TOM VS. BRUCE.(Imperialism II: The age of exploration computer war game)(Product/service evaluation)

Imperialism II:

The age of exploration

Tom and Bruce duke it out old-school in a 1999 strategy classic

This means war!

Bruce: Imperialism II is probably my favorite game of the 1990s. Since it's my favorite, it kind of goes without saying that it must be the best. It also explains why, seven years after it was published, I still know exactly where the game CD and the manual are.

Tom: Very few games merit keeping one of those gigantic days-of-yore computer-game boxes on your shelf. But Imperialism II is one such game. Until Civilization IV came out, it was my favorite turn-based strategy game.

Bruce: Tom and I will reprise our European alter egos, which we first established in Civ 3 and then Civ 4, as England and Spain. I hope Tom doesn't start calling me El Bruce again, though.

Tom, 1512: The Carrack Chicklette discovers the New World. Since I found it first--the New World, that is--I call dibs.

Bruce, 1512: Ah, the New World. So full of riches, yet so totally irrelevant in terms of world domination. The victory condition: control of over half of the Old World provinces. So while an empire from sea to shining sea may be just dandy, it only matters insofar as it provides materials for the world's Most Important Place: Europe.

Tom, 1528: My explorers find gems in the Cherokee capital province. I could invade, but that's not very English. Besides, it's important to take your time and look around once you discover the New World. If you just rush ashore on the first patch of land you find, you might end up with someplace like Massachusetts.

So I open a trade consulate and then an embassy with the Cherokee. Next, I'll send a Merchant to start buying their resources so I can develop them, buy them, and keep a cut of the proceeds. Me and the Cherokee are going to be business partners.

Bruce, 1530: Tom has gems, while I have jack. I've scoured so many mountains and deserts, my explorers have sand in their underwear and snow down their pants. Why mountains and deserts? Because that's where Imperialism II hides the goodies. …