Description:

Age of Empires: The Age of Kings allows you to take control of one of five civilisations and progress through four different stages of evolution. You'll face many challenges from enemy races, but as you progress, you'll build a massive army and research new technologies that will help you in your ambition to dominate the known world.

Age of Empires: The Age of Kings is based on the PC game Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, so if you have experience of that title, you'll know the premise behind this handheld version. Basically, where there's an army, there's gonna be a fight. To initiate combat, move your unit next to the unit you want to attack. Certain units, like Archers, are able to attack from greater distances than Infantry, for example. Once you're in position and ready to attack, the opposition's viable targets are highlighted in red. There's a Combat Advisor to assist you in choosing which unit to attack: make a target selection with the DS stylus and off you go?

Once the battle commences, you'll get an indication of the health of your unit and the opposition too. It's not simply all about unit. Vs. unit in The Age of Kings, however. An important part of combat is in unit vs. building. Certain units have a bonus versus building that you can take advantage of. Also, siege units will become available to you as you progress. These are instrumental in taking down any fortified building, like a castle. Take up thy ram and batter!

With Campaign Mode as the main attraction in The Age of Kings, longevity - and value for money - is not an issue. Other modes include Single Scenario and a four-player Hot-Seat game, so there's plenty on offer for the megalomaniac in all of us.

Information:

• Number of players: 1-4
• Development Company: Backbone
• Software House: Majesco
• Video Dimensions: 2D
• Publisher: THQ
• Point Of View: Top-down, Multi-way scrolling