Note: This game is amazing, from a technical and critical standpoint. However, it's quite strategic and doesn't tell you how to play it. Alas, many of you won't have the fortitude for such "strenuous" trials. Last time when I talked about Antarctic Adventure, I was criticized for giving many unrealistic expectations. I apologize to everyone for that idiotic review; I was being inconsiderate. Especially to Miss Yuna, I am incredibly remorseful. In compensation, play the game's sequel, Penguin Adventure. Thank you for understanding. Before you criticize me about how "good" this game is after I praise it, look at this game from a subjective or objective standpoint. This game is not for everyone, so don't get your hopes up to entirely unrealistic proportions. I believe this game can be absolutely amazing If you take the time to learn it. My review is just a guide to an new game for many of you, so take the time to judge the game on it's own merits instead of just mine. Please Understand. Thank you.

Overview: Populous II is a sequel to Peter Molyneux's 1989 god game, Populous. Unlike the first game, this game's subject matter falls under Greek Mythology. Like the first game, you are a deity whose goal is to destroy an opposing god and lead your people to prosperity. You are the child of Zeus, a demigod, and your job is to face off against Zeus' children and eventually Zeus himself. Winning will allow you to enter the fabled "promised land", Olympus' Pantheon.

Controls & Gameplay: This game takes effort to learn. The game doesn't teach you itself, so let me explain for you. Your goal is to decimate the opponent's population and increase your own. You accomplish this by flattening land to increase your native populous, represented by the color of blue. Your opponents are red. Flattening leads to growth, which grants you access to your godlike abilities, such as hellish fire and wind. You have a map on the top left, representing your early settlement as little, white dots. On the bottom left, you have your menu of available god powers. Seeing the bottom right shows you your controls. The black cursor is controlled by the d-pad. Pressing A while selecting the ground allows you to raise the ground, while pressing B lowers it immeasurably. Y accesses your options, which are people, nature and the respective elements. Pressing Y yet again will show god powers, which are extensions of your normal, elemental ones. Water, for example, leads to typhoons and the like. You can also enter another menu, which allows you to make your followers merge, expand your meek settlement, trigger war, start a plague, etc. This game has lots to swallow. The leader is your little pope, represented by a little, golden sun above of their head. Also, you have heroes. Perseus (A hero representing people) ravages the land and is nearly invincible, Adonis (representing nature) splits and conquers, Hercules (the god of earth) is super powerful, but requires extra people to create. Odysseus (the hero of winds), is very fast and agile. Achilles (The god of fire, and my personal favorite), causes many things to burn right away. He's useful. Helen (the goddess of water), causes many to follow her into death. This game is a huge mouthful. You learn by doing. Play this game and see what works out for you.
 
Graphics: For the time, they were amazing. The game's opening sequence is amazing, for example. It's just lovely, really.

Sound: The music is mighty, yet empowering. The sound effects are also good.

Addictiveness: How addictive this game will be depends on the player. If you like, long, complex games, you might be hooked. If it is too much for you to possibly comprehend, then it is understandable. It's overwhelming at first, but you might understand it eventually.

Story: It's simple and straightforward. You are the child of Zeus. Defeat him, and claim your prize. Beat your many siblings, and walk towards the promised land.
 
Depth: This game has lots going on, so much that I'd be here forever explaining it all. Everything I mentioned before should clue you in on how much this game offers.

Difficulty: Most of it comes from perception and controls. It will be overwhelming and hellish if you don't understand. Calm down and observe your surroundings, and everything will start making sense (I hope).


Verdict: A good game, if not confusing, Populous II offers lots of depth, if you are willing to dig into it. If you aren't fond of expansive, strategy games, then don't play this. If you are willing, play it. Judge this game on your experience. This guide was made for you to at least try and enjoy the game. Play if you're interested. Thank you for understanding.