12-May-2004 In the dictionary, under 'spartan' it says, 'something simple or austere'. Which is apt for this basic turn-based empire builder. Ironically, the word also means 'courageous in the face of pain' - just the attribute the game's designers will need as their earnest efforts are henceforth rubbished.
Set in ancient Greece, you build up cities, conduct research, muster armies and interact with other nations through diplomacy and trade. There's a long list of resources to produce, and much of your time is spent fiddling with your workforce and trading arrangements to maintain stocks.
All your efforts are ultimately designed to build up an all-conquering army - and the prospect of employing the host of units in the 3D, real-time tactical battles is enticing to begin with. Unfortunately, the reality is anything but.
Engagements mostly consist of deploying your units in a long line and giving each one a single, simple order such as 'hold' or 'charge'. Then you sit back and watch as the battle unfolds, unable to control any of your troops.
The two armies scuttle forward, forming an unsightly, amorphous blob in the middle, before scattering in all directions when it's over. Any prior notion of tactics is out the window, as only trial and error reveals the effects of the bizarre and minimal input you're allowed.
Limited and uninspiring, Spartan won't satisfy anyone with an inkling of the quality of other games on the market.
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