Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods (1991)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods (1991)

As the offspring of almighty Zeus, you demand a seat among the gods. But before ascending to the top of Mt. Olympus, you must first defeat some of the most powerful deities in the Greek pantheon. Such a task would be impossible for a puny mortal, but you wield the raw power of the universe in your hands, for you are destined to become a god!

Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods is the second installment in Bullfrog’s Populous series, and it vastly improves upon the original in every way. The graphics are more detailed, the sound is of higher quality, and the gameplay is more refined.

One of the most significant additions to Populous II is the character development system. As you play the game, you will earn experience points that can be used to upgrade your divine powers. You can choose to specialize in certain areas, such as warfare, magic, or diplomacy, or you can create a more balanced build.

Another new feature in Populous II is the ability to summon heroes. Heroes are powerful units that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. They can be used to attack enemy settlements, defend your own, or perform special tasks.

The goal of Populous II is to defeat all of the other gods and claim your place on Mt. Olympus. To do this, you will need to build up your settlements, train an army, and use your divine powers to your advantage.

Populous II is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. There is a great sense of satisfaction in defeating your enemies and becoming the supreme god.

Gameplay

Populous II is a god game, which means that you play as a god and control your followers from above. You can use your divine powers to perform miracles, such as creating earthquakes, summoning lightning bolts, and healing the sick. You can also use your powers to control the environment, such as changing the weather or causing volcanoes to erupt.

Your followers are the key to your success in Populous II. They will build your settlements, fight your wars, and perform other tasks that you command them to do. It is important to keep your followers happy and productive, as they will be more likely to obey your commands if they are well-cared for.

There are a variety of different ways to play Populous II. You can focus on building up your economy and military, or you can use your divine powers to directly attack your enemies. You can also choose to play peacefully, and focus on converting your enemies to your religion.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in Populous II are more detailed and colorful than in the original game. The world is rendered in isometric perspective, which gives the player a good view of the action. The units are also more detailed, and they are animated smoothly.

The sound in Populous II is also of high quality. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and the sound effects are realistic.

Reception

Populous II was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and catchy music. The game was also a financial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Populous II is still considered to be one of the greatest god games ever created. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience.

Legacy

Populous II has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It is credited with popularizing the god game genre, and it has inspired many other games, such as Black & White and Dungeon Keeper.

Populous II is still played by many people today, and it remains a popular choice for speedrunning and competitive multiplayer. The game has also been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PC, Amiga, and Super Nintendo.

Conclusion

Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods is a classic god game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience. If you are a fan of god games, or if you are looking for a classic game to play, then I highly recommend Populous II.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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