Empire: Total War

David



Empire: Total War is set in the 18th century, a turbulent era that is the most requested by Total War™s loyal fan base and a period alive with global conflict, revolutionary fervour and technological advances. The game features themes such as the Industrial Revolution, America's struggle for independence, the race to control Eastern trade routes and the globalisation of war on land and sea.

Empire: Total War sees the debut of 3D naval combat within the Total War franchise. PC Gamers intuitively command vast fleets or single ships upon seascapes rich with extraordinary water and weather effects that play a huge role in your eventual glorious success or ignominious defeat. After pummelling your enemy with cannon fire, close in to grapple their ship and prepare to board taking control your men as they fight hand to hand on the decks.

Empire: Total War also sees further enhancements to the Total War series signature 3D battles and turn based campaign map. Real time battles pose new challenges with the addition of cannon and musket, challenging players to master new formations and tactics as a result of the increasing role of gunpowder within warfare. And the Campaign Map “ for many the heart of Total War “ will see new improved systems for Trade, Diplomacy and Espionage with agents, a refined and streamlined UI, improved Advisors and extended scope taking in the riches of India, the turbulence of Europe and the untapped potential of North America.

Features:

Take command on the high seas. New real-time 3D naval warfare takes Total War's unparalleled battle action to the high seas, with players commanding single ships or vast fleets.

Become a founding father. Starting in 1700 - The era of warfare across oceans, revolution and the founding of the United States.

Brand new multiplayer component includes player rankings, leagues and ladders, and completely new gameplay modes.

All new graphics engine and technology features staggering real-time seascapes, new advanced landscape and flora systems, and dynamic weather.



Factions

* France
* Sweden
* The Ottoman Empire
* Great Britain
* United Provinces
* Russia
* Spain
* Prusia
* Poland-Lithuania
* Austria
* Marathas
* United States of America

UNITS

- Land

* Elite Light Infantry
Light infantry forces form a skirmish line to slow the enemy advance and keep their own line unmolested by enemy skirmishers.

* Clansmen
These fierce Highland warriors intimidate all enemies with their wild skirling attacks and barbarous apparel.

* Mamluks
Mamluks are fearless light horsemen, deadly when deployed against a broken or unsupported enemy.

* 24-pounder Howitzer Foot Artillery
Howitzers send shells plunging into enemy formations and over defences, making cover irrelevant.

* Grenadiers
Grenadiers are large, strong men, armed with muskets and carrying bags of bombs to hurl at the enemy’s ranks.

- Naval

* First Rate
The first rate is the largest type of “ship of the line of battle”, intended to be the centre of any fleet. These are very expensive and powerful vessels.

* Razee
A razee is a robust frigate, created by cutting the top deck off a larger ship of the line.

* Fifth Rate
Frigates are single-deck warships, used for a variety of tasks thanks to a combination of good handling, firepower and endurance at sea.

* Sloop
A sloop of war is usually ketch-rigged with two masts. These small vessels handle well in restricted waters.

- Buildings

* Star Fort
The basic concept of a star fort is that at least one, and preferably many, field of fire should cover every part of the defence and the approaches to the fort.

* European-style tenanted farms
Tenanted farms can only generate so much income from rents.

* Trading Port
Shipping goods of any kind by land is difficult and expensive. Any item that has to travel more than a few miles goes by ship wherever possible.

- Technology

* Fougasse
This defensive weapon is a landmine constructed by military engineers and fired by the defenders lighting a fuse.

* Square Formation
A defensive posture for musket-armed infantry units, creating an impassable wall of steel to fend off cavalry attacks.

* Platoon Firing
This firing plan for musketry ensures an infantry unit keeps up a continual barrage of shots against an enemy.

Learn more about Empire: Total War at www.totalwar.com

Age of Empire III Online

David



Age of Empires III (AOE III) is a real-time strategy (RTS) game.
Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios.
Released on October 18, 2005 in North America and November 4, 2005 in Europe.

Age of Empires III is the third game of the Age of Empires series and the sequel to Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings. It set in the New World during the colonial era, between approximately AD 1492 and 1850.


Full-3D Graphics and more

- The stunning water effects to the hundreds of units battling on-screen
- Tone mapping
- Lighting and shadows
- Bump and specular mapping
- Water
- Cliffs & Riverbeds



Combat

- More to command
- Multiple formations
- Volley
- Melee
- Stagger
- Cover
- Trample
- Defend
- Limber
- Bombard
- Real-time physics
- Detailed destructions
- Unique animations


Game Play

The gameplay in Age of Empires III is just like how it is in the previous installments of the series and pretty much any RTS game with own unique elements. It start with the basic stuff for new RTS players: make a base, build an army, and then annihilate the enemy and claim the lands as yours.

Players explore the map and begin gathering resources (food, coin or wood) which are spent to build additional units and buildings and to research upgrades or technologies. Actions such as training units, constructing buildings, killing enemy units etc earn the player experience points.

Another thing about experience is that there are 6 ways of gaining it that I know of:

1. Get small chunks of Experience points as the game progresses. Don't have to do a thing.
2. Killing enemies, you gain an amount of Experience that depends on what did you kill.
3. Building the buildings and training units.
4. Winning the game to get a bunch of extra experience.
5. A special shipment gives you experience in-game instantly.
6. Trade Routes will give experience if you tell them to do so.



In each game, start with an Explorer along with some Villagers and your Town Center. Though, The Explorer is not very strong in direct combat, but he is good for exploring early on and collecting treasures. The Explorer is especially good at killing Guardians and it also has special abilities, some of them being Civilization dependent.

Are you an AoE / RTS fan? if Yes? Then go ahead and buy it and you won't regret it :)

You can download the trial version at www.ageofempires3.com