PC CD-ROM, minimum system requirements: 486DX/25mhz; 8MB RAM; 5MB hard disk space; DOS 5.0; Windows 3.1; Dual speed CD-ROM drive; SVGA. £22.99
WE all know Rome wasn't built in a day. And even with this Sim City clone it's still not possible - and thankfully so.
The whole fun about Caesar II is starting from scratch and building up your own empire over time.
Where Caesar II differs from, other games of this nature is the fact that there are two modes of gameplay. In "City Only" novices have the chance to get a feeling for building, managing finances and the other everyday tasks involved in running a city.
While this sounds easy enough, it is no mean feat. The citizens become disgruntled about the most trivial of things, such as not having the required amount of baths in your city. Other grumbles can be lack of entertainment or temples - or the taxes you, have imposed are simply too.
In "Province" mode you govern an entire region of the Roman Empire. Its inhabitants aren't necessarily appreciative of the power and glory of Rome, and may even resist your rule. Barbarians and other enemies will have to be overcome in battle, so you must build up sufficient armies and orchestrate their movements. And while these war games are taking place you must still satisfy your ever demanding citizens.
Depending on how you perform you may be offered a promotion from Rome. If you are extremely successful and your empire includes all of the lands that where historically part of Rome, the title of Emperor will be yours.
Caesar II can only be described as Civilisation meets Sim City. Both games are the benchmark in their own respective class. Caesar II comes into its own in taking the best from these games and combining them into something refreshingly different. All hail
Graphics 86%, Sound: 80%, Gameplay: 83%