Imperialism 2: The Age of Exploration

I have played a TON of such games...The Civs...Total Wars...I'm old, I played all of these when they came out, on CD. So far, not having a problem with it running on my air-gap, but nervous now after reading these other reviews. Anyway...If you want to conquer, negotiate some, have diplomacy...and DISCOVER various types of commodities...from raw to finished products...this game is for YOU. You can replay favorite maps, play the 'major' countries of Europe, fight for supremacy at sea, land troops on foreign soil, build fortresses, research different paths of technology for your own campaign to victory...the list goes on... Yes, the graphics are very dated by modern standards, but the GAME PLAY, something missing in so many new games, is great and deep. You decide so much (with some things you can automate, though I never do). You can mess around with the difficulty in many ways too...make the Minor Nations strong, but the New World nations weak? Sure... I cannot count how many thousands of hours I have spent on this game, so high is the replayability. I bought it years ago for whatever full price was (after enjoying the original), and I have never regretted it. (For perspective, I'm rather frugal.) If they ever decide to update this again (mostly just bigger maps, more countries, to be honest), I shall seek it out day one.

It works well on Linux through wine/PlayOnLinux. Gameplay is similar to the predecessor, some weekness eliminated (less clicky micromanagement), new things added, some thibgs changed: a new world to explore, cobquer or colonize. Old world minor nations no longer become colonies but your territory. Improved transportation system, more technology. Trade seems a bit less important, you cannot sell to minor nations once they joined your empire. For money supply diamonds, gems and gold from the new world work best. Gameplay is a bit long. Difficulty is challenging, you have to use your brain: E.g. building army reduces your workforce and you need to feed them. It can be better to wait. I don't like the tactical combat much, ut it's neccessary because the AI does not fight so well.

Always heard about this being a great strategy game recommended by sites like Quarter to Three. I like that it has a very comprehensive tutorial which is good because it's quite a complex game. The menu screens can be confusing to navigate at first, but I really like the way they look. They have a timeless hand-drawn quality to them that you don't see in many games today.

This game is awesome. What I like is that it not only has Tactical aspects but Aspects of mercantilism and econommics that sadly are missiing from similar games about the new world

I've been playing this game for long time. It's my companion from childhood and still very addictive and playable. Simply love it ! If you're a freshman it'll take you a while to understand the game mechanics but once you know how everything works you'll be amazed on how much fun this game can provide :)