Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy expands on the solid real-time strategy foundation of 2005’s Empire Earth II by introducing a host of new gameplay features that both veterans and newcomers will appreciate. The most prominent addition is the inclusion of four new civilizations—Russians, French, Masai, and Zulu—each with unique units and tech trees that encourage diverse strategic approaches. Whether you’re fielding Napoleon’s elite Imperial Guard or deploying Zulu impis in swarming formations, every faction feels distinct and rewarding to master.

One of the standout features in this expansion is the custom civilization builder. Players can now craft a civilization from the ground up, selecting unit types, bonuses, and special abilities that align with their personal playstyle. This level of customization not only boosts replayability but also allows competitive players to experiment with unconventional strategies. Once your custom civilization is configured, you can take it into skirmishes and multiplayer lobbies, ensuring that no two matches ever feel quite the same.

Another welcome enhancement is the revamped unit progression and hero system. Regular units gain experience across multiple scenarios—past, present, and future—and can ascend to hero status on the battlefield. This persistent progression adds depth to every engagement, turning a seasoned longbowman or cavalry charge into a pivotal moment of sheer battlefield dominance. Coupled with smarter AI opponents and refined micromanagement tools, Art of Supremacy feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.

Graphics

While Empire Earth II’s engine dates back to 2005, Art of Supremacy manages to polish the visual presentation in subtle yet meaningful ways. Unit models of the new civilizations boast sharper textures and more distinct silhouettes, making it easier to differentiate between infantry, archers, and cavalry at a glance. The French musketeers exhibit ornate uniforms, while Zulu warriors don vibrant traditional garb—details that breathe life into each faction.

Environmental variety also receives a boost. Campaign maps now feature richer foliage, more dynamic lighting, and unique regional assets that reflect the historical theaters of war. From sweeping European plains under stormy skies to sun-drenched African savannas, the aesthetics help immerse players in each era. Animations have been fine-tuned as well, with siege engines and artillery pieces displaying more dramatic recoil and impact effects.

Performance-wise, the expansion is impressively smooth on mid-range systems. The developers have optimized unit pathfinding and reduced on-screen clutter, ensuring large-scale battles remain fluid even when dozens of units clash. While hardcore strategy fans may wish for a full graphics overhaul, Art of Supremacy strikes a balanced compromise between fidelity and gameplay clarity.

Story

Art of Supremacy doesn’t just rely on skirmish battles; it weaves fresh narratives around its new civilizations. The French campaign takes you through the meteoric rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, offering a mix of historical battles and “what-if” scenarios that challenge you to rewrite European history. Meanwhile, the Russian storyline delves into the tumultuous struggle for survival during the Napoleonic invasions, blending larger-than-life set-pieces with gritty defensive engagements.

The African campaigns introduce the Masai and Zulu tribes, providing a welcome departure from the Eurocentric focus of many strategy games. These scenarios explore indigenous warfare techniques, from lightning-fast ambushes to coordinated spear-front assaults. The missions are well-paced, alternating between open-field engagements, defensive standoffs, and guerrilla-style hit-and-run tactics that keep players on their toes.

Interspersed with cinematic cutscenes and historical briefings, the expansion’s story mode effectively educates as well as entertains. Voiceovers are suitably dramatic without feeling overwrought, and the mission objectives often encourage creative problem-solving rather than brute force. For players who relish historical context, Art of Supremacy delivers compelling narratives that complement its strategic depth.

Overall Experience

Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy stands as a robust expansion that injects fresh life into an already accomplished RTS. The addition of four culturally distinct civilizations, coupled with the custom civ builder and persistent hero system, significantly enhances replay value. Whether you’re tackling the single-player campaigns or diving into streamlined multiplayer matches, there’s a wealth of content to explore.

The learning curve remains approachable, thanks to improved tutorials and a balanced AI. Fans of the original Empire Earth II will feel right at home, while newcomers will find plenty of modern conveniences—such as unit group saving, hotkey customization, and quicker tech trees—to ease them into the experience. Multiplayer feels especially polished, with faster lobby setup, more balanced matchmaking options, and clear victory conditions.

In conclusion, The Art of Supremacy is a must-have for strategy enthusiasts who cherished Empire Earth II and are looking for new challenges. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines nearly every aspect of the base game. With hours of campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer content, this expansion pack offers excellent bang for your buck and reaffirms Empire Earth II’s place among the genre’s classics.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10