Strategy guide by BR.

[HalfLotus]

http://www.microsoft.com/games/riseofnations/hints.asp

[alva]

That writer has absolutely no idea on what he's talking about !!

[DarthVeda]

I actually have this in print with the mini-strat guide I got free from EB

[Inverse Icarus]

thats so generic though

[Bridger]

That is a great guide for beginers! I'm going to point every single person that asks a newbie question to that guide

[Solver]

It's not bad, but not too in-depth, my own collection of tips covers some areas quite better .

[HalfLotus]

Why you guys knockin the guide? It kicks ass. He gives several nice build orders (though im not fond of copying BOs), he explains the resource system in great detail and how each resource is tied to others. Apparently there is some big oil shortage in modern age. I never have enough of any resource so I wouldnt notice a difference with oil, thats if I survive that long. Also knowledge and wealth explanations. Knowlegde cannot be taken, bought, or sold, and wealth is generated in small amounts in all areas of your empire, as opposed to large amounts in small areas with other resources.

Also explanations of every nations general economic strengths and weaknesses. And whether they prosper in times of war or of peace.

He also touches on exploration, special forces, flanking, rivers, garrisoning, oil (again), and tactical aggression.

BR is a good writer, and it's fascinating to read about such an elegant and intricate game from the the designer's perspective.

[Solver]

BR is indeed a good writer, and I by no means say the guide is bad. It's just that, IMHO, it doesn't cover some of the aspects there good enough. And I have a right to speak, for I have anyway written stuff myself .

[alva]

I was only joking of course
-
I think the guide just gives enough to get started in what is afterall a rather complex game( at least not for non-tbs gamers ), it isn't BR job to give us any more and even risk spoiling it.
It's 'our' job to beat the game, not theirs..

[ColdFever]

The guide did help me a lot, especially the oil hints (drive prices high if you are the first in the industrial area, build a refinery in each town regardless of oil sources) made my life much easier. Thanks Brian!

[lockstep]

IMO, only the sections 'Beginnings' and 'Tricks' have been written by Brian Reynolds. The other sections are excerpts of the Sybex strategy guide (which also seems to be pretty good).

[alva]

The other sections are excerpts of the Sybex strategy guide (which also seems to be pretty good).

Could be the other way around too

[Locutus]

Well, it does say 'by Brian Reynolds' at the bottom of those 2 articles while there's no source info on the other ones...