“When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out.”

In 1989 “Populous”, by British newcomer Bullfrog, was a game what you would call an unexpected success. After two rather moderate games, namely “Druid II: Enlightenment” (which was no Bullfrog original but an Amiga conversion of the 8-bit classic) as well as the multi-scrolling shooter “Fusion”, “Populous” was the company’s first big hit and became one of the top-selling titles of the year. Of course, there has to be a sequel: After two and a half years in the making, “Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods” was released in time for X-mas ’91…

Whereas in the precursor you – in the role of an almighty god – take care of a nameless primeval tribe, the successor features a mythical Greek setting, including well-known legendary figures, such as Perseus, Adonis, Odysseus or Helen of Troy. Certainly, the basic gameplay hasn’t changed, despite the new scenario – the differences can rather be found in the improved user guidance as well as in the much better graphics. So, if you want an in-depth look of “Populous II”, please read my review…


“Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes…”
…or “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts…"

…and this time, the ancient Greeks - or rather the guys of Bullfrog - have brought us a very special gift, namely “The Challenge Games”. Actually, you could describe this expansion pack as some kind of Pandora’s box, because again, “All-Father” Zeus places the burden of conquering a further 500 worlds on your shoulders. Well, thanks a million, Zeus! That should be a piece of cake, shouldn’t it? To make matters worse, you’re about to enter unknown territory, ‘cause this time the war of conquest takes place in far-away Japan!

Actually, this new campaign is of purely cosmetic nature - the gameplay remains exactly the same as in the main program (just as it’s the case with the add-on “Populous: The Promised Lands”). However, the data disk has much more to offer, namely the eponymous “Challenge Games” – and those shouldn’t be underestimated!



Life on the Edge…
“Just when you thought they were finally safe those green haired numbskulls have blissfully blundered off towards new and greater perils.” (Oh, sorry, wrong slogan!)

Nevertheless, there’s a certain similarity between “Lemmings” and “The Challenge Games”: Whether the suicidal little rodents of the Psygnosis/DMA Design classic or EA’s/Bullfrog’s kimono dressed people – in each level/world both of them must survive, simple as that! By using the several skills/divine interventions, you have to save a certain percentage of your population in order to win. To make matters worse, each level offers only a limited number of special abilities, moreover the clock’s ticking in both games, too…

However, as for the gameplay, the two programs couldn’t be more different: The goal of “Lemmings” is to escort all the little creatures to the exit; in “Populous II: The Challenge Games” again, your followers are faced with specific problems, such as:

• Renew damaged land with greenery and flowers, so that your people can settle on.
• Stop an attacking mob by building a city wall.
• Escape from a tidal wave by throwing a lightning bolt at a follower’s hut.

There are altogether 42 worlds that you have to finish - definitely not an easy task to undertake, that’s for sure!


A Matter of Life and Death, of Honour or Hara-kiri…
Now, to the vital question: Is the add-on a worthy expansion to “Populous II”? Well, despite the fact that it only features the new Japan setting (remember, “The Promised Lands” contains five (!) different landscapes), it’s far more than a further case of classic “software recycling”, because the big plus of this data disk are, without doubt, the eponymous “Challenge Games”. These are a welcome timeout from constantly destroying enemy gods as well as their followers… oh, and by the way, 500 new worlds are a nice bonus, too, right?

“Populous II: The Challenge Games”? Well, I think even Zeus would adore it…