Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic

1. weaselfeet

   Oct 25, 2011

   10

   I bought this game at launch and 8yrs later it is still played by the whole family for at least a couple of months each year. We keep goingI bought this game at launch and 8yrs later it is still played by the whole family for at least a couple of months each year. We keep going back to it and have a great time when we do. It's well balanced in the main with only a couple of exceptions and these can be countered with a thoughtfully built stack of units.
   The AI is competent, on the medium settings it can be quite challenging in the early to mid game and on the harder settings it can crush you if you allow war on more than one front. There is a great variety of playable racesunits and magic specialisation, this combined with the wealth of community made maps and the excellent map generator offer infinite re playability.
   This is without doubt the best successor to Master of Magic and a "must have" for any strategy gamer from the more casual through to total grognards.… Expand

   • 3 of 3 users found this helpful
2. test134

   Jun 20, 2013

   10

   Great Game!
   I'm still playing it ten years after its release by email with some guys at Age of Wonders Heaven Forum.
   Very fun to play withGreat Game!
   I'm still playing it ten years after its release by email with some guys at Age of Wonders Heaven Forum.
   Very fun to play with friends or even the against AI can be amusing, although unofficial mods are needed to make them smarter/stronger, if you know the game well.… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
4. ChristopherD.

   Sep 11, 2003

   10

   It is a excellent addition to the Age of Wonders series. Although the actual maps aready generated are not condusive of LAN or multiplay the It is a excellent addition to the Age of Wonders series. Although the actual maps aready generated are not condusive of LAN or multiplay the random Map Generator more than makes up for it. The new races are an excellent addition to the already large selection. The new spells are a must and the graphics haven't let us down. overall I was well impressed with this thrid part imstallment to a excellent gaming series.… Expand

   • 3 of 3 users found this helpful
5. AlK.

   Oct 1, 2005

   9

   Pinpoint graphics to the point where I can see all the individual hairs on an orc's head aren't necessary to have a good game. Pinpoint graphics to the point where I can see all the individual hairs on an orc's head aren't necessary to have a good game. Awesome units, magic, and brilliant strategy based maps are what keeps my mind coming back for more.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. overfiend87

   Aug 7, 2013

   9

   Anyone who likes strategy games will love this game. There is also a interesting story involving strang and terrorfying shadow-creatures fromAnyone who likes strategy games will love this game. There is also a interesting story involving strang and terrorfying shadow-creatures from a evil realm. the gameplay is great and I love turn-based strategt games like this and if you like the sound of this you should get it … Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
7. JoaquinDaSilva

   Aug 18, 2003

   9

   One of the best TBS games out there so far. Deep strategy, interesting RPG factor, fun and addictive gameplay. Its for sure a must have.

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
8. Voyou

   Sep 5, 2016

   5

   Don't expect a review of the multiplayer options, the editor or the mods. I don't have time for these. I'm happy enough when I find time forDon't expect a review of the multiplayer options, the editor or the mods. I don't have time for these. I'm happy enough when I find time for playing solo. Anyway, I did notice that the game offers plenty of these options, which is a good thing if they work (you'll check that in other reviews.)
   
   This addition to the genre has many more features than its competitors of the day. Too many if you ask me, as it becomes perhaps overcomplicated, but what is of little interest to me is a turn on for others. In fact, in general, I like the features. It's the interface to use them that I find improperly adapted, tabs cluttered with hard to read texts and numbers, a microscopic, useless minimap, unintuitive series of clicks, and so on. Another issue of mine is that the game is very battle oriented, to the detriment of exploration.
   
   But let's face it: the real problem is that the graphics, as pretty as they might be, are an unclear mess when it comes to actual play. Half the time I can't see enemy units, often not even mine. I can't see bonus trees and magic bushes. I'm never sure on which hexagon I'm standing. Possibly the most annoying is that I never know if I'm going to click on my wizard or on the city. In fact I never know who is defending a city, as there is no clean garrisoning system and cities are where I lose sight of my units the most. The button for cycling is not that great a solution. I know, it doesn't help that I play in short sessions separated by weeks.
   
   As for the music, I turn off the annoyance, like in 90% of games. I don't lower the rating for this (I give a point when a music compels me to keep it on.) I mention it because, with the music off, I notice that the sound effects are mediocre at best. As mediocre as the animations.
   
   Still a decent title for strategy buffs, but I believe it requires a strong investment and long sessions.… Expand

   • 0 of 3 users found this helpful

See all 19 User Reviews