Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic

Last updated
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic
Age of Wonders - Shadow Magic Coverart.jpg
Developer(s) Triumph Studios
Publisher(s) Gathering
Director(s) Lennart Sas
Producer(s) Chris Lacey
Designer(s) Lennart Sas
Programmer(s) Arno van Wingerden
Writer(s) Raymond Bingham
Josh Farley
Composer(s) Mason B. Fisher
Series Age of Wonders
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
Release
  • NA: July 25, 2003
  • EU: August 29, 2003
Genre(s) Turn-based strategy
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is a turn-based strategy video game in a fantasy setting. Shadow Magic is the third incarnation of the Age of Wonders series, and is a direct sequel to Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne . All three games were developed by Triumph Studios. The series is the spiritual successor to Master of Magic .

Contents

Gameplay

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic screenshot Shadowmagic.jpg
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic screenshot

The game features a world on three different levels, the Surface, the Underground and the Shadow World. Scenarios may take place on one or more of these levels. The game can either be played in a simultaneous mode, wherein players move their units at the same time during a turn, and in a traditional turn based mode. The game is played both in an overworld mode, on which parties are moved and raised, structures are built and heroes are contracted, as well as a battle mode.

The key element of the game are the Wizards. Wizards are very powerful at magic, but rather weak at close combat. Every player has one Wizard, each with a sphere of magic (Life, Death, Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Cosmos and finally Chaos/Secret), which decides which spells the Wizard can research. Some Wizards have multiple spheres, but can only learn less advanced spells. Spells range from passive spells (for instance, blessing a unit with additional strengths), to direct spells (i.e. healing spells or attack spells), to summoning spells. Wizards are the only units in the game who can't level up or gain medals. Instead, they improve by researching new spells and skills.

Wizards have a domain, the area in which spells can be cast represented by hexagons. When a wizard is inside a wizard's tower, the radius of his domain is increased by several hexagons, and in addition a small domain is radiated around each hero. Every village, town and city can build a Wizard Tower. The Wizard only has to be inside one Wizard Tower; the other towers will also increase his domain.

Wizards can also attract heroes. Heroes are the men and women who lead troops into battle. Heroes, unlike Wizards, can level up. When they level up, the player can choose between three abilities for the hero to make them stronger. For example, they can fire at range or improve the party morale.

Regular units represent the majority of the units in the game. These units can be divided in four levels, based on the various buildings that are needed for creating them. Units can also be awarded medals, which are given independent of respective levels. The medals represent experience and give bonuses to unit statistics.

There are many kinds of structures on the World Map. The most important ones are the cities and the structures that generate either gold or mana. Cities come in four levels. The lowest level is the Outpost, which can only construct a Wooden Wall and the race's basic unit. The next stage, the Village, can build many more buildings. The other stages are Town and City. The stages differ in how fast they can build, and the income they generate.

There are fifteen races in the game, which fall into three main categories: light, twilight, and darkness. These categories can be further broken down into five groups; pure good, good, evil, pure evil and neutral races.

Multiplayer

Like both its predecessors the game was designed for single-player as well as multiplayer, and while the graphic engine is the same as in Age of Wonders 2: The Wizard's Throne, gameplay is improved and some important features are added. While every existing race in the game received at least one new recruitable unit and new buildings, 3 races are completely new. Much requested from the fans (and referred to in the forums as the "random map cult"), the game now offers a "Create Random Scenario" option. Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic can be played in multiplayer mode 3 different ways; 1) Joining via I.P (Internet Protocol) address; 2) Joining via LAN (Local Area Network) connection; 3) Play by Email.

Development

Shadow Magic was probably planned as an expansion pack for Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne, but was published as a stand-alone game instead.[ citation needed ]

After the end of the official support with patch 1.3 the game was unofficially developed further by the fan-community via a community patch. [1] A further update was later released. [2]

Availability

The entire franchise was re-released on Stardock's Impulse digital distribution service in September 2010, [3] soon after via GOG.com and GamersGate [4] and finally through Steam service.

Reception

The editors of Computer Gaming World presented Shadow Magic with their 2003 "Strategy Game of the Year" award. They wrote: "Of all the strategy games we played this year, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is the only one with the 'just one more turn' addictiveness that distinguishes the best of the best". [10] It was a nominee for PC Gamer US 's 2003 "Best Turn-Based Strategy Game" award, although it lost to Combat Mission: Afrika Korps . [11]

Related Research Articles

<i>Rise of Nations</i> Real-time strategy video game by Big Huge Games

Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy video game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Game Studios in May 2003. Designed as a fusion of concepts from turn-based strategy games with the real-time strategy genre, the game's development was led by Brian Reynolds, who founded Big Huge Games following his involvement in the development of the turn-based strategy games Civilization II and Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. In contrast to previous historical real-time strategy games, Rise of Nations is based on the entirety of history, taking place from the ancient era to the modern age, and features eighteen civilizations, playable across eight ages of world history. The game features several innovations on the real-time strategy genre, introducing novel features such as territory and attrition influenced by the turn-based strategy genre.

<i>Dominions II: The Ascension Wars</i> 2003 video game

Dominions II: The Ascension Wars is a 4X turn-based, computer strategy game. It was developed by Illwinter Game Design and published by Shrapnel Games. The game was released on November 14, 2003 in North America for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

<i>Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne</i> 2003 video game expansion

Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne is the expansion pack for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, a real-time strategy video game by Blizzard Entertainment. It was released worldwide on July 1, 2003, for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. The Frozen Throne builds upon the story of Reign of Chaos and depicts the events after the main game's conclusion. The single-player unfolds from the perspective of two new protagonists—the Night Elf warden Maiev Shadowsong and the Blood Elf prince Kael'Thas—as well as returning protagonist Arthas Menethil. Additionally, the expansion contains Act I of a separate Horde campaign that is independent from the main storyline with Blizzard releasing Acts II and III via patch in December 2003, taking in player feedback of Act I when developing these chapters.

<i>Age of Wonders</i> 1999 video game

Age of Wonders is a 1999 turn-based strategy game co-developed by Triumph Studios and Epic MegaGames, and published by Gathering of Developers.

<i>Age of Wonders II: The Wizards Throne</i> 2002 video game

Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne is a turn-based strategy video game in a fantasy setting. The sequel to Age of Wonders, it was developed by Dutch video game developer Triumph Studios.

<i>Master of Magic</i> 1994 video game

Master of Magic is a single-player, fantasy turn-based 4X strategy game in which the player plays as a wizard attempting to dominate two linked worlds. From a small settlement, the player manages resources, builds cities and armies, and researches spells, growing an empire and fighting the other wizards.

<i>Dungeon Keeper 2</i> 1999 video game

Dungeon Keeper 2 is a strategy game developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts in 1999 for Microsoft Windows. The sequel to Dungeon Keeper, the player takes the role of a 'dungeon keeper', building and defending an underground dungeon from the would-be heroes that invade it, as well as from other keepers. In the campaign mode, the player is charged with recovering the portal gems from each area in order to open a portal to the surface. The player can also construct a dungeon without strict objectives, and multiplayer is supported over a network.

<i>Warhammer: Dark Omen</i> 1998 video game

Warhammer: Dark Omen is a fantasy real-time tactical wargame based upon the Warhammer Fantasy Battle table-top game and figurines, and is the sequel to the 1995 game Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat. Developed by Mindscape, in conjunction with Games Workshop, and published by Electronic Arts, the game was released in Spring 1998 for Microsoft Windows and PlayStation. The game's story takes place within the Warhammer Fantasy setting, and focuses on the efforts of a mercenary army to combat a threat to the Old World by a vast army of undead forces led by a powerful entity that has recently arisen.

<i>Baldurs Gate II: Shadows of Amn</i> 2000 video game

Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Interplay Entertainment. It is the sequel to 1998's Baldur's Gate and was released for Microsoft Windows in September 2000. Following its predecessor, the game takes place in the Forgotten Realms, a fantasy campaign setting, and is based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd edition rules. Powered by BioWare's Infinity Engine, Baldur's Gate II uses an isometric perspective and pausable real-time gameplay. The player controls a party of up to six characters, one of whom is the player-created protagonist; the others are certain characters recruited from the game world.

<i>Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria</i> 2003 video game

Warlords IV: Heroes of Etheria is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Infinite Interactive and published by Ubi Soft. It is the fourth in the Warlords series.

<i>Heroes of Might and Magic III</i> 1999 video game

Heroes of Might and Magic III: The Restoration of Erathia is a turn-based strategy game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing originally released for Microsoft Windows by The 3DO Company in 1999. Its ports to several computer and console systems followed in 1999–2000. It is the third installment of the Heroes of Might and Magic series.

<i>Magic Carpet</i> (video game) 1994 video game

Magic Carpet is a 3D flying video game developed by Bullfrog Productions and published by Electronic Arts in 1994. Its graphics and gameplay were considered innovative and technically impressive at the time of its release.

<i>Heroes of Might and Magic II</i> 1996 video game

Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Jon Van Caneghem through New World Computing and published in 1996 by the 3DO Company. The game is the second instalment of the Heroes of Might and Magic series and is typically credited as the breakout game for the series. Heroes II was voted the sixth-best PC game of all time by PC Gamer in May 1997.

<i>Sacrifice</i> (video game) 2000 real-time strategy video game

Sacrifice is a real-time strategy video game published by Interplay Entertainment in 2000 for Microsoft Windows platform. Developed by Shiny Entertainment, the game features elements of action and other genres. Players control wizards who fight each other with spells and summoned creatures. The game was ported to Mac OS 9.2 in 2001.

<i>Lords of Magic</i> 1997 video game

Lords of Magic is a turn-based strategy Microsoft Windows game designed for Windows 95/98 by Sierra On-Line. The game was intended to combine elements of Heroes of Might and Magic II and Lords of the Realm II. The special edition also contains the Legends of Urak quest pack, a set of five individual quests that revolve around stories unrelated to the main plot of the game.

<i>Tzar: The Burden of the Crown</i> 2000 video game

Tzar: The Burden of the Crown, also known as simply Tzar, is a real-time strategy game for Microsoft Windows published by TalonSoft and developed by the Bulgarian game developer company Haemimont Games. It received average reviews from critics.

<i>Magic and Mayhem</i> 1998 video game

Magic & Mayhem is a fantasy/mythology-themed real-time strategy game designed by Julian Gollop and developed by Mythos Games. It was published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment in late 1998, and by Bethesda soon after in 1999. Although the game received generally positive criticisms, it met a quiet public reception.

<i>Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers</i> 2009 virtual card game

Magic: The Gathering – Duels of the Planeswalkers is a video game based on the popular collectible card game of the same name, published by Wizards of the Coast. It was released on June 17, 2009.

<i>Age of Wonders III</i> 2014 video game

Age of Wonders III is a 2014 4X turn-based strategy video game developed and published by Dutch developer Triumph Studios. It is the fourth game in the Age of Wonders series, following Age of Wonders, Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne and Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic released in 1999, 2002, and 2003 respectively. It was released on March 31, 2014, through digital distribution, as well as through retail in select territories for Microsoft Windows. A port to Linux and OS X was released on April 14, 2015.

<i>Age of Wonders 4</i> 2023 video game

Age of Wonders 4 is a 2023 4X turn-based strategy video game developed by Dutch developer Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the sixth game in the Age of Wonders series, following Age of Wonders: Planetfall.

References

  1. ↑ "Massive Unofficial AoW:SM Game Update Available!". Triumph Studios. 2005. Archived from the original on 2005-12-17. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
  2. ↑ Unofficial Patch v1.4
  3. ↑ "Age of Wonders II Heaven". HeavenGames.
  4. ↑ "AGE OF WONDERS® SERIES DIGITALLY RE-RELEASED!". Triumph Studios. Archived from the original on 2012-05-19. Retrieved 2012-03-30.
  5. ↑ Jackson, Jonah (October 1, 2003). "Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic". Computer Gaming World . Archived from the original on May 31, 2004.
  6. ↑ Vederman, Greg. "Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic". PC Gamer US . Archived from the original on February 13, 2008.
  7. ↑ Bemis, Greg (August 18, 2003). "Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic (PC) Review". X-Play . Archived from the original on December 5, 2004.
  8. ↑ Cobbett, Richard (September 2003). "Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic". PC Format (152). Archived from the original on May 20, 2008.
  9. ↑ Sones, Benjamin E. (October 2003). "Opinion; Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic". Computer Games Magazine (155): 86, 88.
  10. ↑ Editors of CGW (March 2004). "Computer Gaming World's 2003 Games of the Year". Computer Gaming World . No. 236. pp. 57–60, 62–69.
  11. ↑ Staff (March 2004). "The 10th Annual PC Gamer Awards". PC Gamer US . 11 (3): 38–40, 42, 44, 45.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.