Buy Cheap Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic Keys & Digital Downloads

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.

This game and the original Age of Wonders are still my favorite fantasy strategy games even though it has been almost 10 years since ShadowThis game and the original Age of Wonders are still my favorite fantasy strategy games even though it has been almost 10 years since Shadow Magic came out. The variety of races, units, and spells gives the game near infinite replay value. This game has just the right blend of combat, exploration, research, and RPG elements. City management and diplomacy are quite simple but I prefer it that way. There are also many user created mods and scenarios that enhance the game.

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.

A great TBS game with beautiful graphics and highly tactical gameplay. Adds what the Wizard's Throne lacked and then some. It will A great TBS game with beautiful graphics and highly tactical gameplay. Adds what the Wizard's Throne lacked and then some. It will provide many hours of entertainment (literally, since that's how TBS games are).

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.

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.

With its highly varied gameplay, mesmerizing atmosphere, gorgeous soundtrack and overall polish, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is a hypnotizing game so absorbing that it made the world around me dissolve away.

The new races added to Age of Wonders already fantastic fantasy world and a host of customizable campaign and level editors means that fans of turn-based strategy will never have to play the same missions twice.

The focus on wizards adds far more of an edge than Heroes of Might and Magic’s army action, and the increased level of tactics puts Disciples to shame.

A random map generator will give you some decent replay value as it works great. It's almost like acquiring a new expansion pack every time you use it.

The in-game graphics are as primitive as ever – simply doing their job of representing the positions of your various units around the map – and the basic turn-based concept won’t be every gamer’s cup of tea, but there’s surely enough depth and engrossing potential here to bring hardcore adventurers back for more while enticing a good number of newbies.