Gameplay basically revolves around you building up and defending your settlement, but don't expect to be left to your own devices for long. As with all strategy games, you'll need to gather resources, build more advanced structures and gain access to more powerful troops with which to raid and pillage enemy settlements. The range of units is good and varies between the many cultures you can choose to be, giving each culture their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

The graphics and sound in Age of Empires 2 are both perfectly serviceable, but you won't be astounded by either. So what does it have in its favour? Well, heaps and heaps of playability. This is no five-minute wonder, and you'll be back again and again for just one more shot at that mission you haven't quite finished yet. If you're looking for a top-notch strategy game for the PS2, you couldn't go far wrong by getting yourself a copy of AOE2--and don't forget your mouse. --Andi Flower