This is by far one of the best real-time strategy games available. The game style is superbly unique, and even shames the classic "Warcraft II". The many different types of units, buildings, and technologies makes the game very interesting for a long period of time, and the difficulty of the missions makes this a game that will remain on your hard drive for at least several months are you purchase it. Even the experienced gamer will find "Age of Empires II" difficult, and the newbie will probably be at it for quite some time. I played most of the missions on the "easiest" setting, and they were still quite challenging and addictive.