When it comes to turn-based strategy games, the formula is relatively simple – plan, move and destroy. The standard was pretty much set by the game of chess in that regard. Some titles drive it a little further by introducing resources into the mix.

And then there is Dominions II: The Ascension Wars. This title from Shrapnel Games and Illwinter Game Design has great depth and is the type of PC title that will have players scrambling for the manual, second-guessing and taking their time as they play out their pawns.

The basics of the game are easy to outline. The game is a turn-based fantasy title in which players take over the role of a would-be god ascending to power and domination. But every god needs to exert a mastery of magic and this is where the game begins to be a little more complex. Yes, you have to raise armies through either unit creation or by hiring mercenaries. And yes, resource collecting powers your nation.

But don’t delude yourself into thinking that this is a title that is very familiar or standard, and that you will be able to jump right in and go.

Each turn is known as hosting. During a hosted turn, there are 27 parts that are considered part of the turn. It begins with recruiting units, goes through research, forging magical items, movement, castle siege, building, healing units and scouting (to name but a few of the considered turn options).

The game begins by selecting a god pretender, which is associated with one of the 17 nations available. Each pretender is initially tied to a certain magic, but you can add disciplines as you go. You also create an avatar to represent your pretender in game.

If you are in the single-player game, you can select any number of computer-controlled nations and determine the AI strength of that nation, from easy to impossible. There are four main maps/scenarios and the first two are broken down into five total scenarios.

Control of the empire falls into the hands of commanders, the units which lead the armies, and are responsible for doing the research as well as performing religious services. The more commanders you have, the better although they do cost money per turn and you will need a viable income source to support them.

If you enter an area that is not controlled by another player, you will wage a battle for it. Battles are all resolved during the host turn. You can research spells, create magical artifacts and generally a powerful tool in the game. However, if you rely too much on magic and forget the good, old-fashioned strategic army planning and resource management, you can kiss the idea of victory goodbye. You will need to find a balance between magic and muscle – both of the superior forces and cerebral kind.

Each pretender strives to attain a higher level of dominion within a province on the mapboard. The higher the dominion, the more fanatical the followers and the stronger your force is. You win the game by meeting the conditions set up in building the game.

Following so far?

Good, because that is the overview – from there it gets much more complicated.

There are eight paths of magic; scales that represent your dominions (such as growth/death), which can fluctuate and tip from the divine utopian society of fanatical worship to a land of darkness that no one wishes to dwell in; and you will need to select your fortress type. This is important in determining how long you may last if under attack. A weak structure falls quickly.

The game itself has a learning curve of at least an hour, and you will need to work through the manual. This is not exactly intuitive gameplay.

Graphically, Dominions II moves from static mapboards, which look like Risk, to rather nice environments with units moving about in battle. The sound features a musical score that does a terrific job of capturing the essence of the game.

Rarely has a game come along that has required so much work to get into and understand. Dominions II is not for the casual gamer. This is a program that is incredibly cerebral in nature, and requires a concerted effort to grasp the varied mechanics of the game play. Those who were hoping to pop in the title and go, will likely have to re-think that. Of course, if you have played the first Dominions, you will have a bit of a head start on this title.

Dominions II: The Ascension Wars is involved and challenging. This is a turn-based title that is for the serious fan of that genre; casual gamers need not apply. Those that want to spend the time learning the mechanics of the game will find depth, and incredible challenge. And that is a good thing.
 

Gameplay: 7

This is a turn-based title. You can take your time considering your moves and once completed, you end your turn and either the computer AI or your opponent does the same. In this way the game can last for a long, long time.

Graphics: 7.8

This game has a map overlay, which is not much to look at. Consider it a chessboard. While not much to look at, still the game does have some solid graphical elements. The combat elements are nicely done though.

Sound: 7.2

The musical score is quite good and sets the right mood for the game.

Difficulty: Hard

This is a game that is not easy to jump into and play. There is a lot to it and even though there are several settings in the single-player game, the game interface will take time to learn.

Concept: 8

This is not a title that is for the casual gamer, and to that end this title does not have an incredible simple interface.

Multiplayer: 8

This game can be played either through a TCP/IP connection or by e-mail. Considering the depth, don’t expect this to be a quick game. And in that regard, the e-mail game is likely the better of the two options.

Overall: 7.8

Dominions II has a varied graphical look, solid sound but the real draw is the depth of the game. This is not a title for the casual turn-based strategic gamer. This is a title that requires thought, patience and a solid foundation in the game mechanics.