Strategy game shifts up a gear

The game transports you to a mythical world

by Damian O'Neil BBC News Online

Age of Mythology comes from the Microsoft/Ensemble collaboration which brought gamers the acclaimed Age of Empires.

Age of Empires is the game which established the historical real-time strategy format in the minds of countless gamers, and which generated so many faceless, virtually identical clones.

If you have played any of those particular games before - and you probably have - you will be on very familiar ground with Age of Mythology.

The game mechanics and interface remain essentially the same, but have been tweaked and refined to provide an even more intuitive experience.

Novices will have little trouble getting into the action. The graphics are also far better than those of the game's predecessor; fully 3D, and with an attention to detail that will make you stare in wonder.

The perfect introduction to real-time strategy

It is often tempting to build up your forces then just sit back and watch them go about their virtual lives, so good are the visuals and character animations.

But of course you will want to get stuck into the enemy, and it is here that Age of Mythology sets off in a different direction.

Where Age of Empires was based firmly in historical accuracy, this game will set you against various baddies who never existed outside anyone's imagination.

Minotaurs, mummies, Medusas; There is a great selection of mythological characters, all of which are beautifully drawn and animated.

You get to play one of three different civilisations - the Greeks, the Norse and the Egyptians - each of which has its own unique characteristics, benefits and disadvantages.

In time-honoured real-time strategy fashion, you will send your people out to gather natural resources, build up an army and then set about conquering your enemies.

If this sounds a little too familiar, do not worry - there are plenty of surprises in store.

In addition to the single-player modes there is an excellent multiplayer option. For many people, there is just no substitute for playing against real human opponents, and you should not have any trouble finding another player ready to challenge you.

Great graphics, excellent sound, and deeply absorbing gameplay make this essential if you are a fan of this genre.

If you have never tried real-time strategy, this would be the prefect introduction.

Ensemble Studios have polished and refined this style of game to a level which is hard not to admire. This is video-game production of the very highest quality. Highly recommended.

Age of Mythology for the PC CD-ROM is available now.