The classic fantasy turn based strategy series is finally back. Good Old Games has the first game available now and the other two will follow shortly.

Classic? How classic? Most people talk about high-end turn based fantasy strategy in terms of three series: Master of Magic, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Age of Wonders. All others are mentioned far less often. The games have been hard to get for some time now; second hand versions were the only, expensive, option.

This is the series I hoped Elemental: War of magic would replace! I've loved it since the release of the first game, and had them installed on every single computer I've owned since. Ah, memories. I tried the demo which came on PC Gamer's cover disc because there was an enthuasiastic review inside the magazine which made me curious to try it despite my (then) dislike of fantasy settings in games. I found a game which was charming, flavoursome, beautiful, faintly wistful, and packed with content. Two big campaigns, lots of scenarios, lots of different races each of which was totally unique, loads of spells. Naturally I played the demo to death, pestered my parents to buy it for me, and I've still got the chunky cardboard box plus contents to this day. Age of Wonders was the game which began to turn my dislike of fantasy settings to my current appreciation of them ... although I still loathe elves.

Age of Wonders has got dire penguins in it. Evil penguin infantry with glowing red eyes. What more could any gamer ask for?

The second and third game ... more on them later.