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, remaster/remake, 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.
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
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 / WindowsPC 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.
PC Gamer: 78 / 100 by Fraser Brown
A polished, wide-ranging update that brings the classic RTS into the modern age.
CGMagazine: 8 / 10 by Brendan Frye
Age of Empires 2: The Definitive Edition has made the transition to console surprisingly well, giving a new range of people a chance to play one of RTS’s most beloved classics in a new way.
The main pros of the game
- Nostalgia and Core Gameplay: Many users appreciate that the gameplay remains true to the original, preserving the core mechanics that made it a classic.
- Enhanced User Interface: Improvements in resource management and villager control make the game more accessible for players.
- New Features: The ability to queue units and technologies, indefinitely re-seed farms, and various new units and technologies enhance gameplay.
- Multiplayer Improvements: New lobby options, player stats tracking, and dedicated servers contribute to a smoother multiplayer experience.
- Visual and Audio Enhancements: Improved graphics, sound effects, and environmental effects breathe new life into the game while retaining its charm.
- AI Improvements: AI has been significantly updated, allowing for better command and control in single-player modes.
- Rich Content: The game offers numerous campaigns, civilizations, and a robust modding community, providing extensive replayability.
- Accessibility Options: Various settings to customize gameplay for players with disabilities, including color blindness options.
- Community Engagement: A dedicated and supportive community, with many resources available for learning and improvement.
The main cons of the game
- Performance Issues: Some users report that the game can be taxing on performance, especially during multiplayer matches with many units.
- Difficult Learning Curve: New players may find the controls and mechanics challenging to grasp, leading to frustration.
- Lengthy Matches: Players have noted that matches can be very long, which may not suit everyone's preferences.
- Inconsistent AI: The AI can be unpredictable, sometimes swinging between being overly easy and extremely difficult.
- DLC Pricing: Some users feel that the cost of DLCs is high, which may deter players from purchasing additional content.
- Internet Requirement: The game cannot be played offline, which is inconvenient for players without stable internet access.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Better Unit Pathfinding: Users have expressed a desire for improvements in unit pathfinding, as it can be problematic during gameplay.
- LAN Mode: The removal of the LAN mode has disappointed players who enjoyed local multiplayer sessions.
- More Customization Options: Some players wish for more flexibility in customizing the game experience, particularly in ranked modes and hotkey settings.
- Improved AI Behavior: While AI improvements were noted, users still desire a more consistent and challenging AI experience.
- Offline Play: Many users miss the ability to play the game offline, especially for single-player modes.
Summary
- Overall, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is praised for its nostalgic value, gameplay enhancements, and rich content, while also facing criticism for performance issues, learning curve challenges, and the requirement for an internet connection.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 400 votes. 50 players anticipated the game.
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
PlayStation 5 May 2025
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 (PS5) / 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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