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Doesn't capture what made the original good

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 4 / 11
Date: April 29, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I loved the original Age of Wonders. I stayed away from the second game in the series (Wizard's Throne) when the focus shifted from armies to characters (your "wizard"), and the need to stay within a certain distance from your home base to be able to use magic. This, the third game in the series, continued along that vein, but I gave it a shot, mainly for the random map generator, which was absent in the first two games. I should have stayed away from this one too. The graphics aren't even as good as the first game, the pace seems much slower, just dragging along, and the scenarios I played (and the quests I got within them) weren't really explained very well, so it wasn't clear how to go about beating them. Finally, the part of the manual giving descriptions of the races and all their units was not included, at least not in the manual. They were on the cd itself, but it was a long pdf file (just under 100 pages if I remember), and not too many people are going to want to print all that out.

Nice graphics but this game is a step backward

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 8
Date: January 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This game has spectatular graphics, but every other aspect of the game falls short. The gameplay takes FOREVER. It is turn-based but the incremental change in cities and hero levels changes extremely slowly. High level units cost a fortune and take several turns to be created. The economy is horrid. The only way to gain gold is via cities. No gold is given for kills. One of the biggest disappointments is that your main character is confined to your main city. The character's powers are amplified by the character's wizard tower. You cannot cast spells in battle if you are not with your hero or not at your tower.

Great entertainment!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 27
Date: August 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is great. I loved Age of Wonders II and Age of Wonders Shadow Magic is even better.

Very similiar to Master of Magic or the Heroes of Might and Magic series. But much better. The graphic is great, the sound is very good and the gameplay simply addictitve.

A lot of strategy and fantasy, fighting and magic, creatures and heroes ...

A lot of fun ...

Good Strategy Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: February 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

After playing Age of Wonders II, I decided to try this first one. It is a well made strategy game, the graphics are nice, the structure is okay. There are some clnuky things about controls but that's something fixed in the second game. The only thing that is kind of problematic is that the screen is too small and tiring for the eye after some time. I think I like the second one better but this is good for what it is.

Awesome game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 36 / 37
Date: September 09, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is my first Age of Wonders game, so I can't really compare it to any of the others. I am a long time fan of the Heroes of Might and Magic games and when I saw this in the store I thought it looked very much like the same type of game play, turn based strategy, and I wasn't disappointed. This game is highly addicting and I couldn't be more pleased. There isn't a single bad thing I could say about its game play. There is a three scenario tutorial that gets you into the gameplay right off, many single player options, including a random map generator...and several mutli player options in the bargain. I am a stay at home mom of four young children and turn based strategy with no time limit is pretty much the only way I can get in any game time anymore. Real time is just too hard when you have kids needing your attention. So I am always on the look out for a good game in this genre....and I couldn't be happier with this as my latest find!

To make it short and simple, this is an awesome game worth more then the price it cost to buy.

Very Nicely Done!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 13 / 13
Date: October 20, 2003
Author: Amazon User

All I have to say is that this game is incredibly well put-together and incredibly enjoyable, especially in multiplayer. The interface is remarkably easy to understand, the game itself is refreshingly stable, the graphics are delightful and crisp, and, most importantly, it's fun, addicting, and entertaining. It definitely has that "one more turn" feel to it. I would highly recommend this game--and the original Age of Wonders II-- to anyone who enjoys turn-based strategy games and fantasy settings. Actually, I'd recommend this game to anyone!

What a bargain!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: October 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

As soon as I saw this game in the store, I grabbed it, thinking it was an expansion pack for Age of Wonders II. Imagine my surprise to find it's an entire new game, despite its low price!

It's just as wonderful as AOW II, but with some changes to hold the interest of fans of the series, including new spells and new races. The graphics are just as beautiful, and the storyline is better. Like Age of Wonders II, it's very stable, no crashes. This series is spectacular. If you like strategy games, don't miss this bargain.

Master of Magic returns!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 13
Date: September 16, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I've been a gamer for a long time, and enjoyed the incredible game Master of Magic way back in the day. I've long since looked for a game that used the same formula: civilization building/economy/armies/and most importantly....SPELLS.

If you like strategy and blasting opponents with mystical creatures and spells, BUY THIS GAME.

Basically it's Civilization for the fantasy minded.

Play it for years !

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 10
Date: October 11, 2004
Author: Amazon User

AoW-SM is great. Everyone remarks about its balance, beauty, and game-play AI. What I think kicks it far ahead of all the contenders with similar turn-based play is the RANDOM MAP GENERATOR.
Yes, unlike other games you play for a month (if they last a week), is that AoW-SM has the depth of units, terrain, AI, and fresh maps thanks to a wonderful choice of options in single player mode along with a RMG.
AoW-SM Rocks, - AND - it lasts !

PS: there are also fan site mods that further the play. When you see a game whose fan sites are still going years after release, like AoW-II & AoW-SM, you Know its a solid game.
thanks Amazon for the review space,
luv ya, cfx :)

A fantastic addition to any game collection

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: June 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

For those gamers tired of real time army shoot'em-ups and micromanaging civilization building, this is the game for you. Age of Wonders 3 is turn based chess meets individual champion fighting. In short, it combines the best of both worlds. Unlike the original, the wizard-king stays at home in his tower, safe behind walls while heroes lead combat unit customized armies into battle. The gameplay is easy to master, the graphics smooth, and the experience enjoyable, yet challenging.

Options include standard and custom scenarios as well as the provided campaign. Races are generally evenly matched, and the player is rewarded for building bigger and better units.

There is disappointly little fanfare upon actually winning the scenarios, however, the game itself is very enjoyable and the different races and units available encourage you to play again and again.

I'm so glad my brother first showed me this excellent game.

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