14 DAY TRIAL // Never underestimate what three groups of slingers can do to a single unit of armored swordsmen, especially if they're pinned in place by spearmen and unable to move. In three turns, the enemy general is dead and the best fighters the Sea Peoples have been routed.
Of course, their chariots manage to catch my slingers and push them away from the fight and toward the edge of the battlefield. But by that point, my right flank and center make solid gains against their melee opponents, with a few of them dropping to fragmented and routing.
My weakened left is not doing as well, while the Sea People units also get a flanking force as reinforcement. In the end, it is not enough to get them back in the fight. I lose plenty more soldiers but the opponent retreats after a few turns, leaving my Egyptian army in control of the battlefield.
Field of Glory II: Swifter than Eagles was developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd. This downloadable content pack will take players way back in time, featuring campaigns and armies from some of the first of the world's major empires.
The structure is similar to that of the base game. The campaigns, which feature Sargon the Great, the Hittite Empire, Ramesses II, and Shalmaneser III, offer a string of chained engagements, with strategic choices between them. Make sure to select the progressive setting when it comes to difficulty to get a solid challenge.
Swifter than Eagles introduces eight standalone epic battles, designed to recreate some of the most important moments of the era. Kerkha River from 2272 BC pits the Akkadians against Elamites, Megiddo takes place in 1457 BC and features the Egyptians and the Syro-Cannanites. The rest are Zippasla 1410 BC, Kadesh 1274 BC, Fields of Perire 1208 BC, Ilion 1184 BC, Qarqar 853 BC, and Per-Peg 730 BC.
There are 19 new factions in the DLC, all playable against already-added forces in the Quick and Custom Battle modes. Because Swifter than Eagles goes back to the start of organized warfare, most sides share similar approaches to battle but there are unique units for each.
Field of Glory II’s mechanics aren’t flashy but they deliver great results. Morale tends to decide battles, so it is the key element players need to take into account when choosing their force and preparing a battle line. Never underestimate the power of ranged forces that focus their fire.
The unpredictable results of the shock and melee phases keep the tension high and underline the idea that no plan survives contact with the enemy. Good choices can turn around a bad situation but the best way to achieve victory is to take limited and manageable risks.
Field of Glory II: Swifter than Eagles has a solid if somewhat classic presentation that fits the theme. The interface is easy to use, and there’s a lot of information about the battle and how each unit is doing. More detail for the individual soldiers would be nice but I found myself staying mostly zoomed out, to get a clear idea of what’s happening. The soundtrack is suitably martial and enhances the tension of the battles.
Conclusion
Anyone who loves Ancient warfare and careful tactical planning should first get the base game and explore its mechanics. Field of Glory II’s secret weapon is the incredible variety of engagements it has to offer and Swifter than Eagles enhances it in interesting ways.
Review key was provided by the publisher.
