Evil Genius 2: World Domination for Windows

Evil never sleeps in this strategy game

Evil Genius 2: World Domination is a premium satirical single-player strategy game wherein you play as the criminal mastermind instead of the hero. Developed by Rebellion, this real-time strategy simulation title is the sequel to Evil Genius. It was salvaged after the original developer’s plans for a second installment were canceled.

Like the first game, you’re thrust into a hilarious spy thriller setting that puts you in the shoes of the antagonist of spy stories. There are new playable characters, campaigns, and base-building mechanics compared to its predecessor. However, they can be quite lackluster for fans of the first game.

The quest for world domination continues

Evil Genius is a 2004 single-player real-time strategy and simulation video game developed by Elixir Studios. Set in an alternative 1960s–70s era, it was notably inspired by the popular James Bond film series and put a spin on its story by having you play as the villain instead. Your goal is to achieve global domination in your evil lair while fending off secret agents. 

In Evil Genius 2: World Domination, the concept is still the same: achieve world domination by accumulating enough money—either through your legitimate businesses or your illegal activities—and creating your Doomsday Device. There are five playable criminal masterminds: Red Ivan, Emma, Zalika, Maximillian, and Polar — an Oceans Campaigns Pack-exclusive character. They each have their own unique missions, specialties, and doomsday devices—although in cut-scenes and flavor text, they don’t really differ from each other.

The original gameplay mechanics return here, with some improvements. For one, minions are now varied in gender, appearance, and personalities—allowing you to train them in a specialty. The classic base-building management simulation gameplay is still here and you can choose from three island lairs to create your ultimate base filled with traps for secret agents. However, it’s a bit more complicated due to the lack of useful tooltips.

Free and premium DLCs

Available in the Deluxe Edition of the game or as a separate purchase, the Season Pass includes the following contents: Cabal Pack, In-Genius Items Pack, Rise of the Valkyrie Pack, Abomination Pack, Mechanical Minions Pack, and Oceans Campaign Pack. Each of the packs is also sold separately.  

There are free DLCs, as well. In addition to the 64-page digital artbook, players can also download the Portal Pack and the Team Fortress 2 - Pyro Pack. The Portal Pack contains side story objectives and never-before-seen traps, Loot and Lair items, and decoratives. Also included in the DLC are the Test Chamber room type and side story objectives. 

The Team Fortress 2 - Pyro Pack, on the other hand, is a crossover between Evil Genius 2: World Domination and the shooter title Team Fortress 2 — also called TF2. It contains three TF2-themed Loot items and the Henchman Pyro, a flamethrower-wielding unit in said shooter. You can recruit this pyromaniac by completing their side story objectives. 

Heightening your appreciation for the series as well as adding enjoyment to the base game, all the aforementioned free and paid DLCs are worth checking out whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan of the franchise.

Could use several improvements

All in all, Evil Genius 2: World Domination is still a nice base-building strategy for fans of the genre. It’s got upgraded graphics and gameplay mechanics that you can enjoy, even if you’re new to this kind of game. However, it falls flat when compared with its predecessor—from the playable characters to the base management interface’s ease of use. It doesn’t provide many challenges to veteran Evil Genius fans.