The Guild 2

Infobox VG
title= The Guild 2


caption= The Guild 2 box art
developer= 4HEAD Studios
publisher= JoWood Productions
Deep Silver
distributor=
designer=
version= 1.4 (expansion pack: 2.1)
released= vgrelease|EU=September 29, 2006vgrelease|NA=October 12, 2006|AUS=November 23, 2006
genre= Life simulation
modes= Single-player, Multiplayer
ratings= vgratings|ESRB=Teen|PEGI=7+|OFLCA=Parental Guidence
platforms= Microsoft Windows
media= DVD, download (via Direct2Drive)
requirements=Minimum:
* 1.8 GHz Intel Pentium IV or AMD Equivalent CPU
* 512 MB RAM
* CD/DVD-ROM drive
* 2.5 GB hard disk space
* 128 MB DirectX 9 compatible graphics card
* DirectX compatible sound card
input= Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick (optional)

"The Guild 2" is a life simulation game set in Europe in 1400 A.D. The game features an ability to run a dynasty to compete against the computer or other online players in realtime.Guild 2 is the successor of the medieval life simulator, Europa 1400. The Guild 2 is a unique mixture of RPG and immersive middle-ages life simulation. The player and his party become part of history, changing it in real-time.

The Guilds

The game consists of four character classes, namely Craftsman, Scholar, Patron and Rogue, each encompassing two or more professions with an average of three, most of which are upgradable and can be taken in different directions. For instance, a foundry can become a weaponsmith or a goldsmith, but not both. Regardless of trade, the player begins with a house, a single member in his or her party (the player may control up to three family members and as many subordinates and henchmen as he/she can afford) and a budget with which to build their first business.

The Title

The house, level of intrigue, and position in government the player may obtain depends on the title he/she holds, obtained generous 'donation'. Each title allows to upgrade player's house by one level, (though not to the extent of the original game, Europa 1400) and thus extend his/her influence for better or worse, since each external and internal upgrade allows the player to engage in darker projects, even robbing, sabotage of competitors' business, or assassination.

The Classes

On the start of a game you can choose between Craftsman, Scholar, Patron and Rogue. These classes all possess unique abilitiesand Buildings, as mentioned earlier. For example the Rogue can acquire the ability to rob houses while the Scholar can hold sermonat the Church. All Classes also have different Employees with different actions to perform.

Real-Time Economics

The Guild 2 has a very complex economics system, all Characters can lose and earn money through buying and selling. For example:A manufacturer makes an item, the item is bought by another manufacturer who makes another item out of it and sell it to another player who uses it. Also when a Computer Player buys an item he does as if he was a real player, he either stores in his house or uses it, a rogue player can the steal it if it was stored.

Reception

The Guild 2 received mixed ratings.

GameSpot 6.2Strategy Informer 7.0VideoGamer 4.0GameStats 5.5

Expansion

In May 2007 an expansion pack called The Guild 2: Pirates of The European Seas was released. This stand alone expansion pack has added several features including more professions as well as several different types of ships used for seaborne trading.

There will be a second expansion for The Guild 2, Called The Guild 2 - Venezia. It is to be released by the end of 2008.

External links

* [http://www.theguild2.com Europa 1400: The Guild 2 Homepage]