From superhero stories to epic fantasy adventures, many villains have shared one thing in common: a desire to take over the world. While their goal is the same, their methods can change drastically. In terms of Evil Genius 2, you're going along a route similar to Bond villains who try subtly expand their influence across the planet before going full-on super villain.
It has been many years since the first game and the sequel has made a lot of changes to its mechanics and gameplay. Though you'll have many resources at your disposal, taking of the world can be intimidating if you don't know where to start. Lucky for you we're here to help.
World Domination 101
Even though Evil Genius 2 has come a long way since its predecessor, the core of the game remains the same. You are an evil genius who must manage minions, research, technology, and networking, all while trying to keep the forces of justice from meddling in your plans. There's a lot to take into account, but everything that makes up your organization can be broken down into the following pieces:
- The Geniuses: The leader of your organization who can influence how things in your lair function.
- The Minions: The workforce responsible for building, researching, and defending your lair.
- The Henchmen: These are your elite minions who are recognized villains in their own right and can have a tremendous impact on how your operations run.
- The Lair: Your base of operations where you'll command minions, develop new technology, and expand your network into other territories.
- The Forces Of Justice: These organizations are dedicated to stopping you and will send waves of agents into your lair to sabotage what they can.
On The Road To Ruling The World
You may be an evil genius, but the world won't just be handed to you. There are a number of things you should do to establish yourself before going for it all.
- Decide where you want your strength to lie as each genius has their own forte: Maximilian specializes in training and gaining minions, Red Ivan in combat, Emma in efficiency and morale, and Zalika focuses on research.
- Get very familiar with your island. Remember that your lair can be built both up and down with a maximum of five levels in total, so don't feel you're limited to the island's landmass. Make sure to begin excavation as soon as possible not only to expand your lair but also to get your hands on resources like gold. You'll need to research this ability under the lair tab.
- You'll get a choice between four henchmen at the start by completing their related "Recruit" quests. Like the Geniuses, they also specialize in specific fields: Eli Barracuda, Jr. for distraction, Jubei for damage, Janet for ranged, and IRIS for surveillance. You'll have a chance to recruit the others you don't choose in future side quests.
- While getting set up, you should invest a fair amount in your Cover Operation. This serves to distract tourists and hide your lair from enemy agents. The more you put into it, the more effective it will be at keeping threats at bay and if you go with the Casino, you can generate revenue.
- Keep a good balance of minions in your lair. They can be trained to fight (Muscle), research (Science), and do subterfuge (Deception). Before falling into one of these categories, minions start off as Workers who are responsible for building your lair.
- Be very vigilant for enemy agents who infiltrate your base. There are five different justice organizations that will send Agents to investigate. These investigators will report back once they have enough evidence that will give their organization cause to send stronger and more dangerous operatives. The longer you can keep them in the dark, the stronger you can make your lair to prepare for the worst.
- Aside from the genius, henchmen, minions, a huge part of your defense are traps. These devices are designed to sap one or multiple of an Agent's primary stats: Vitality which determines life, Skill which determines how they interact with objects, and Resolve which determines how willing an Agent is to continue. Your traps should be diverse and work in tandem like combining a Vitality-reducing trap with a stun-trap. This also makes it easier for your minions to come in and clean up the mess.
- To get Loot and expand your influence, you'll need to send minions out to other regions to establish Criminal Networks. Doing this will reveal more objectives and tasks to engage in which will earn you more resources to fund your operations. Don't spread yourself too thin, however, as the more acts you commit, the more attention you draw from the Forces Of Justice.
From this, you'll be well on your way to developing your Doomsday Device which you'll be able to place in your lair and use to achieve world domination.