Age of Wonders series was once a favorite of many fans of turn-based strategy. She was like and Heroes of Might and Magic, and Disciples, but differed more, shall we say, global, that it shares with the famous Civilization. Clear why after the announcement of the third part the players with experience pulled calendars – celebrate the release date desired strategy. Interestingness of the announcement was also that the development of a strategy sponsored notorious Marcus «Notch» Persson – creator of Minecraft. It is his fat wallet studio helped revive his beloved Triumph series.
History in the third part starts after the events of the Age of Wonders 2: Shadow Magic. Humans and most other races together and formed the “Commonwealth” – a giant empire, where technology develops par with magic. But not all happy about it. Restless elves and their minions think about the collapse of the alliance and the overthrow of their leader, the Emperor Leon.
We offer a choice of two campaigns for each of the parties. Who do you prefer – conservative or progressive elves people decide.
| Developer | Triumph Studios |
|---|---|
| Published in Russia | Beech |
| Official Site | http://www.ageofwonders.com/aow3live/ |
| Platforms | PC |
| Genres | Strategy |
| Released Games | March 31, 2014 |
The plot does not cause any emotions. It was written well, each mission is replete dialogues and optional tasks. But, unfortunately, palace intrigue or interesting characters is not here. The game carries other – gambling opposition strategists with each other outside the campaigns.
The choice of a six races. This standard residents fantasy worlds: orcs, elves, humans, dwarves and goblins and drakoniytsy. They are all different set of troops, but mostly on the battlefield is a hero.Besides appearance and class, he must choose three specializations that extend the list of available spells. A huge number of abilities distinguishes a series of other turn-based strategy.
Development empire is no different from that in the previous parts. Be hired for the founding settlers of other cities, but with the help builders – build roads and watchtowers. Exploration is of paramount importance, as the “fog of war” constantly veiled areas where there are your soldiers or settlements. If time does not build watchtowers, the enemy can easily catch you off guard, picked up from the rear, capturing, plundering and destroying the city.
Economy is represented by several types of resources such as mana, gold and knowledge. The latter allow faster learn spells. However, in addition to basic resources, there is a minor, such as labor force and population. Map periodically found necessary structure to improve the economic situation.
Common neutral settlement does not necessarily capture power. Most of them offer little to solve their problem. Instead they join the empire and keep your reputation. And its reputation has to take care of, otherwise citizens will decide that this tyrant ruler they no longer need, and raise a riot.
Game makes entirely control the global map. Small force can wreck lives more than a huge army at the gates of the capital, so we need to protect small settlements. Restrictions on the maximum number of troops is not. They only require a permanent salary. So the size of the army is entirely dependent on welfare and the number of cities throughout the empire.
Besides hiring ordinary troops can summon various monsters, but instead of gold being designed to consume mana crystals. This class heroes as Archdruid, it is capable of containing a huge army consisting only of monsters.
In addition to managing an expanding empire, strategist periodically forced to become a tactician when it comes to clashes.
Battles take place on a separate field, which causes the shelters, narrow passages and various buildings. Sending troops into battle, you need to consider the terrain, numerous enemies and powerful ability to spell the hero opponent. Each unit has its own stock of action points. He is free to spend them on the movement, attack or use a clever trick. Almost all soldiers have their cards.
The most interesting thing in the game – this is when fighting multiple armies, because on the map are fully capable to face a few heroes with their troops to throw together in a bloody battle. Fortunately, large maps contribute to this. And when it comes to the siege of the city, then you can sit on them for hours, waiting for one of the opponents make a mistake.
Battles take up most of the time. They are so fascinating that with his head immersed in thinking about the next move. Slightest inaccuracy may lead to the death squad.
After a successful fight warriors and heroes grow in levels. If ordinary soldiers just get a bonus to attributes, the hero give five points to open the useful skills for all the army, like armor penetration or lightning protection. The hero is the strongest warrior in the early loss of his battle tantamount to defeat. But in case of death it is not difficult to be reborn in the city, where the throne.
In a city often come other characters – for a nominal fee they will enter the ranks of your army. In principle it is possible to make a detachment of some heroes, but it is hardly enough force to knock a good defense. They are best used as generals, bleed them the necessary skills. Turn one into an excellent scout, and the second – in the defense armored fortresses, and life will become easier once.
Understand the intricacies of the game is not easy, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the original. Phased learning the basics is not here. But there is a detailed encyclopedia, called “The Book of Miracles”. It describes everything from a particular purpose built to characters monsters. Only requires patience to assimilate the information.
But why not turn to praise the developers, so it’s a schedule. The new graphics engine gives a good picture, with sufficiently detailed characters. That’s just so enthusiastic Triumph creating detailed landscape that image was colorful, does not always work to understand where things are, and increases the risk of missing an important object. Also, the game often slows down for no reason.
Developers do not have great success interface: it has not changed since the second part, has not become easier or clearer. But the art style is very nice, good animation warriors and spell effects look great.
Also worth praise composer. Music atmospheric and beautiful. Lot in a good epic melodies that raise morale and keep in shape.
Diagnosis
Age of Wonders 3 – is the quintessence of what is now called the “old school.” It is not much different from previous games in the series, which was created more than ten years ago and almost forgotten.It is hoped that the developers have not abandoned the project: will finish interface, improve optimization, add more races and random map generator. “The Age of Miracles” is back in all its glory: with interesting battles, a variety of different skills and spells, updated look. It just will not disappoint fans of the series and will appeal to people who missed the classic fantasy turn-based strategy.
Pro:
- Great mix of global and tactical strategy
- Interesting battles and sieges
- Huge number of spells and abilities
- Epic music
- Big encyclopedia
Contra:
- Unoptimized graphics engine
- Awkward interface
Review game Age of Wonders 3
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