Age of Empires III
Release Date: October 18, 2005
The third major installment in a cult RTS franchise created and developed under the watchful eye of the Microsoft company. Contrary to the previous editions, which were set in ancient and medieval times, this one lets you witness centuries-long conquest of America, spanning from 16th to 19th century.
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Age of Empires III Description
The third part of an excellent real-time strategy game series continually developed since 1997 by Ensemble Studios. The first part was set in antiquity, and the second one in the Middle Ages. This time you can participate in the long-lasting conquest of America, so in the time period spanning from 16th to 19th century. The authors chose this, instead of other historical settings, not only because it follows what we have already seen in the previous games. The decision was also dictated by the fact that this was an era of unprecedented technological and military development. At its beginning, armies still used medieval-like gear, i.e. pikes, crossbows, etc. However, in time, wars started to be fought by soldiers armed with all kinds of fire weapons, from muskets through cannons.
The key gameplay elements known from the first and the second Age of Empires – such as exploring areas covered with the fog of war, the economy layer, raising cities, or fighting your way to success – are present in this game too, although they went through numerous improvements. The design of the campaign also changed. Instead of rather short, separate scenarios, as known from Age of Kings, we have here story-driven campaigns, similar to those that appeared in Age of Mythology. Some of the events in which you participate, are based on historical facts (French and Indian War, or Latin American revolutions), however, most of them are invented by the authors in order to spice up the gameplay.
In total, there are eight playable factions in Age of Empires III for PC, among which there are: France, Great Britain, and Spain. Each of them is unique and has a number of characteristic features. For example, England has a very strong economy, shorter construction times, as well as an excellent unit – musketeers. In turn, the French have it easier to form alliances with the Indians, and can brag a special type of citizen, the so-called “Coureur”, who may, if needed, serve as a light infantry unit.
The game was created with a 3D graphics engine (DirectX 9.0 and Shader 3 support), which in fact was taken from the previous production of Ensemble Studios – Age of Mythology. Besides, the developers also used Havok physics engine, known from numerous action or FPS games. This is the first such case when it comes to RTS genre. Thanks to that, the in-game battles, with hundreds of units involved, look very spectacular (ragdoll effect).
Age of Empires III for PC offers both single player and multiplayer modes.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
16
GAMES
in Age of Empires Game Series
Game Series
Age of Empires Series
The bestselling series of real-time strategy (RTS) games, which is under the publishing supervision of Microsoft. Over the years, the development of the series has been handled by various development studios. Its first three installments were developed by the now-defunct Ensemble Studios, while the fourth part of the series was the work of the Relic Entertainment and World's Edge teams (which in 2019 was entrusted with the care of the series). In addition, such studios as Forgotten Empires, Griptonite Games, Gas Powered Games, Hidden Path Entertainment, Smoking Gun Interactive and TiMi Studios made their mark on the brand.
16 video games
Age of Empires III Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Age of Empires III System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium 4 1.4 GHz, 512 MB RAM, graphic card 128 MB (GeForce 4 Ti4600 or better), 2 GB HDD, Windows XP
Game Expansions for Age of Empires III
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties
Expansion
Strategy
October 23, 2007
The second expansion to Age of Empires III, developed by Big Huge Games, the authors of the well-received Rise of Nations. This time, the players visit Far East, being given access to three new civilizations: India, China, and Japan. The single-player mode received a new campaign consisting of fifteen scenarios (five for each new nation). The new maps take place in the new geographical zone, while some of them were influenced by historic locations or events. The eastern civilizations can build a consulate, as well as wonders that enable them to enter a new era. Additionally, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties also brings an updated multiplayer mode – the developers asked for the players’ input, which resulted in, for example, new useful keyboard shortcuts.
Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs
Expansion
Strategy
October 17, 2006
The first official expansion for Age of Empires III, developed by Ensemble Studios. The expansion introduces three new nations (Iroquois, Sioux, and Aztecs) described in the story campaign. The individual factions are different not only in terms of available buildings, but also by their strengths and weaknesses – the Iroquois have access to artillery and siege machines, the Sioux use horses for swift movement, while the Aztecs are known for their strong infantry. Additionally, the expansion includes the new updates introduces in Home Cities. Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs also includes new content for the multiplayer mode – aside from bonus maps, the developer added new units for the eight European nations present in the core game.