To say we’re impressed with this latest expansion disc for Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (TAK) is an understatement. You know, one of the problems many editors face is the fact that we have to remove games we thoroughly enjoyed from our mass media devices as more and new games are received. When an expansion disc is received, naturally the original game must be re–installed. We are most thankful we had to do this again, for we had forgotten the excitement and genuine thrills that are incorporated into TAK.

With the Creon civilization at hand, we once again had to re–learn the game’s interface, replay some of the original scenarios, and again experienced the delight of gameplay with the world of Darien. And the Creons are a truly unique civilization — their weaponry and sciences certainly are able to offset the power of both the Aramon and Veruna armies, but such knowledge is only gained after numerous encounters that usually leave you defeated. To understand how best to use individual units against enemy units, practice and more practice is required, until you feel competent in your overall selections. Protection is a must for your initially–built Mana Refineries and Smithies.

Hmmmm, thought you said the Creons don’t believe in magic, so why bother with Mana–anything? Well, the Creons see magic as simply an industrial process and they gather Mana through the use of the smoke–belching machines called Mana Refineries. Mana empowers the the Sage, who is the ruler of Creon, and the Mechanic, who also repairs and constructs units. And the Sage is no push–over, folks. He is encased in a steam–powered machine that offers him a weapons array and a tuning fork that "phases" (builds) other structures.

The structures you can build as a Creon include the Navy Yard for building Iron Clads, Submersibles and Stern Wheelers. Other structures are the Wall which can definitely apply the brakes to invading enemies, the 4–Way Gate, the Barnstormer (basically, a flying scout that looks like a bird and is fairly fast), the Automaton (built using deceased Creon soldiers, combining mechanical and organic parts), the Tortoise (steam–powered tank with a primitive gun, yet still highly effective), the Fire Wagon (steam boiler with swivel nozzle that fires flame onto enemy units), the Gatling Crossbow (giant crossbow on a ratcheting wheel that can reload and rotate automatically to slay approaching enemies), Bomb Sprinkler (spins and spews potent bombs, all with excellent accuracy), and the Academy (once built, you can access even more advanced units such as the Shock Trooper, Beast Rider, Neo–Dragon, Chief Engineer, Aerial Juggernaut, and Mana Amplifier). As you can see, it behooves one and all to get their Academy built as soon as conditions allow, for these secondgen units are extremely powerful.

One of the most powerful units of all is only available after your Chief Engineer has achieved enough science and logic knowledge. This is the Ghost of Garacaius, who is actually the spectral presence of the former Mage Emperor of Darien, Garacaius. Once this spectral force enters the fray, the Sage may command this force. Talk about destructive power supreme! Get to this juncture, and the odds are the scenario will be won by your Creon forces.

The one drawback we noted to play as the Creon nation is that building to that all–powerful status takes longer than with the other nations, who start to invade your areas with basic units before you have the time build a like-number of units. Your Sage must quickly locate sources of Mana and get those Mana Refineries up and running — Creon units also seem to require more Mana than some of the other nation’s basic forces.

Be certain to establish defensive perimeters around your Mana Refineries, as the enemy is hell–bent on destroying your Mana sources. A few Gatling Crossbows can put a dent into a small enemy incursion, but get that Academy pumping out those secondgen units as quickly as you can, despite the Mana cost. Here is where your real power rests, especially with the Chief Engineer. Plus, a defensive line that consists of Prismatic Mirrors and Bomb Sprinklers can certainly depress and deter a larger invasion force . . . just make certain you have lower cost units available to help defend your more advanced weapons.

The additional scenarios in both single– and multiplayer modes make The Iron Plague a definite "must–have" addition for anyone who has already enjoyed TAK. This fifth civilization should certainly entice new gamers into the TAK realm, as well, for this is a fantasy RTS most worthy of your time and your dollars to obtain. We certainly won’t be removing TAK: Iron Plague combo from our hard drive for a long, long time to come — it’s just too much fun!

Overall Rating: A+

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