Requires: Mac or PowerMac with 256 colors or grays; System 7.0 or later; 4 MB minimum RAM; 68030 or better recommended.
Protection: None
 
Over a year has passed since SSG’s release of the original Warlords for the Macintosh, a highly engrossing and addictive fantasy war simulation. But the artificial intelligence (AI) engine in the sim was a pushover and playing on the same old map repeatedly soon got to be as boring as plain old vanilla ice cream. Gamers were beating their heads hoping and wishing for an improved sequel. And the sequel did appear, but only for the PC! Arrrrgh! Mac Warlords everywhere doubled over in fits of anguish as they acquiesced to playing the sim on a friend’s PC (the shame of it all). Well, suffer no more fellow Warlords, for Warlords II is here and it’s here for the Macintosh!
A Modest Summary. For those foreign to the Macintosh game classic, Warlords is a simulation in which you play a Warlord set out to rule the world. Your avenue to victory and success is through might via the takeover of cities, creation and management of armies, and strategic warfare. Playing against seven other opponents (computer or human), you vie for total domination in a world based on a fantasy setting.
New Artifacts, Armies, and Heroes. The improvements within Warlords II over the original can be broken down into three areas: artifacts/armies/heroes, AI, and random map generation. The first improvement is the addition of new army units, artifacts, and improved hero features. Artifacts are magical items that can be found in ruins lying scattered around the world. These items aid a Warlord’s cause by doing one of several things: awarding a combat or command bonus; doubling an army’s movement; giving a hero the ability to fly, or increasing the amount of gold cities can provide. The last bonus can come in very handy since each army that is produced requires upkeep. The cast of armies that can be produced or allied with are, ranked from cannon fodder to hell-on-wings: scouts, light infantry, orcish mobs, heavy infantry, pikesmen, archers, dwarves, minotaurs, spiders, giants, light cavalry, wolf riders, heavy cavalry, catapults, elephants, giant bats, pegasi, griffins, giant worms, ghosts, wizards, unicorns, elementals, devils, demons, archons, and of course, dragons. Those who played the original sim should take note of the new armies available as they bring with them new terrain and stack bonuses. Also, armies can now be given “medals of honor” for participating and surviving consecutive battles. These “medals” bring with them combat strength bonuses for all future battles. As a bonus, SSG included a separate set of armies (dubbed the “Spectremia” army set) with all new names and icon images that are just too cool.
 
As for heroes, a choice of gender is now available. No longer are you obliged to name your prized fighters with the boring standby name of Conan—let your imagination run wild! Heroes (henceforth referring to both genders), like armies, can also receive combat bonuses for performing daring deeds. An “experience points” system is used in which your hero garners strength and movement bonuses once a number of points are obtained. A title is also conferred with these bonuses, appropriate to the hero’s level. Finally, heroes can now go on quests, which could be anything from capturing a city to pilfering gold from your enemies. Upon completion of a quest, the hero will receive a very generous reward, including the conferment of special armies as allies.
Advanced AI. Warlords II now features a new and advanced AI engine. No longer a pushover, the AI will take every advantage it can get to kick some human hiney, especially when the computer is set to Warlord level. Now, instead of bypassing temples altogether, computer-controlled heroes and armies will actually seek out temples for blessings as well as quests. Also, computer Warlords are now ocean-faring, giving way to potential battles at sea (the original sim wouldn’t touch water with a pole arm) and strategic control of ocean paths. While the new AI is certainly not unbeatable, it is a vast improvement compared to the old one. With this new engine, not only is it harder to anticipate the AI’s next move, but the AI is constantly in the hunt for advantages. In short, expect a really good fight. And for those who like to brag, there’s an option called “I am the greatest,” which will give the computer every advantage available from beginning to end.
Where Is This Place? Along with six campaigns included with Warlords II, random maps can now be generated for your playing pleasure. No longer are you constrained to play on the same old world like the original. This feature alone is what makes this sim shine. With random maps, you are as unfamiliar with the surroundings as your opponents. As a result, thinking caps must be put on as you work out your initial and overall strategy. Using a random map along with the hidden map feature will prove a pretty difficult challenge. The hidden map feature will black out the whole map, except for the area in which you initially start out. As your armies explore the surrounding territory, the hidden areas are removed. This little feature is wonderful for those who are cool, collective, and have the desire to play a very long campaign. Other features that can be included in a random map scenario include the option to use the Spectremia army and city sets for added variety as well as the option to play with various terrain sets (including a gloomy ice world and mudflats). In addition, before a random map is generated, the percentage of hills, water, forest, and cities that will populate the new map can be customized to your liking. SSG ought to be applauded for providing such outstanding replayability. Bravo!
Niceties Galore. Warlords II also features a showcase of game options. Of particular interest is music. It exists! This is a welcome feature compared to the virtual silence of the original Warlords. With a half dozen or so soundtracks available that eerily sound like throwbacks to the medieval ages, you can almost feel as though you’re there in your capitol city commanding your troops. Although it could become repetitive for some, it is nonetheless a pleasant nicety. While the music is great, it is certainly not the only new game option available. Others include: speech via commentary from another Warlord; the ability to give personalities to your opponents, which livens the game up as well as provides a glimpse into a Warlord’s overall strategy; ability to give neutral cities an advantage at the beginning (thus making the game harder); an option as to whether a Warlord can view another’s armies in a stack or production in a city; and an option for diplomacy, which adds a political element that can spell bloody hatred or powerful alliances. Another fine feature is the capability to customize short-cut buttons that allow a Warlord to perform actions with a single click instead of having to navigate through menus. Talk about making life easier!
 
Very Honorable Mentions. Lost in the fray of lavish compliments are Warlords II’s beautiful graphics and smooth interface. With 256 fabulous colors, the sparkling graphics are a treat to view. As for the interface, performing actions and playing the game couldn’t be easier. All of these additions and improvements make Warlords II a must-buy for those who enjoyed the original or who like to engage in a good fight. It is so good in fact that you might find yourself attached to your favorite armies. It should be noted that Warlords II also has various other goodies that haven’t been mentioned in this review. There’s simply too many that can’t really be appreciated unless you play the sim yourself. Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed!
Any Regrets? N...Yes. Warlords II is simply great entertainment. But there is one minor detail that is too obvious to let by. As you know, when the PC version of Warlords II came out, it included a scenario editor. This editor allowed players to create customized worlds or campaigns down to the very last detail, including how armies looked and what their attributes were. The Macintosh version, unfortunately, does not come with the editor. Instead of allowing our creative minds to do their thing, Warlords II teases with a single Spectremia set. Don’t be misled, this set is very entertaining, but the fact remains that Mac Warlords have waited quite a while for the Mac version to come out, all the while envying our PC counterparts as they create their own armies, cities, etc. But then again, SSG never promised an editor for the Mac version. Oh well, the lack of an editor is a very minor detail — so minor that it was the only gripe this reviewer could come up with in an otherwise perfect and brilliantly designed simulation.
Pros
• More armies and hero enhancements than ever before
• Numerous exciting improvements and additions to the original
• Random map generation provides unlimited replayability
