy while mowing your way through the scenarios.

The massive amount of unit and race variety coupled with an aggressive (albeit at times quirky) AI, full editing capabilities, a boatload of spells, engaging combat, and rock-solid game mechanics make for a strategy game that is not only better than the original, but arguably the best turn-based strategy game released this year.

Though it may seem difficult for beginners, Age of Wonders II sounds good, looks great, plays terrific, and improves on every aspect of the original game.

Great and clean turn-based strategy fun with an exciting plot, loads of realms to explore, spells to use, and enemies to ice.

A terrific way to spend a lazy afternoon.

A good game, and it'll be better after it gets patched -- but there simply isn't enough new stuff here to make you feel like you haven't already played this game before, and what new stuff there is (settlers, Domains), feel either tacked on or messy.

There’s a big list of spells, many details to track, loads of different units to recruit, train, and summon, a good level of challenge, an interface that doesn’t get in the way of playing the game, and a very intriguing end-game sequence.

It's one of those games you can start playing one evening, and then the next time you look up it's three in the morning.

AoW2 has the “just one more turn” quality common to many great turn-based games like "Civilization" and "Master of Orion."

It is the perfect, ready for anything, prepared like a boy scout, jack of all trades, but master of none video game.

When I finished the campaign, it was with a sense of relief that I could move on to something else.

The environments are lush and the special effects are well delivered. However, in regards to the actual game playing, this is a typical strategy game.

The game's depth allows many different strategies and styles of play, the multiplayer modes offer extended options, and the graphics make exploring each map a pleasure.

It's bland food that is only slightly improved by the huge portions.