Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic review:5 stars (Great Fantasy Civ-like game) - If you like fantasy games and Civ 3, this game is for you. Its like a combination of Civ and D&D! What could be better? There are not very many good turn-based games out there to begin with. Fantasy turn-based is even more rare, but this is probably the best I've seen.

You get to choose from a variety of races to start. Each race has certain advantages over others and unique units each with special abilities. Building and developing cities is important as is exploring and making alliances (very Civ-like). But when a fight begins you can zoom into a battle screen and play it out blow by blow, or go the quick route and just see units dissapear. That flexibility in battles is a great feature. You can also develop individual hero units that gain levels and can use magic items.

There is a long campaign that you can play as well as various single-shot scenarios. No random maps per se, but you can downloads lots of scenarios off the web. I'm really hoping for a sequel. This is easily one of the best games I've ever played.5 stars (Play it for years !) - AoW-SM is great. Everyone remarks about its balance, beauty, and game-play AI. What I think kicks it far ahead of all the contenders with similar turn-based play is the RANDOM MAP GENERATOR.
Yes, unlike other games you play for a month (if they last a week), is that AoW-SM has the depth of units, terrain, AI, and fresh maps thanks to a wonderful choice of options in single player mode along with a RMG.
AoW-SM Rocks, - AND - it lasts !

PS: there are also fan site mods that further the play. When you see a game whose fan sites are still going years after release, like AoW-II & AoW-SM, you Know its a solid game.
thanks Amazon for the review space,
luv ya, cfx :)5 stars (A fantastic addition to any game collection) - For those gamers tired of real time army shoot'em-ups and micromanaging civilization building, this is the game for you. Age of Wonders 3 is turn based chess meets individual champion fighting. In short, it combines the best of both worlds. Unlike the original, the wizard-king stays at home in his tower, safe behind walls while heroes lead combat unit customized armies into battle. The gameplay is easy to master, the graphics smooth, and the experience enjoyable, yet challenging.Options include standard and custom scenarios as well as the provided campaign. Races are generally evenly matched, and the player is rewarded for building bigger and better units.There is disappointly little fanfare upon actually winning the scenarios, however, the game itself is very enjoyable and the different races and units available encourage you to play again and again.I'm so glad my brother first showed me this excellent game.
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic Features:
Computer Games
Action
Strategy (Strategic)
Fantasy
CD

Age of Wonders- Shadow Magic is the CD-ROM version. The full version can be purchased by clicking on the "CLICK HERE TO ORDER" button below for around 29.99USD.