DESCRIPTION

Return to the war-torn fantasy realms of Khaldun in this full sequel to one of the most innovative and acclaimed strategy games of 2001. Kohan: Kings of War is designed to retain and enhance the distinctive mix of gameplay elements that won so many fans of the original, while implementing new features for a fuller, more easily managed experience. An instantly noticeable change is that the game world and characters are now presented three-dimensionally, with new environmental and magical special effects.

As in Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns (and its stand-alone "expansion," Kohan Ahriman's Gift), Kings of War combines elements of strategic territorial control, more common in turn-based games, with the immediacy and dynamism of real-time play. The game retains such important mechanisms as zones of supply and control, and military units are still organized by company. Hero characters return in this sequel, as well. The game features over five dozen Kohan, some familiar from earlier adventures and others that are new to the series. Heroes are at least as important and powerful as they were in the previous games, with new spells, abilities, and troop combat modifiers.

One of the biggest changes from the original Kohan games is that cities are no longer represented as small icons on the map, but as walled areas and individual buildings that are more to scale with the heroes and units. As in conventional real-time strategy games, players can upgrade established buildings and choose the placement of new facilities as the city develops. When a city is attacked, ranged-weapon militia units firing from inside the walls are the first line of defense. The game's new siege units are designed to be especially useful for destroying fortifications, however, so melee defenders will join the fight if the walls are breached.

Standard military companies now include two more flanking positions, for a total of nine units each. Also of note is the game's improved enemy AI. Computer empires will actually learn as they go, tracking which of their companies are most successful in battle and adjusting their production priorities accordingly. Six fantasy races and over a dozen different factions combine to add a layer of diplomacy and morality. The game's main story involves the old arch-villain Ahriman, who poses a terrible new threat to his Kohan kin. Editing tools and a random map generator add replay when the main campaigns have been conquered. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide