Age Of Wonders Iii

While it still has some issues, Age of Wonders III returns to the series after an 11-year hiatus, and it does so with great character. The game has improved in almost every way, from its graphics to its revamped 4X strategy elements that are closer to modern games. Fans of Civilization and Endless Legend won't find quite as much depth here, but that does come with its advantages. AoW III has an uncluttered UI, close, well-animated battles, and plenty of customization. You can choose between a hero from a variety of races, including Human, Orcs, Dwarves, and Draconians and then customize them to your liking. That will determine the race of your civilization in general, and also influence the powers your hero has. Rogues, warlords, theocrats, and sorcerers all make an appearance, making for a strictly high-fantasy world. Looking at its bright graphics and cartoonish character postures, you may think that the game will be easy, but that's not the case. Each unit has a different feel to it, and battles are as fast-paced as you'll find for a turn-based game. It's a great mashup of difficulty and ease of use, all the while augmented by music re-created from the original game.