Age of Empires: Age of Kings, is definately one of the better realtime stratagy games on the market at this time. The graphics are very good, giving the game a fun edge to it that will keep you hooked as you play. There are many modes that you can play, either start your own war, trading with your allies, and battling your enemies. Or protecting your king and defeating all of the other fiefdoms before they destroy you. But you can also play as Joan of Arc, or Barbarossa, playing missions and liberating France. This game is fun, but it does have a few drawbacks. Alliances with people are hard to keep. The gameplay is a little difficult, making you keep an eye on 15 places at once. Also, as your town progresses, you can make your town better by moving forward in "ages". There aren't nearly enough of these, more would make the game more inviting and fun to play. Also there is not nearly enough different types of weapons (ie. soldiers, calvary..etc) But, this game is definately engaging, and could easily pass a few hours of boredom