Want more? Well, here's something I posted to the pc strategy usenet group after I read the article. Moebius covered it all already but there may be a new tidbit in there somewhere:
Just a few highlights from a preview in Computer Games magazine:
The Wizard
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Your main unit/character (called the Leader in the original AoW) is now your wizard and apparently they are always in the game, unlike in the original where you could leave Leaders off the map entirely. Wizards play a much greater and more significant role than did Leaders before them.
It looks like there are some benefits to keeping your wizard at home in one of his Towers (eg it expands his "domain") but he may be required to explore a bit for one reason or another.
Wizard Domains
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It seems your wizard has a "radius of influence" that surrounds his/her holdings or something. It starts small and can be expanded by putting your wizard in a town with a Wizard Tower in it. I imagine this "domain" expands based on power and such as well....
The domain is important as your wizard can only cast spells within its borders but you'll be able to do some pretty amazing stuff like raise oceans, level mountains, and turn flowing rivers into ice. Hey, it's *your* domain after all!
Not only that but there are these new spells called "domain spells" which are even more powerful than global magics. For instance, there is a Fire domain spell that does damage to your enemies when they are in your domain (every turn!), and a Life domain spell that heals your wounded troops every turn, etc.. There are counter-spells of course...
Heroes
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Heroes are your captains, generals, spies, agents, etc. They are the ones you'll send out to lead your troops, lay siege, do quests, etc. while your wizard sits comfortably in his Tower within his domain.
Some heroes are able to cast combat spells beyond your domain borders but it doesn't appear that they will be able to cast global stuff. Not sure about unit enchantments and whatnot.
Although not mentioned in this particular preview I understand the heroes will be class-based now and not so open-ended. They will be restricted by some type of class "template" as to what skills they may train, etc..
Build Cities
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Yes, you can now build new cities! You can upgrade them with new buildings too.
Although, it looks like the emphasis is on fewer cities but with more upgrades.
Dungeons
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Lennart Sas says "They are going to be simplified. All the areas will be small above ground or underground maps--no exploration. All the exploration is done on the world map."
Hmm, not really clear on this but it would appear that these special locations are built "onto" the overland map itself, so you just explore them as you would the overland map. I think. I'll ask at the message boards and see if I can get an answer.
Deities and Quests
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There are 4 deities now and they may give you quests either through scripted events when you enter some area on the map or perhaps just randomly. It seems the quests are "themed" based on the deity's domain, be it Life, Death, etc..
You can build shrines to the various deities in your towns.
Larger Units
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Easier to see, less strain on the eyes, better detail.
Tactical Maps
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They've been shrunk (good!). The action will begin immediately and there will apparently be no more "standoffs", waiting for the other guy to make the first move and get close enough for you to attack.
Walls and Siege
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Only siege engines (and units with special sieging abilities like the Giant) can still "counter" walls but ANY unit will be able to knock down gates in AoW2. It will take longer and defenders will get free shots but it can be done.
Miscellaneous
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- 3D terrain
- Hardware accelerated particle effects
- Streamlined interface
- Random map generator
- New units, spells, heroes, etc.
I am really looking forward to this title. I love the original (still play it) and with the release of the LOTR movie I've been checking out all the LOTR-inspired maps created by fans, some of which are excellent.
I love the RPG feel of AoW and the Tolkien-esque artwork adds a true "fantasy" feel and mood that no other fantasy strategy game has provided.
FYI, this issue (February) of Computer Games also has previews of HOMM 4, Warlords 4, Disciples 2, Age of Mythology, Warlords Battlecry 2, and Warcraft 3. It's gonna be a good year for turn-based fantasy strat fans.
Paul