Introduction
Since the release of the original, Age of Empires has become the standard for RTS games. From stunning two-dimensional art, to every facet of an RTS gamer’s dream, the series has addicted gamers all over the world. The first game had an expansion, so why not the sequel? The Conquerors adds five new civilizations, several new campaigns, unique technologies for each civilization, increased villager and mangonel intelligence and eleven new units, ten of which are available to most of the standard civilizations. The largest addition has to be the introduction of American civilizations. The Aztecs and the Mayans both have new building art and benefit , solely, from one of the best new additions to the expansion pack, the eagle warrior. The drawback? These civilizations don’t have a stable, so no cavalry units. Instead of a scout, they get the strong, but slightly slower eagle warrior. The other new civilizations include the Conquistador packing Spanish, the razing Huns, and the Turtle Ship equipped Koreans. Aside from these “changes,” what IS AoE2:TC really about? Set from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Ages (from around 1000-1400), you play “god” and start up your civilization (one of now eighteen) and attempt to fight up to seven other players and become the top person or team.

Gameplay
The new units, building set, scenery, and more have the same beautiful quality of AoK. Nothing more can really be said, except for the fact that a lot of effort has gone into insuring the new graphical additions look simply stunning, as always. In addition to the graphics, the sound department really hasn’t had much of an improvement. The new civilizations’ languages match up correctly, as well as the rest of the old civs (which is amazing in itself, taking the time to research each language and dialect). Besides that, a few new sounds and maybe a dabble of new music, there is nothing more to be said. This was one part of the expansion I am disappointed in, since the music can get VERY repetitive, despite being beautiful.

Story
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is, in my opinion and many others’, the best RTS of all time. The Expansion is just that, it expands the game to an even better gaming experience. To my pleasant surprise, villagers went to chopping wood immediately after constructing a lumber camp, unlike the original. Many of gamer’s gripes have been fixed (although there were a few to begin with) and any post-production glitches have been fixed through two new patches that are readily available at Ensemble’s and Microsoft’s websites. The campaigns are some of the best in any game I’ve seen so far. Each of the three new campaigns are top-notch like the rest of AoK’s campaigns. The new units help to balance several of the issues with Age of Kings (like the implementation of the much stronger version of the pikeman, the halberdier) and the addition of unique technologies help to specialize each civilization and emphasize bonuses, making some much more attractive than before. In addition, the Map Editor has a multitude of new units and triggers that have spawned a huge community of Custom Scenario map players.

Graphics
Despite a slightly expensive price tag when originally released ($30), the expansion is probably a lot cheaper with the new bundle packs that includes Age of Kings and The Conquerors. In addition, this expansion is a MUST for any fan of AoK and adds those extra fifty years that makes a fine wine an excellent wine. And as for replay value? If you have an online connection and take a few minutes to download Zone.com software and the latest patches, there is a plethora of gaming rooms where there is always at least a thousand players on at any given time, ready to give your “newbie” butt a good whooping. The Random Map, Deathmatch and Custom Scenario categories will give you so many choices, I doubt anyone would get bored. I have swore by this game since Age of Kings’ release, and for a good reason: It simply rocks.