Empire Deluxe

The Good
"Empire" was first designed in 1979; this game is merely a modern update.

To say that "Empire" is addictive is like saying that the Pacific Ocean is sort of big. "Empire" was the beginning of the "Just one more turn and I'll go to bed" games. Even today, the simple but perfectly balanced gameplay make it a joy to play. Any new player will find himself engrossed in this game for hours.

The AI in Empire is better than in many games, and is difficult to find holes in.


The Bad
What's not to like?

The Bottom Line
A masterpiece. A seminal entry in the history of computer games.

The Good
There are so many good things about Empire Deluxe, it's hard to remember them all. First, you can pick from the three different game types (basic, standard, advanced) to play as complicated or as simple a game as you want. The computer AI is very good (sometimes a little too good) and definitely provides a challenge. The graphics are colorful and easy to make out. And there are so many options for ways to play against others (modem, e-mail, etc.)!

Perhaps the best features are the game editor and map options. You can create your own maps and scenarios. Or, if you don't want to design a map you can have the computer randomly create one for each game. For the games above basic, you can even set the dimensions of the map and whether it wraps east to west, creating an entire planet to conquer.

The Bad
Okay, there are some downsides. Each type of unit has it's own little musical tune. The problem is they're very short and repetitive, so you'll probably end up turning off the music.

This game was made when companies considered copy protection of some sort a must. However, they reached a nice compromise with this game in that you don't have to go to the manual each time you play, just each time you change the options (screen resolution, sound, etc.). So even this minus is a plus for the time it was written.

There is one real problem with the game, however. You can easily cheat during play by (e-)mail games by replaying your turn over and over until you get the results you want and then sending it to your opponent. Keep this in mind if you play such a game and your opponent(s) seem unusually lucky at winning battles.

The Bottom Line
This is perhaps the best version of this classic computer strategy game ever written. You're doing yourself a great disservice and missing out on a lot of fun if you've never played it.

The Good
Empire Deluxe (ED) is a fantastic wargame that I remember playing on the Atari ST. My best friend kicking my ass as I frantically tried to understand tactics and flanks.

ED is a turn-based strategy game that holds it's own against today onslaught of RTS games.

There is no backstory to drive the game. It doesn't need it. You start with either a random world or scenario, or a pre-designed world/scenario. You start up and then start building up your armies.

Basically, then the game begins. Build Fighters, Bombers, Carriers, Transports, etc. ands unleash them aganst your opponent(s).

A few features make this stand out from other TBS games I've played.

1 - When ever you build a new carrier, battleship, submarine, etc. the program picks a random name from a list. A simple way to make it more personable.

2 - You can customize the advangates/disadvantages for each player. Lets say that you're a master wargamer, and you are playing 2 novices. You can easily set the game up to give the novices a production and Combat advantage to give them a fighting chance against a seasoned veteran.

3 - Custom Map Making/Scenario making is a great tool for those who like to make maps. With a little finesse you can re-create almost any battle from the modern era.

The Bad
The game's control aspect is a bit tricky. The right mouse button alternates from the "Orders" to the "Survey" map, and If you don't pay attention to the top right corner button (it shows which map you are looking at, i.e. Production, Survey, etc.) you can get confused very easily.

Another thing that should have been included is an actual progressive campaign. In this day and age of RTS campaigns, this game sorely needs one. Although I believe that if someone takes the time, you can create a fantastic campaign for this game.

The Bottom Line
This is a fantastic Turn-based strategy wargame. It's a no-frills game, with a no-holds-barred attitude. It a pure wargame. Side A vs. Side B and let the best wargamer win. Or at least the one with the bigger advantage :)