Believe it or not, it`s been ten years now
With a revolutionary real-time strategy game "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings" (AoK) released on September 30, 1999, expansion pack "Age of Empires II: The Conquerors" (AoC) hit the shelves less then a year later - on August 24, 2000, bringing more game balance, four new campaigns, new gameplay modes, twenty-six technologies, units - and 5 more brand new civilizations to pick from.
In its ten years, the game evolved along those who played it - there are many players, tournaments and strategies that will be remembered forever. Unpredictable situations and glorious battles, funny in-game chats and epic post game discussions, brilliant mind wars and deadly micro. The great ones managed to reach the stars, many lost their way trying - but they were all part of one spirit, sportsmanship and chivalry, they shared unique moments of their lives around one rather simple thing - a computer game... but what a game.
Some like to compare it with chess, as it does have its openings, middle and late game moves, tips and tricks - some like to play it for fun, others for glory, even money - but it is the game to be played. It keeps you focused, with each move being important, each decision potentially the crucial one, rising you to a magnificent victory - or throwing you down to dust of defeat.
For whatever reason you`re still part of a great worldwide AoC family, AoCZone wishes you a happy 10th anniversary, with a hope this game will last at least for a few more decades ( ), bringing enjoyment to all young spirits, and making new, long lasting friendships - good luck, and have fun... `cause in the end, it`s all that matters
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By the way, do you remember what brought you to AoC? How did you start playing it? What kept you here, and what things do you enjoy the most? ... Did you learn anything?
Ah, I can still see us playing AoC over a dial-up 56k modem connection, in a 1v1 "over the phone line" multiplayer mode (wow, actually playing a living soul!), without a clue of any expert strategy (usually with not much thinking involved, either 11), just playing for fun... and that precious feeling when you smash some of your friends, lol, good old days :lol: