Conclusion
So, let’s take a quick look at what we’ve got overall.
As a pack, the American Conquest Anthology is arguably the most comprehensive RTS based on all of America’s historical conflicts up to the 18th century. If you’re a history buff with a full set of lead figures and a loft devoted to a meticulously detailed model of the Alamo, the American Conquest Anthology is going to be right up your musket.
If you’re a dedicated RTS fan, this anthology is again likely to appeal to you as there’s plenty of depth and variety on offer, with each game introducing something new to the mix or expanding on areas only touched upon in previous versions. But for the same RTS fan might well find the dated graphics and fennickety interface just too damn hard to get to grips with, especially as modern RTS games have come on in leaps and bounds.
Click for larger imageFor the casual RTS gamer, this American Conquest Anthology is just going to appear too dated and have too many niggles to make it seem worth the bother. Sure, you get the rather good history lesson/briefing sessions which are educational and informative, but the game itself is just too much like hard work and not enough like fun.
But, and this is a big but, there’s one big thing in the American Conquest Anthology’s favour, that being the price. At just £19.99 for a pack with all three games, you could take a punt on this and see if you like it without it hitting your wallet too hard. If it were up to me, I’d play the first two remembering that they’re a few years old and I’d pretend like mad that the last, Divided Nation, was just as old too.
Click for larger imageSo there it is. A cheap little trio of games that really have limited appeal and just don’t cut the mustard when compared to modern day RTS titles. If you’re gagging for an RTS based on American history, this is your boy… but if you’re just after an RTS game, regardless of content, then look elsewhere.
Pros
Historically accurate
Informative ‘history lesson’ briefings
Lots of depth if you persevere
Huge battles with massive armies
Cheap for what you get
Cons
Looks dated
Interface can be unwieldy
Divided Nations is a let-down
AI don’t do what they’re told
Wild animals can be a right pain
One for the history buffs and tabletop gamers
HEXUS Awards
American Conquest Anthology
