Info
THE PUNIC WARS - A CLASH OF TWO EMPIRES was developed by Haemimont Games and combines the RTS (real time strategy) and RPG (role playing game) genre into one. You get the chance to play either as one of the four mighty powers in single player or multiplayer challenges or relive the experience of key historical figures such as Hannibal in exciting adventures set against the Punic Wars. Read on to find out more about the Punic Wars, the main features of the game and the minimum PC spec requirements.

The Punic Wars
Historical Background
In the height of its glory, Carthage was the greatest power in the ancient world. With trade routes throughout the entire Mediterranean, there were hardly any others able or willing to dispute its strength. Goods, gold and slaves poured into the majestic city and were the source of its might. Countless mercenaries' armies were constantly acquired to ensure that all who threatened Carthage or its interest would be taken down. However, another Empire was also on the rise. The city of Rome too had begun to gain strength and soon decided to openly challenge their Carthaginian rivals. The time of the Punic Wars had begun.

The Roman Campaign
Seeing the power and influence of Carthage, the Senate of Rome decided that something should be done. An army was prepared and sent under a false pretext to Sicily. The First Punic war started when Carthage lost its advantage and was forced to withdraw from Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia. The Carthaginians were not prepared to lose their world dominance just like that. Its attention became focused on the Spanish peninsula. Seeing this, Rome responded and a fight for territory ultimately resulted in the Second Punic War. Yet at that time, Rome had already achieved dominance in Europe and managed to claim victory once more. All Carthaginian remnants were swept away from the continent though that did not calm the Senate of Rome. There were still rumours that Carthage might pose a threat once more. In order to prevent that, the Third Punic war began and Roman legions were despatched to Africa with orders to attack the rival city itself. Only a victory there would determine which of the two powers would remain.

The Carthaginian Campaign
For generations, the city of Carthage was seen as the most powerful in the known world and its empire was far greater than anyone could imagine. Sadly that was soon to change. After losing the First Punic War to Rome, a large sum had to be paid to the enemy and the Carthaginians lost Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia which forced them to search for another rich land to claim as their own. Their choice fell on Hispania. A large fleet set off for the Spanish peninsula to place it under Carthage's control. Expanding their influence through conquest made the Carthaginian Empire rise once more to its former splendour. However, it was not enough. Seeing this as an opportunity, Carthage's greatest general - Hannibal - decided to bring Rome to its knees. With an army of mercenaries and war elephants he made his way through the Alps and steadily progressed towards the heart of the Roman Empire itself - an event that would change history forever.

Features

Gameplay
- Large maps complete with neutral settlements and camps that present a threat to all players
- Player controlled heroes that command armies of up to 50 units on their own providing them with an additional bonus in battle
- Settlements have their own resources they can spend locally or transport elsewhere
- Rituals performed in places of ancient worship that affect the entire world
- Military units have the ability to capture resource caravans, outposts and even entire cities and settlements
- Ships and shipyards providing for sea battles or transport of armies and resources from one shore to another
- Upgrades that increase the might of the player's armies and the power of his settlements
- A vast array of items that bring specific bonuses to the unit carrying them
- A number of special abilities that give different advantages to the various units

Single player
- Integration of character development and major battles
- A single-player campaign featuring the campaign of Hannibal Barca (Sagunto battle, the crossing of the Alps, Cannas battle)
- A single-player campaign featuring the development of the Roman Republic during the Punic wars (the invasion of Sicily, the conquest of Hispania, the destruction of Carthage)

Multiplayer
- Four sides to play with - Roman, Gaul, Carthaginian and Iberians complete with their own historical buildings and units.
- LAN and Internet games with up to 8 players
- Random map generation
- In-game scenario/adventure editor
- Off-line ranking system

Technology
- Large maps with up to 32000 x 32000 pixels
- Support for 5000 units on the map
- Intelligent unit behaviour controlled by scripting language
- Human-like AI opponents with different personalities
- Exceptionally detailed mini-map
- A large number of custom maps.
- Especially composed music and more than 100 new sound effects

Graphics
- Support for 1024x768 or 1280x1024 with thousands of colours
- Textured 3D terrain with lighting that allows landscape views of unique quality
- Three different seasons selectable for any map
- Over 60 different units
- Numerous buildings and objects to enrich the world

Game Requirements

Minimal requirements:
IBM PC or 100% compatible
MS Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
A 400 MHz Pentium II processor
128MB of system memory
Video board capable of displaying 1024x768 with thousands of colours
4x or faster CD-ROM
DirectX 8.1 or newer

Recommended requirements
IBM PC or 100% compatible
MS Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
A 600 MHz Pentium II processor
196MB of system memory
Video board capable of displaying 1024x768 with thousands of colours

Price: £29.99