First previews of Cossacks: European Wars

Computer Bild Spiele 9/2000 (german magazine)

Content:

One thing right up front: fans of the game “Age of Empire 2” will definitely enjoy “Cossacks – European Wars”. Initially, your empire is small and poor – only a few peasants are on the list of your loyal subjects. But beyond your borders, enemies lurk. So get to work, then: till fields, build mills and a town hall, all aimed at creating a flourishing economy and a powerful army, both of which are necessary to survive in those chaotic feudal times. Before you erect barracks and weapon foundries, you must mine resources. Your mines are hard at work digging up gold, coal and iron ore for you. You also need construction material – wood and stone – and the peasants must deliver grain. Goods are stored in warehouses and sold on the market. As soon as you’ve built a harbor, fishermen can help feeding of your subjects. Once your economy is in gear, you start building your army. You need foot soldiers with lances or muskets as well as armed horsemen and hussars. And never forget: good soldiers cost a lot of gold. You have your pick between 16 nations, one of which you must guide into the 18th century. Every state has its particular distinctiveness and building styles. For the final version of the game, we are promised four campaigns, various historical single scenarios and a random map generator.