Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Strategy, RTS, ancient history, remasters/remakes, historical, Game Pass, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
OpenCritic
Steam
A refreshed version of Age of Empires, a real-time strategy game that debuted in 1997. Microsoft, the company responsible for the new version, focused not only on improving the graphics so that they now support 4K resolution, but on recording a new version of the symphonic soundtrack as well. The title contains the contents of the basic version of the original game and of the Rise of Rome expansion pack.
Videos and Screens
[1:24] Age of Empires: Definitive Edition launch trailer
[0:20] Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Wololo
ZTGD: 6.5 / 10 by Sophie Halliday
However, it's also likely to leave those older players thinking some things are better left alone as happy memories. It's the same reason that new players are unlikely to be enamoured. It's difficult to play a game like this in isolation. Sooner or later, the mind wanders back to the present – the truth is, the genre has come on in leaps and bounds since Age of Empires came on the scene all those years ago and this is one remaster that feels like it doesn't really belong.
GameSpot: 6 / 10 by Daniel Starkey
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition introduces gameplay tweaks and 4K visuals to a 20-year old classic, but not everything holds up to modern standards.
Eurogamer: by Rick Lane
The 90s classic has never looked better, but beneath the makeover it can creak.
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia and Classic Gameplay: Many users appreciate the nostalgia factor and the return to a beloved classic, often citing their fond memories of playing the original game.
- Enhanced Graphics and Sound: The remastered 4K visuals and updated soundtrack received positive feedback, with many users noting the beautiful graphics and excellent sound design.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Users mentioned several quality-of-life enhancements that modernize the gameplay while retaining the charm of the original.
- Multiplayer Options: The game supports up to 8-person multiplayer battles, which many players found enjoyable.
- Accessibility: The game runs well on older machines, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The main cons of the game
- Pathfinding Issues: A significant number of users pointed out persistent problems with unit pathfinding, citing it as one of the worst aspects of the game.
- Difficulty and Balance: The game?s difficulty level was criticized, particularly for being unbalanced, with some players finding it excessively hard even on easier settings.
- Desync Issues in Multiplayer: Users experienced desynchronization problems during multiplayer sessions, leading to frustration and disconnections.
- Repetitive Gameplay: Some players felt that the gameplay became repetitive after a few matches, with factions being too similar to one another.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved Pathfinding: Despite the remaster, many users expressed disappointment that pathfinding issues from the original game were not adequately addressed.
- More Balanced Gameplay: Players noted a desire for better balance in difficulty levels and unit management to make the game more enjoyable for various skill levels.
- Additional Campaign Content: Some users mentioned wanting more campaigns or content to enhance the replayability of the game.
- Better Multiplayer Stability: There were calls for improved stability and support for multiplayer gameplay to address desync issues.
Summary
- Overall, while Age of Empires: Definitive Edition successfully revives a classic with modern enhancements, it struggles with certain gameplay mechanics and multiplayer stability that detract from the experience for some players.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 136 votes. 92 players anticipated the game.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Description
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition for PC is a refreshed version of the first installment of the legendary series of real time strategy games. In comparison to the original game that debuted in 1997, the new edition features improved graphics, fully symphonic soundtrack and many gameplay improvements.
Plot
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition contains the entire content of original Age of Empires and Rise of Rome expansion pack. The singleplayer scenarios (that take place in the ancient times) were enriched with a new narrative.
Mechanics
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition for PC uses the well-known and cherished mechanics of RTS genre. The title focuses on expanding the base, recruiting armies and participating in dynamic battles. The new version features many technical improvements and a modernized interface that makes it easier to manage the subjects. The game takes place during the ancient times, enabling the player to control civilizations from across the world and ages. Among the playable civilizations there are: Assyrians, Babylonians, Choson, Egyptians, Greeks, Hittites, Minoans, Persians, Phoenicians, Shang, Sumerians, Yamato, Carthaginians, Macedonians, Palmyrans and Romans.
Game modes
In addition to singleplayer, historic campaigns, Age of Empires: Definite Edition for PC offers a multiplayer mode with achievements, based on Xbox Live. It is also possible to play the game in the Classic mode, which enables the player to play the classic version of the game from 1997.
Technical ascpests
The new version, released 20 years after the debut of the original title, features many graphics upgrades. Age of Empires: Definitive Edition for PC supports 4K resolution, free camera zooming and a re-recorded symphonic soundtrack.
Last updated on June 24, 2017
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: Definitive Edition Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Forgotten Empires
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB Intel HD or better, Windows 10
Recommended: Intel Core i5 2.4 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 650/Radeon HD 5850 or better, Windows 10
Age of Empires Sales Remain Great
Across 20 years of its history, various games from the Age of Empires series have sold 25 million copies. The franchise has made a billion dollars in total. Such information can be found in the CV of Brian Sullivan, co-founder of Ensemble Studios.
video games
Milosz Szubert
February 12, 2020
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Gets a Release Date
Microsoft has disclosed the release date of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. In addition, the game Age of Empires: Definitive Edition made its debut on Steama today.
video games
Adrian Werner
August 19, 2019
More Than One Million People Still Play Age of Empires
Adam Isgreen, creative director responsible for the Age of Empires series, said in a statement for PCGamesN that more than one million people play the games from the series every month.
video games
Bart Swiatek
July 1, 2019
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition with Cross-play Support
The updated version of the first part of Age of Empires will support cross-play between Steam and Microsoft Store. The information was provided by the official twitter account of the franchise.
video games
June 4, 2019
Gears 5 and Definitive Age of Empires Will Launch on Steam
Microsoft has announced that the upcoming Gears 5 and the refreshed first three parts of the Age of Empires series will be available for purchase on the PC via Valve's Steam platform.
video games
May 30, 2019