Customer Reviews

Age of Sail ll: Prima's Official Strategy Guide

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have no problems with well-written guides to computer games. At best, they yield insight; at worst, they save a little time. The Age of Sail II strategy guide ends up doing neither but is a good history book.

The manual to the game is terrible. Usually, guides flesh out the mechanics of game play. Not so here. No mention is made of how things are done in the game. Instead the book is made up of a glossary, comments on naval life, tactics and ships in the late 18th and early nineteenth centuries and discussions of historical scenarios.

The glossary is padded. Knowing what a "club tack" may be useful for the game (the play isn't explained) but most people know what a pistol is.

The historical commentary is good for beginners but how many beginners will buy this game without a friend who already knows these basics urging on the purchase? What would have been nice is adding commentary on the hypothetical campaigns. To wit, what must be done to acheive different levels of victory. Not a word on campaigns is mentioned,

Like the game, this book was rushed out the door. The game can be patched; the book can't.