Installing the games is simple. Pop in the CD, run the installer, and away you go. All of the manuals are on the CDs as PDF files, except for an overall installation guide which gives you system requirements and installation procedures.

All four of these games are based on the turn-based strategy model. Each person (human of computer player) takes its turn moving units, building various objects, increasing army strength, defending your property, or whatever that turn brings. No turn is ever the same, and every choice you make will impact your demise or survival.

Civilization II: This game brings you back to the time before everything. You have to build city, research everything from simple math to advanced genetic engineering, and try to take over the world before another nation does. You can win two ways, demolishing every other nation on the map, or winning the "Space Race"; whatever fits your fancy.

Through ruthless military buildups; managing your people's food, happiness, and resources; making and breaking treaties; advancing your technology; and even spying on other nations, you work to be the first to rule the world. The great thing about this game is that everything is recognizable. You can acquire such things as the Statue of Liberty, Communism, and the pyramids. While the learning curve is steep, winning the game brings great satisfaction.

Deadlock: Deadlock probably has the best storyline of these four games. Seven separate races are trying to colonize a virgin planet, only one will succeed. By conducting research, intimidating other species with your military power, and building structures, your race can come out on top.

This game is best described as the perfect combination of SimCity and Civilization. Building stuff and managing your resources is akin to SimCity, and the research is akin to Civilization. But, while it may ride on the backs of both games, it is completely different from either one. In my opinion, this is the most fun game of the pack.

Masters of Orion II (commonly called MOO2): MOO2 combines the best graphics of the four, with complicated game play. There is many more things in this game which you must manage, but it's worth it. Nobody said trying to forge an empire to conquer the entire universe would be easy.

I really can't say enough about these graphics. I have yet to see any turn-based strategy game come out with a set of visuals like this. However,unlike most games which rely on graphics to sell, MOO2 also brings in a great game behind the graphics. The interface, game play, and plot bring this game into greatness. Hands down the best game of the bundle.

Star Control 3: In Star Control 3, you are exploring a new area of space, when you stumble upon an intergalactic war. By using cunning strategies, diplomacy, and resource management, you must try to save millions of lives from certain destruction. You really don't want that kind of mess on your back, now do you?

The way this game exploits your empathic side is just wonderful. Most games are bent on you destroying this, or you killing that, but very few places the survival of thousands of planets in your hands. It really gives you a feel for what you are fighting for, and makes it so you try harder to save these people. A new edge on plot gives this game a boost of enjoyment.

Both MOO2 and Deadlock exhibited random freezes and crashes. MOO2's freezes are previewed by a major slowdown in game performance. Deadlock on the other hand would just lock up. I have not found a way to completely eradicate MOO2's crashes. With Deadlock, I lowered the window size, decreased detail from Very high to High, and increased the memory to completely abolish the crashes.

Luckily, all four of these games save your progress on each turn. This way, if the game does freeze, simply opening the automatically saved game will restore you to your last turn. Very helpful for crashes, power outages, or whatever comes along to interrupt your game.

It's always great when companies package up their unsold games into one inexpensive bundle. You are guaranteed to get more game for your money. This bundle is no exception. If you are into using your brain, and haven't collected these gems, then this package is definitely worth every little penny.

Pros	Cons
Four great games in one package Some games have multiplayer abilities MOO2 has some of the best turn-based graphics around Four completely different ways to dominate the world, universe, etc. Very low price Uses your mind instead of your reflexes	Games can take a long time A few random crashes Only electronic manuals
8/10 stars