Additional Info
Blood
Hard drive space
Full download: 0.77 GB
Initial download: 0.62 GB
Download time
| Kb/s | 20 MB | 8 MB | 512 KB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 2mn | 7mn | 1h 52mn |
System Requirements
- Operating System: 2000/XP,Vista
- Processor: 300MHz
- OS: Windows
- RAM: 64MB
- Video RAM: 16MB
Copyright
é 2003 Take Two Interactive Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Overview
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Instructions & Tips
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Screenshots & Video
Tutorial
AOW: Shadow Magic takes a great deal of material from Age of Wonders II, but is a complete standalone game in its own right. Also included is a drastically improved tutorial, which is a necessity for newcomers to the series -- this is a lush game with a complex interface, and the tutorial will clarify a number of fine points about control. Your overall objective is to defeat Phobius in the campaign game by achieving objectives in each of the campaign missions.
Wizards and Spells
The leader of each faction is a wizard, a nearly-immortal character who commands unbelievable magical power. Wizards attract heroes and armies of mystical beasts, which you can send forth to conquer lands in your name. Your wizard is able to research new spells throughout the game, and can cast spells within areas of your control -- either to support troops in the field or accomplish some other tactical goal. Wizards who are destroyed in combat reappear next turn at a Wizard Tower they control.
Heroes and Armies
If wizards are the brain of your faction, then heroes are its backbone. Heroes are powerful individual units capable of commanding armies and conquering territory in your name. There are many ways you can recruit heroes, most detailed in the tutorial. Armies of magical creatures can be recruited at towns you control or through conquest and other means. Your armies are necessary assets as you grow in power and influence, so keep them well prepared for battle.
World Map
Most of the game takes place in the strategic view, where you move your wizard, armies and heroes to investigate mysterious corners or conquer new territory. Movement on the map is simple: select the unit you wish to move, then double-left click on the target space. If that space is occupied, your unit will interact with it in some way. The world includes a labyrinth of underground passages, accessible through caves. These are a useful shortcut when something on the surface gets in the way.
Cities
Cities are your production and recruitment centers, so it's wise to capture as many as you can. Some cities will require that you leave a garrison behind in order to deal with potential unrest, while others will be happy to join your cause. Cities expand the limits of your personal domain and act as anchor stones of your power, so keep them well-protected. Don't neglect ongoing building and recruitment projects, as they're the key to advanced units and powers.
Combat
When you encounter an enemy, you'll have the option to auto-resolve combat or command your troops on a tactical map. Tactical command is similar to control on the world map: your army is broken into logical units, who move one at a time. Just select a unit and double-left click on a target to move or attack. Some units have special abilities, such as archery, that require activation -- click the power in the unit ability list. Also, remember that you can cast spells to aid your troops in combat.
Tip: Wizard Care
Wizards are tough and deadly, but it's still wise to keep them out of the fight. Put your wizard safe in a well-defended city and use him or her to cast spells and summon heroes -- leave the fighting to the expendable units.
Tip: Randomize
If you want some surprise action, Shadow Magic includes a random map generator that will put together a completely unique adventure for you in seconds.
Tip: Shadow Realm
Some of the game's playable races can move quickly through the Shadow Realm, from which Phobius is drawing power. Use this new addition to Age of Wonders to your advantage.
Tip: Custom Wizards
You can use premade wizards or customize your own. There are multiple, often opposed, schools of magic available, so it's fun to tweak your wizard to perfectly match your play style.
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