Age of Empires II: HD Edition
Age of Empires II HD
Release Date: April 9, 2013
Strategy, RTS, the middle ages, remaster/remake, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet
Steam
A remastered version of Age of Empire II: The Age of the Kings, a popular real-time strategy game and its expansion - Age of Empires II: The Conqueror. The new edition was developed by Hidden Path Entertainment in cooperation with Microsoft Game Studios. Compared to the 1999’s original, the changes introduced in Age of Empires II: HD Edition involve mainly improved graphics, which were adjusted to HD standard.
Age of Empires II HD is a remake of a classic real-time strategy game from 1999 – Age of Empires II: The Age of the Kings – and its add-on, Age of Empires II: The Conquerors, that was released a year later. The very gameplay has not changed, however, the graphics was improved, and the application was adapted to run on the latest operating systems. The game owes its second youth to Hidden Path Entertainment Studios (Defense Grid series, Counter- Strike: Global Offensive). It is them whom Microsoft company has entrusted the development of Age of Empires II HD, after Ensemble Studios – the team standing behind the original game – was closed in 2009.
Age of Empires II veterans know perfectly well that the historical background of the game was the Middle Ages. Of course, the same is true for its HD version. The game includes all campaigns and civilizations known from The Age of the Kings and The Conquerors.
Players choose one of 18 nations (including the Vikings, Japanese, Byzantines, Mongols, Aztecs, Koreans), whom they lead to development and domination over others. Individual nations differ from one another in terms of architecture, available technology, and their strengths and weaknesses. Many roads lead to victory - military conquest, economic expansion, or constructing and protecting a Wonder of the World. The main objectives the player has to take care of, are recruiting troops, expanding cities, developing various technologies, and conducting trade. The gameplay, including battles, is played out in real time. Skirmishes involve infantry units, cavalry, siege weapons, and ships.
In addition to single player mode, there is multiplayer in Age of Empires II HD. Steam integration allowed introduction of matchmaking system that connects together players with similar skills. Steam also provides leaderboards, achievements, and an option of storing saved games in a cloud. Fans of modifications can take advantage of Steam Workshop in order to easily share and download fan-made mods.
The most noticeable changes were made to the artwork. Admittedly, the Age of Empires II HD is nothing like the latest games, but the graphics has gained a lot thanks to the increased resolution, improved textures, and new water, fire and light effects. On top of that, the game offers multi-monitor support.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
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Videos and Screens
[1:57] Age of Empires II: HD Edition trailer #1
The main pros of the game
- Visual and Gameplay Enhancements: The high-definition graphics and modern interface make the game visually appealing while retaining the original charm.
- Solid Gameplay: The real-time strategy mechanics are well-balanced, combining economy, military tactics, and technological development, which keeps the gameplay engaging and addictive.
- Multiplayer Support: The inclusion of online multiplayer and Steam support allows players to compete globally, enhancing the overall experience.
- Nostalgic Value: Many players appreciate the nostalgia factor, as the game remains enjoyable even after many years.
- Accessibility: The game is suitable for both long-time fans and newcomers, providing a polished strategy experience.
The main cons of the game
- AI Issues: Some users have reported frustrations with the artificial intelligence, stating that even at lower difficulty levels, the AI can be overpowering, leading to a frustrating experience.
- Limited Updates: As the game is retired and no longer updated, some players may feel it lacks new content compared to more current titles.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Advanced AI Mechanics: Users expressed a desire for improved AI that could provide a more challenging and balanced experience.
- Content Updates: Some players might feel that the absence of new content or updates limits the game's longevity and replayability.
- Comparison with Definitive Edition: While some recommended the Definitive Edition for its active community and additional features, it implies that the HD version lacks certain modern enhancements available in the newer version.
Summary
- Overall, Age of Empires II (Retired) is celebrated for its classic gameplay and nostalgic value but has some criticisms related to AI performance and the lack of ongoing updates.
Summary generated on:
GAMERS Score
Average score from 494 votes. 65 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: HD Edition Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios / Microsoft Studios
Age restrictions: 12+
Age of Empires II: HD Edition System Requirements
PC / Windows
Recommended: Pentium 4 1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB (GeForce 7600 GS or better), 2 GB HDD, Windows XP/ Vista/ 7/ 8
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