mbolme

I love this game. I had not realized how accustomed I was to steamrolling most games. Choices in most games didn't really matter, because you made a save, and choose. If the choices turns out badly, you just restore. Shall I fight this monster? Save and give it a try. Well, fair warning - this game is hard, and if you die, you start over. (It's not quite that bad, because you can build up some items that pass onto your son (or daughter.) What does it offer? Tense gameplay where every choice matters. Great atmosphere and incredible writing. You get to sail your own ship. I now have a Phorcyd-class Corvette ("Small, swift and formidable, like a very angry vole.") equipped with a Cotterell & Hathersage 'Reproach' deck cannon, and I hold my own very well. I'd like to get a Caminus Yards Helltrasher deck cannon, but cash is short (it always is). Right now I need to go get a demoness and bring her back to London, the admiral wants me to stop by a certain port that is mostly on the way, and one of my officer thinks he can make me a better engine. I wonder how my little nation of rats and guinea pigs is doing? If you're very good and careful, you thrive. Did I say I love this game? :P

The game is under-rated in my opinion. It is difficult to get into, particularly if you played AoW and AoW2 a lo, because it is fairly different and the differences are not too well explained. I love the game, though. The battle animations are great, the races feel very different, and it keeps me thinking about it way too late at night.

The game is extremely complex and not for everyone. It is also not well explained, and you have to do a lot of work (spend time on the forums) to understand everything that is happening. That being said, it is a wonderful simulation of the entire War in the Pacific. There is nothing else like it. You are responsible for everything: forming convoys, shipping supplies, training units, building airfields, allocating resources .. everything. I love this game. If it had adequate documentation, it would be a 10.