Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision
Call to Power II (2000): A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
Released in 2000, Call to Power II is a grand strategy game that allows players to build and manage their own empires over a span of 6,300 years, from primitive history to the future realms of science-fiction. Players take on the role of one of 21 different civilizations, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game offers a wide range of challenges, from managing resources and building cities to waging war and conducting diplomacy.
Gameplay
Call to Power II is a turn-based game in which players take turns controlling their empires. Each turn represents one year of game time. Players can use their turns to perform a variety of actions, including:
- Managing resources: Resources are essential for building and maintaining your empire. There are four main types of resources in the game: food, wood, metal, and energy. Players must carefully manage their resources in order to avoid shortages.
- Building cities: Cities are the heart of your empire. They provide housing for your population, produce resources, and generate revenue. Players can build a variety of different types of cities, each with its own unique benefits.
- Waging war: War is a major part of Call to Power II. Players can declare war on other civilizations, and then use their military units to conquer their territory. War can be a risky proposition, but it can also be very rewarding.
- Conducting diplomacy: Diplomacy is another important aspect of Call to Power II. Players can form alliances with other civilizations, trade with them, and even sign peace treaties. Diplomacy can be used to avoid war, or to gain an advantage in war.
Features
Call to Power II offers a number of features that make it one of the most comprehensive and challenging grand strategy games ever made. These features include:
- A massive world map: The game’s world map is one of the largest and most detailed ever created for a grand strategy game. It includes over 1,000 provinces, each with its own unique terrain and resources.
- 21 different civilizations: Players can choose to play as one of 21 different civilizations, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. These civilizations range from the ancient Egyptians to the future Americans.
- A deep and complex tech tree: The game’s tech tree is one of the most complex and detailed ever created for a grand strategy game. It includes over 1,000 different technologies, which players can research to improve their empires.
- A realistic economy: The game’s economy is one of the most realistic ever created for a grand strategy game. It takes into account a variety of factors, such as supply and demand, inflation, and taxation.
Reception
Call to Power II was released to critical acclaim. IGN praised the game’s “massive scope,” “deep and complex gameplay,” and “beautiful graphics.” GameSpot called the game “a must-have for any fan of grand strategy games.”
Legacy
Call to Power II is considered to be one of the greatest grand strategy games ever made. It has been praised for its massive scope, deep and complex gameplay, and realistic economy. The game has also been credited with inspiring a number of other grand strategy games, such as Civilization IV and Europa Universalis IV.
Conclusion
Call to Power II is a classic grand strategy game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The game’s massive scope, deep and complex gameplay, and realistic economy make it one of the most immersive and engaging grand strategy games ever made. If you are a fan of grand strategy games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Call to Power II.
Review Score
8.5/10
