November 26, 2001 - With so many real time strategy games available, it is hard to choose one in which to purchase. Most are very alike in general gameplay and features, but Empire Earth is different, allowing players to engage in combat over a time span of 500,000 years, from the days of cavemen to the future with Nano bots. Prepare for an endless battle, as once you begin playing, you will not be able to quit.

Published by Sierra Studios and developed by Stainless Steel Studios, Empire Earth features fourteen unique epochs and over two hundred different units. Rick Goodman was the lead designer of Microsoft's Age of Empires, a widely known and highly praised title. In 1998, Rick Goodman left Ensemble Studios and formed Stainless Steel Studios. Empire Earth is the result.

Upon launch of the game, players are faced with several options. Empire Earth features several single player modes of play, including a random map generator and scenario and map editor, where you can develop and create your own scenarios. Empire Earth also includes a fully integrated multiplayer system through Sierra.com or a local area network.

The selection and variety of epochs present in Empire Earth is one of the most outstanding features. Stainless Steel Studios have successfully added half a million years of history and the future into Empire Earth. You can begin at any point in history and progress through the ages, whether it is beginning in the days of cavemen or starting in the Nano age. The most popular epochs included are the World War II and modern age, but every epoch offers a unique challenge. The ability to select from 21 predefined civilizations or develop your own custom civilization from approximately 100 traits is something unique in Empire Earth as well. Develop your civilization carefully, as you will be forced to rely on those traits to your advantage on the battlefield.

Units are another ongoing accomplishment in the field of real-time strategy games. Empire Earth features a massive number of units, and as you progress through the epochs, new units will become available while others become useless. Everything from tanks, helicopters, subs, nuclear weapons, and ground troops have bee included. Every unit behaves differently, and has specific strengths and weaknesses. Although you may be familiar with a specific aircraft, your opponent may be more familiar with a ground unit, and you must be prepared to defend against an attack. It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each unit, and exploit them when facing opponents, as this is the best way to guarantee success.

The graphics in Empire Earth are superior to any previous real-time strategy titles of this type, but have high demands in the hardware department. The visuals are crisp and clear, with an extraordinary amount of detail and accuracy in each unit. The ability to zoom in and out of the map has been included as well, as the game uses a three dimensional engine, something not often used in games of this type. Although the ability to rotate the map is not present, the zoom feature can become useful when dealing with a small number of units, or planning strategy for an attack. The interface and menus are very detailed and easy to Overall, Empire Earth scores big in this department, but the large hardware requirements pose a problem for those with lower-end systems.

As with units, buildings and other objects play a significant role in the development of a civilization. Empire Earth features a wide variety of units for construction, many of which become unlocked as the ages progress. Airports, naval yards, town halls, settlements, barracks, temples and many other units play a crucial role in your ability to function as a nation. Barracks and other military buildings are often the target of attacks, so it is wise to protect these buildings with necessary force. It is also possible to construct wonders within Empire Earth, each offering a special ability unavailable to others. Six of these wonders are present, a good example being Pharos Lighthouse. If this wonder is constructed, the water will become illuminated, which is a great advantage when planning for an attack or defending your nation.