Dominions 3: The Awakening

I have not played any games in the Dominion series, but from what I have learned this is one of the better TBS games on the market. The third installment has made micro-managing much easier and has simplified gameplay with an easier user-friendly interface. Players have the ability to design and save gods for later use and the choice of customizing and modifying maps to create a unique game. The AI has been tweaked to provide even more realism than previous versions. If that’s not enough you can play with other human opponents with the multiplayer option. Though D3 carries a $50 price tag, most fans will find enough game here to warrant the price.

Dominions 3 is perfect for play-by-email and hotseat play, for those wanting a human challenge. However, the AI is quite good on its own, and it has trounced me completely in each game I’ve played. I just don’t quite have the hang of things yet, and I haven’t found the perfect Pretender to suit my liking. However, there are countless combinations to try yet, and I’m sure I’ll get it right eventually. And I’m having a blast in the mean time. So is Dominions 3 worth the ticket price? For Dominions 2 fans, you’ll find a smoothed-out interface, random map generator, and a few new races and tweaks to keep you busy for a long time. For others, I’d suggest snagging the demo first. Dominions 3 is a great game for those die-hard strategy fans out there, with countless hours to be had in fantasy conquest.

Therein lies the beauty of Dominions 3. Whether playing single-player or multiplayer, you can experiment with a practically infinite variety of tactical and strategic choices and never find a "best" one, because your opponent has the same breadth of options. Dominions 3 is a world both deep and ultimately mesmerizing to the strategy fanatic. If you prefer your games fast and flashy, you'll hate Dominions 3. But if you're the kind of strategy gamer who revels in hunkering down with a highly complex and deep game with a phone-book sized manual and a steep learning curve that really makes you pause, ponder, and think, this is definitely the game for you.

Don't be fooled by the dated graphics. Dominions 3 is a complex, deep, and incredibly rich strategy game that will reward those willing to invest in it with an almost unlimited variety of play.

Uitgebreid en zeer verslavend. De zwakke graphics zijn slechts een luttel detail vergeleken met de fascinerende gameplay!

Dominions 3 certainly isn't for everyone. A lot of casual players, particularly those who aren't familiar with turn-based strategy games, are probably going to be bored or confused, or some combination of the two. To them, this won't be much more than a spreadsheet. But if you like fantasy, and if you're ready to graduate beyond the must-haves like Civilization and Heroes of Might & Magic, then Dominions 3 is a unique game you won't want to miss.

Пожалуй, Dominions 3: The Awakening могла бы заткнуть за пояс любую фэнтезийную сагу. Однако богатая и функциональная механика буквально вязнет в трясине и мелких, и достаточно серьезных недоработок. Те, кто сможет закрыть на это глаза, без сомнения, насладятся третьей частью сериала.