Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased this direct from the matrixgames website.It's immediately available as a digital download there, with the option of also being able to order a physical CD to be shipped to you - it's currently on backorder though so don't waste your money on expedited shipping.Total price from them was $82.50.
About the game itself;First off - I really love the original avalon hill boardgame - setting it up in someones basement and meeting a couple time a month with the hop eof finishing it within a year or so ... the game is that complex - while playing in this manner, I always thought that having a computer available to handle all the nitty/gritty bookkeeping details of forage/supply costs, unit building etc. would be a great idea.The idea of playing in a room with several laptops hooked up perhaps with a large monitor as well really appeals to me.
From what I have read in the game magazines, the game has been pretty much written by one person.He is undoubtedly a talented programmer, but nonetheless it takes a *team* to develop something as complex as this.
You cant just hand-off the sound and graphics design to a contractor and expect a quality full-developed game.
The interface is woefully unintuitive - you are unable to zoom-in/out to see the entier map - my 37" monitor was wasted on seeing just portions of the map - france about fills it up.I was expecting something kind of like the sid-meier civ games when it came to an interface (now those are all classics!)There is simply too much crammed into too many frames of the main display - it's just not as pretty as looking at the paper map laid out in it's full glory on a ping-pong table.
The corp-management interface had me befuddled for a couple hours - still am not sure if I am doing it the way the developer intended ...
I haven't really had a chance to fully explore the capabilites of the AI, but so far while I am impressed that the tactical side of things is pretty solid, the strategic/diplomacy side seems to be underdeveloped.
There is also no tutorial or learning mode - do not buy this if you are hoping to use this to learn how to play the boardgame.
If you really- really love the board game you will likely get a few hours enjoyment from the PC version - if you get several hours under your belt and aren't frustrated with the interface, please post a review - this is one case where I'd like to be told I missed selecting the "make the game intuitive" button on startup.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Empires In Arms
Product Description:
Take command of one of the many factions in early 19th century Europe! Empires in Arms is a grand strategy turn-based race to prove which nation is the greatest in Europe. In a bid for mastery over the continent, players can succeed where Napoleon failed or try to stop the military genius quicker than his historical enemies could!The game moves in monthly turns where diplomacy and builds are conducted. Within the monthly turns there are a variable number of impulses where corps and fleets move about. All movement is simultaneous with battles occurring at the end of the impulse. Battles are resolved by players both picking a strategy and fighting a series of rounds in an attempt to break the enemy. Make and break alliances, declare war, invade minor nations, propose peace terms, build armies of landwehr, regulars, guards, light cavalry, heavy cavalry and artillery. Many historical leaders from the period are included to command corps and fleets, from Admiral Nelson to Marshal Davout to the Pashas of the Ottoman Empires..Diplomacy and economics will complement the sharp bayonets and deadly cannons of your direct military might when you take the role of any of the major powers in 19th century Europe! As you conquer your weaker foes, use the money and resources from fallen nations to recruit new units and replenish your ranks. France, Great Britain, Prussia, Turkey, Russia, Spain and Austria all stand ready with their full resources, generals, armies and fleets for you to take command. Join the intricate and deadly contest of power that changed a continent and created a legend.The slightest mistake could be the difference between the crown of Europe or exile to St. Helena. Step into history and find your destiny in Empires in Arms!
Want to buy Empires In Arms at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
