2. System Requirements and Availablility  - Ages of Empire 2 – The Age of Kings  Produced and Distributed By - Microsoft Corporation  © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.  Website with additional information - http://www.microsoft.com/games/age2/ http://www.microsoft.com/games/age2/  ESRB Rating: Teen – Content suitable for persons 13 and up.  Availability for Schools - I do not believe that this is available for licensing for schools. However Microsoft does allow non- commercial use of its products, therefore using it in an academic demonstration might not be illegal and one can get permission from Microsoft if you want to be totally sure.  Price - The price on Amazon.com is $14.99 for the regular edition and 26.99 for the Gold.  System Requirements: Multimedia PC with Pentium 166MHz or higher processor. Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows 98, Windows NT® 4.0 with Service Pack 5 operating system. 32 MB of RAM 200 MB of hard disk space; additional 100 MB of hard disk space for swap file Super VGA monitor supporting 800x600 resolution. Local bus video card that supports 800x600, 256 color resolution and 2 MB of VRAM Quad-speed CD-ROM drive. Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device. 28.8Kbps modem (or higher recommended) for Internet* or head-to-head play. Audio board with speakers or headphones. To access the MSN Gaming Zone you need Internet Explorer 3.02 or later software or Netscape Communicator 4.0 or later. *Internet access required for Internet play. May require payment of a separate fee to an Internet Service Provider. Connect time and local telephone charges may apply  - http://www.ensemblestudios.com/aoeii/docs /gamefacts.shtml

3. What is it? Age of Empires II is a simulation/strategy game that spans a thousand years of ancient history, from the fall of Rome through the Middle Ages in which players lead one of 13 civilizations into greatness. The player has the option to play either a historical campaign or a random map game. The historical campaign is a game in which the geography and physical conditions, i.e. armament, technology, knowledge, etc…, of the players are simulated and the campaign re-fought. The random map game is a game in which the player is assigned a random map and placement near important resources. The size of the map is determined by the number of other players are involved in the game. The purpose of the random map game is to use martial force, diplomacy, and economic growth to gain an upper hand on your neighbors. The player starts out with a peasant village around the time of the fall of the Romans and they must find ways of gaining enough resources as to advance to the next age of technology before the other players in order to survive. There is also a net-access program for gamers to play against each other over the internet.

4. Educational Applications Ages of Empire 2 has much educational value, it has an entire database of history on the ages from the fall of the Romans to the end of the middle ages. Moreover it contains information about each of the thirteen civilizations that comprise the players of the game. This adds to the diversity of the game since each civilization has unique attributes, buildings, and technology as well as different combat units based upon their history. The characters even reply in the native language or something akin to its ancient counterpart. Ages of Empire 2 has much educational value, it has an entire database of history on the ages from the fall of the Romans to the end of the middle ages. Moreover it contains information about each of the thirteen civilizations that comprise the players of the game. This adds to the diversity of the game since each civilization has unique attributes, buildings, and technology as well as different combat units based upon their history. The characters even reply in the native language or something akin to its ancient counterpart. Teaches strategy and decision making skills by making the player accountable for building an empire out of a peasant village while competing for survival against worthy adversaries. Teaches strategy and decision making skills by making the player accountable for building an empire out of a peasant village while competing for survival against worthy adversaries. Displays community building from the basics of housing and allocating/distributing resources. Displays community building from the basics of housing and allocating/distributing resources. The game also promotes alternatives to combat, players can improve the economy of their civilization through a marketplace economy and negotiation, there is an option that allows players to talk to one another to facilitate this. The game also promotes alternatives to combat, players can improve the economy of their civilization through a marketplace economy and negotiation, there is an option that allows players to talk to one another to facilitate this.

5. A screenshot depicting the Historical Database of Civilizations and Ages in the game.

6. A Few Screenshots That Illustrate The Diversity Of Culture Celtic Civilization Eastern Civilization Eastern CastleMiddle-Eastern Castle

7. Who is it for? And how difficult is it to use?  “Kid Appeal” – Children will probably like this game because it is rather fast-paced and there is a lot of interaction between players. Moreover, it is colorful, easy-to-use, and fun.  However, the age group that this software targets is definitely over the age of 13.  The game is very detailed, although still entertaining, and it could be too hard to use or grasp for younger children.  Adults would enjoy this game if they are history buffs or like strategy games.  Notes on Use – The program is fairly easy to use, it has a very comprehensive tutorial that helps the player learn how to advance in technology and resources.  The tutorial has a theme of the Scottish Rebellion against the English King “Longshanks.” The tutorial has several different levels in which the player is instructed on how to employ different aspects of the software.  The Main Menu is clear and well illustrated, yet remarkably simple.

8. The Player’s View Supply of: Wood - Food - Gold - Stone + Population (Tech Tree)(Chat – For Diplomacy) <- Select a character(s) with the mouse and right click on another location to move or attack. Can choose an option from the menu on the bottom left. Menu ^ Selection/Character ^ Information ^ Map with Locator/Information ^ Options The Game Flashes Written Notices or warning as -> other players attack or when an object has been researched or built. Playing Age of Empires 2 is quite easy once the player goes through the tutorial. The main points of the view screen are listed below.

9. How and Why to Use this in the Classroom Would recommend using this software in teaching a lesson about Post-Roman civilization and history. Would recommend using this software in teaching a lesson about Post-Roman civilization and history. A good tool for teaching the importance of economics in building and maintaining a society. I would suggest having two or three students play against each other in front of the entire class, or break them into teams. If only one computer or projector is available, the teacher could play the game in front of the class, this could be somewhat humorous. Have this software available for student use during study hall or after-school as an educational game that is age appropriate for teenagers, but not boring.

10. Where and How? ► This software is great for home entertainment with an educational twist or can be used in a classroom to show how technologies were applied in different cultures and the many ways in which civilization grows and spreads. ► Ages of Empire 2 can be used for fun or education or both!