When combat occurs, the game switches to a combat screen where all the units of the opposing army are spread out on the field of battle.  Combat proceeds in a turn-based manner, with each unit selecting a target for its attack or spell in turn.  The player also has the option of allowing the computer to auto-resolve the battle if they so wish.  After one side has been eliminated or withdrawn from the battle, the battle ends and the remaining units are awarded experience points based on the quality of the foe defeated.  When a unit gains enough experience it advances to the next level and is upgraded to a stronger unit, provided the player has built the appropriate structure in his/her capital to support the upgrade.  Eliminated units can be restored with special potions or if the player has built a temple, 

When a player no longer has any armies left to move and is finished building upgrades and researching new spells, he/she then can select to end the current turn.  Each of the computer controlled opponents then move in turn, and the roaming monsters move about the map as well.  The player may be forced into combat by one of the other players or roaming monsters, so he/she will not necessarily be idle between turns.  Special events also may occur at the beginning of turns or after battles that serve to advance the story or provide the player with additional information on the enemy.  Play proceeds in this manner until the scenarios objectives are met or the player is eliminated.

The computer controlled AI plays a good game and is challenging in the preview version.  It does a good job of taking resource sites, controlling chokepoints on the map, and of picking the right battles to initiate.  Early indications are that the competent AI will provide players with plenty of challenge.

Disciples II plays out over large, colorful maps of the game's fantasy-based world.  The game map is very dynamic for a turn-based game - clouds float across the land, water cascades down hillsides, and units are animated not only as they move, but as they await orders as well.  The various spell effects are very animated and feature many frames of animation.  The graphics, especially the unit portraits, have a unique look to them, and give the fantasy world of Disciples II its own special look and feel.  The graphics in the preview version we played were not yet complete, with many unit portraits still awaiting completion, so it is a good sign that the game looks so great at an early stage.

Players who enjoyed Disciples: Sacred Lands have a lot to look forward to in Disciples II.  The sequel looks and plays even better than the original.  Those who missed the game the first time around should definitely take a look at Disciples II when it is released in early 2002.  They'll likely find an appealing and challenging strategy game that will provide many hours of gaming enjoyment.

« Page 1