If AOE was a great RTS, Ensemble studios went one up with this sequel which featured more civilizations, better graphics, improved game mechanics and a very engrossing story line. The campaign mode is split into some real scenarios where you can play as one of the famous kings of history, and lead your troops and men to glory. The AI is very well done in all these campaigns and the games are not very easy to breeze through. Lot of planning is required. MUltiplayer is finally here, dont know if it was there in the first one but its great to play against human opponents but can be very time consuming. The game moves history forward and concentrates on the period before the REnaissance, thats for history buffs. Some interesting campaigns featured in this game are the crusades, the hundred year war, Joan of Arc's fight for freedom, etc. This is another one of those must have classics