From Michael Turton: the word “Elli” produces a New World with an awesome 12 gems.

These are the guys you use to explore and develop your territories. The descriptions that follow are from the Official Strategy Guide.

The Explorer is arguably the most important civilian unit in the opening stages of the game. The Explorer’s priorities include locating sources of iron ore closest to the capital; finding copper and tin; [...]

“As usual, I played the game after only a quick scanning of the readme and none of the manual. I got my ass kicked on the easy level. Here is how I did it.

First I chose a country (Holland in the default screen) with only two forest squares; this ensured that I would be [...]

Imp. 2 is one of my favorite games. I play on Nigh Impossible level and almost always can pull off a win against the A1 (years of practice and many, many games…imp.2 is also multiplayer).

Try this: Pick a starting nation with no Major Power Neighbors and at least 1, preferably 2 minor neighbors. Disband [...]

Here is a short tutorial on how to win with Portugal on the Normal setting with the standard old world map. (In case you are not aware, Portugal has a very bad starting position, with only 4 provinces. If you can win with Portugal, you can win with anybody.)

Research priorities
Saw Mill $300 [...]

To start off, build 2 more explorers, 2 spies (you might have to make paper for this). Sent all but one of your ships around to explore the new world. Disband any military unit but knights (whatever they’re called, the first level of lancers) and one unit of archers. Send your explorers to explore your [...]

Imperialism II is one of the niche games that doesn’t really receive a lot of the attention that its relatives like Civilization or Colonization get. But it’s addictive nonetheless, and you definitely get your money’s worth.

INDEX

I. Intro
II. System Requirements
III. Difficulty levels
IV. The Map Generator / Europe Map

In general, don’t bother trying to win over the New World with money or diplomacy. Instead, be as politically incorrect as possible, and send in the troops to grab as much territory as possible before the other great powers can. (Ed: not subtle, this one, but it works. Also: go for their capitals; that way [...]

Hi guys. I know  some of you really enjoy Imperialism 2 but think  ’Nigh Impossible’ 400 games (the hardest) are totally unwinnable. I win on that level all the time (manuel combat) and a know a few others who do too, soo….. I would like to offer you a saved game to finish. It just [...]

Mike Turton has come up with this… ermm… gem:

Using the map key “Rhaganeth” will produce Jauja with six diamonds and a gem in the province next door — plus one more in Huanaco on the other side of Cuzco. There are two more diamonds and a gem on the map in total.