Warlords III - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Warlords III

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Preparing for Battle
Warlords III lacks two major features. The first is true turn-based combat. As much as I love the simultaneous combat model, it would be nice to play a more traditional turn-based game over the Internet sometimes (without resorting to email). Since this functionality is built in for single-player and hot-seat modes, I'm surprised that it wasn't included as an option for Internet play. The second major drawback is the lack of a scenario builder, which would have put this game over the top. The developer, Strategic Studies Group, released an add-on scenario builder for Warlords II, and I imagine that one will follow for the latest incarnation.
But none of these gripes outweigh the positives of the game; so don't weigh them heavily into your decision to buy the game. Warlords III is a fast-paced strategy game that plays as well with one person as it does with eight. This game is highly recommended for fans of the genre, and it is simple enough to appeal to newcomers born before the Year of the Rabbit. Which reminds me, according to a place mat at the Ming Tree restaurant, someone born in the Year of the Rooster is hardworking, often speaks his or her mind, and makes a good restaurant owner. Whereas someone born in my Year of the Warlord is hard-playing, often gets a piece of a loved one's mind, and makes a good game reviewer. Believe what you want.
Tips
-Play aggressively at the beginning. Take over as many cities as possible, as soon as possible.
-Your hero's first task should be to explore as many ruins as possible. Get there before the enemy does.
-If you get the invisibility spell, sneak behind enemy lines with a full stack. Attack and raze as many of his farthest cities as possible. Hopefully these cities aren't well defended, and are busy supplying troops to the front. Raze them since you can't hope to hold them, then use your invisibility to sneak back home.

If you like this kind of game, you might want to check out Heroes of Might & Magic II or Master of Orion II.

Hugh Falk believes that all video games are really tests in which the best players will one day be swept up by aliens to fight for the freedom of the universe. He has dedicated his life to critiquing and hopefully improving games for the sake of Earth and the universe. Agree or disagree with the review? Let us know.

Facts

Warlords III
Broderbund, 800/548-1798
Price: $50.00
Pentium-75, 16MB RAM, 40MB disk space, DirectX compatible SVGA, 4X CD-ROM drive, Windows 95; Sound Blaster or compatible sound card

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