Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
AoE 2 DE, AoE 2: Definitive Edition, Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition
Release Date: November 14, 2019
Strategy, RTS, remasters/remakes, co-op, historical, Game Pass, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
A remastered and improved edition of Age of Empires II – the second installment in the best-selling real time strategy series, originally released in the year 2000. The enhanced edition has been developed by Forgotten Empires. The improvements implemented herein regard mostly the visuals and the interface – the visuals have been significantly improved, and the game supports 4K resolution.
November 12, 2019
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition Review – Old But Solid Gold
Attractive, good, mature strategy game is looking for a player! Despite the twenty years that have passed, the new Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition still manages to deliver an amazing experience.
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Videos and Screens
[1:05] Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition console launch trailer
[1:05] Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition console trailer
Gamepressure Review
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Attractive, good, mature strategy game is looking for a player! Despite the twenty years that have passed, the new Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition still manages to deliver an amazing experience.
Przemyslaw Zamecki PC / WindowsHardcore Gamer: 4.5 / 5 by Fran Soto
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the champion of the RTS genre we deserve.
PC Invasion: 6 / 10 by Jason Rodriguez
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has the content to keep you entertained for a time. Unfortunately, the visuals and core mechanics are woefully behind 20 years after its initial release. It's a nostalgia trip for fans given the low price, but it's lacking in this new age of strategy games.
PCGamesN: 8 / 10 by Sam White
With new official DLC, a glorious audiovisual overhaul and a touch of modern quality-of-life polish, this is now the best way to play Age 2 - though it'll take a while to match the HD edition's user content.Sam White
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia and Timelessness: Many players appreciate the nostalgic value of the game, recalling fond memories from their childhood and noting that it remains a classic that has aged well.
- Regular Updates and New Content: The developers frequently release updates, new campaigns, and civilizations, keeping the game fresh and engaging for both new and returning players.
- Enhanced Graphics and Quality of Life Improvements: Players commend the improved graphics and various enhancements, such as automatic farming and better matchmaking systems.
- Diverse Gameplay Options: The game offers a wide variety of civilizations, strategies, and modes (single-player, multiplayer, and custom scenarios), catering to different playstyles and preferences.
- Strong Community: A large and active player base enhances the multiplayer experience, with many players enjoying competitive play and cooperative modes.
The main cons of the game
- Pathfinding Issues: Several reviews mention problems with unit pathfinding, particularly for villagers, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Balancing Issues: Some players express concerns about the balance between different civilizations and gameplay mechanics, noting that certain units or strategies can feel overpowered or underwhelming.
- Multiplayer Matchmaking Problems: New players often find themselves matched against more experienced opponents, leading to a steep learning curve and discouraging experiences in competitive play.
- Bugs and Crashes: Several users report technical issues, including crashes and bugs, which detract from the overall experience.
- DLC Pricing and Content: Some players feel that the DLCs can be expensive and that certain recent expansions did not offer enough content for the price.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved AI: While the AI has been noted as challenging, some users believe it could be further refined to provide a more engaging experience, especially in single-player modes.
- More Variety in Units and Gameplay: A few players expressed a desire for greater diversity in unit types and gameplay mechanics to avoid repetitiveness.
- Original Soundtrack Options: There are complaints about the removal of the original soundtrack, with players wishing for the option to switch back to the classic music.
- LAN Play: The removal of LAN play capability has disappointed some users who enjoyed playing with friends locally.
- Better Customization and Landscape Features: Suggestions include the addition of more customization options for scenarios and the ability to lock certain landscape types in custom games.
Summary
- Overall, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is praised for its nostalgic value, regular updates, and engaging gameplay, but it faces criticism regarding technical issues, balance, and certain missing features.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 400 votes. 50 players anticipated the game.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Description
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remastered and improved edition of Age of Empires II – the second installment in the best-selling real time strategy series. Similarly to the original, released in 2000 by Microsoft, the game is available on PC. Definitive Edition has been developed by Forgotten Empires – a studio responsible for remastering the first series’ installment.
Plot
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition features the content known from the original game. The story campaigns, the action of which takes place across four ages of particular civilizations’ development, have been enriched with new narrative elements.
Mechanics
In Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, a player gets to lead one of over a dozen nations divided into four cultural circles – featuring the cultures of Middle-East, Far East, and both Western and Eastern Europe. Even though the civilizations have not been diversified in terms of their infrastructure, they can invent different technologies and erect unique Wonders of the World. Additionally, each civilization features certain advantages and disadvantages.
Gameplay mechanics are based on the framework developed for the first installment in the series, which before being implemented into the sequel, have been improved and modified. During the game, a player has to gather resources (food, wood, stone, and gold), and gradually develop his settlement by erecting new buildings and developing new technologies. In order to proceed to the following century, one has to meet specified conditions – the capstone of one’s efforts is the erection of a Wonder of the World, which has to be protected over a precise period of time in order to win.
Apart from the aspect of the economy, combat is also a very important element. In order to succeed, a player has to create a large and highly diversified army – this regards infantry, cavalry, and numerous war engines – and come up with effective strategies. Should one focus only on offensive and leave his stronghold without any protection, the enemy might use this and turn the tide of the battle in his favor.
Game modes
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition revolves around story campaigns, featuring heroes such as William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Saladin, Frederick Barbarossa, or Genghis Khan. Moreover, the game offers a quick skirmish mode, in which a player has to face armies controlled by the artificial intelligence, and an elaborate multiplayer mode.
Technical aspects
In comparison to the original release, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition features significantly improved visuals and the game supports 4K resolution. Moreover, the developers have also modified the interface, while symphonic soundtrack accompanies the players.
Last updated on September 1, 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 II: Definitive Edition Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows November 14, 2019
Xbox Series X/S January 31, 2023
Xbox One January 31, 2023
Developer: Forgotten Empires / World's Edge (PC) / World's Edge (XONE) / World's Edge (XSX)
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 2.9 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GT 420 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5 2.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 650 or better, 30 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
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