I had been a die-hard fan of AOE for about a year and a half before AOE2 hit the shelves. I didn't pick it up until about March but I loved this one twice as much as the first and here's why: (1) Unlike the first, AOE2  offers you the ability to garrison units which is great for an ambush. (2)  AOE2 also offers players the ability to place units in formations such as  the box, staggered, etc. (3) New scenarios which actually help players  learn to craft and fine-tune their skills. (4) The ability to save a  multi-player game. How many times have you been in an awesome two hour game  when something comes up; no more. (5) Great new customizable scenario  building tools that make it more fun then ever. (6) Castles, Unique Units,  and all the other new buildings and techs. (7)Trading from the market- a  simple way to trade for that 200 gold for the easy castle from the feudal  age. (8) Recorded games- a great way to fine-tune your skills by learning  from a master. (9)More Random Maps for total playability. (10) Right-Click  farming, ah, that is what get's me on this game. Before you had to click a  villager click the build, etc. No more! Just right-click the farm, saves  you plenty of much-needed playing time. Age of Empires 2 outdoes its  predecessor by far and becomes highly addictive and playable day after day  after day.