Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings for Windows

Age of Empires II gives you the chance to walk in the shadows of kings. With historical accuracy, amazing graphics, and almost too many game options, this sequel has somehow improved upon Microsoft's award winning game. Pick a Medieval civilization and you can BE that civilization for a few hours. Build its buildings, including huge castles and walled cities. Man its armadas, including galleons and Fire Ships. Ride with its infantry, including knights, paladins, and cavaliers. And build its wonders, whether they are mosques, cathedrals, or temples.

Best of all, the game teaches as you play. You can recreate historical campaigns, leading Joan of Arc to victory, riding with Genghis Khan, or helping William Wallis defeat the English.

The game is best suited to players 10 and up. Its complexity demands more than a bit of strategy and finesse. But my seven year old daughter can't get enough of it. Hence I warn players and parents to be careful. The game can be addicting. After all, who among us wouldn't want to return to the Middle Ages, sans blood and plagues, to relive the age of kings?