August 13th, 2006 by KingWilly
Another remake finds a 3D engine
For those who have played the most recent Settlers game - Heritage of Kings, you would probably say that the graphics are a step back, although this has been done intentionally to keep with the Anniversary theme. But for those of you from the old-school of gaming (those who played the original Settlers 2), they are certainly a step up. And to be perfectly honest they are quite pleasant to look at. The graphics have retained the bright comic look from the 1996 version, albeit in a 3-dimensional environment. The characters have a look not dissimilar to the dwarves from Disney?s Snow White, whilst the environment feels alive and vibrant with smoke billowing from chimneys, water shimmering with reflections and the wind gently blowing the trees and windmills. All this whilst retaining the cartoon atmosphere. The roads and buildings are more detailed than the original (as you would expect) but still fit in well with the Anniversary feel of the game.
Something for everyone
The main game consists of a 10 mission campaign, with each mission getting progressively more difficult. Aside from the campaign mode, the game has 10 maps which can be used for free-play. The game will have an extended lifespan due to the in-game map-editor that will be included in the standard version of the 10th Anniversary Edition. And, as a bonus, old Settler 2 veterans will have the option to import their own 2D maps from the 1996 version and play them in 3D. As well as individual play, there is the capability to play with up to six players in multiplayer mode (there will be 8 multiplayer maps included with the game).
Forcing old fans to upgrade their computers
If you have played the 1996 original, please don?t expect the Anniversary Edition to work on the same PC. The 2006 version requires (at a minimum) a 1.4GHz Pentium 4 or AMD with 512Mb RAM and a 64Mb Video Card. Not hefty by today?s standards, but a big if you?re still playing the original Settlers 2 on your 1996 PC, it might be a good idea to purchase a new PC.
Conclusion
Remakes are definitely in fashion. And it is not hard to see why. The older games, despite their outdated graphics are still fun to play. And FUN is the main reason to play, isn?t it? Bluebyte, Funatics and Ubisoft have chosen well in making a remake of Settlers 2. And it seems at this point that the remake will be as fun as the original to play. If you were a fan of the original and have been longing for the days of old, then you won?t want to pass on this one. For those too young to remember Settlers 2, then this would be a good chance to see how games were made in the olden days. We look forward to the release of the Settlers 2 10th Anniversary Edition, scheduled for the end of 2006.
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