Age of Empires is a real-time strategy game that mixes history with video games. Based on the construction of civilizations, it rises among the best strategy games.
Towards the end of the 20th century , Ensemble Studios developed the game Age of Empires which was later published by Microsoft Studios. Of all the RTS (Real Time Strategy) type games, this one is among the best. As the name suggests, the game asks you to build an empire involving defeating opponents and takes place in an ancient period where we see elements of mythology and the Middle Ages. Thus, we see several choices of civilizations including in this case Greeks, Egyptians and many others. Currently, it remains the best game combining history and video games. Reason why it becomes a reference on Mac and PC. So, it’s time to give you the top titles by going from worst to best.
11. Age of Empires: Castle Siege
Compared to the main entries, Age of Empires: Castle Siege dropped many features . This is a multiplayer tower defense game that is played online. The gameplay is similar to a chess game where the player must protect his empire while trying to destroy the enemy’s. At the same time, the player must manage his resources while adopting a good tactical and military strategy.
The developers have thus incorporated other alternative styles of play to attract more players. This must be partly because of its rise in popularity. However, this innovation marked a clear difference, which fans do not necessarily appreciate.
10. Age of Empires Online
Age of Empire Online was released in 2011. It was immediately recognized for its considerable difference compared to games that have kept the originality of the game. This one turns in particular to the online multiplayer component rather than betting on the solo experience. In this way, players can choose the civilization to build. In addition, they can contribute various PvE and PvP content.
Three years later, the original designers abandoned it. A few independent developers have nevertheless come together to take over the game under another name: Project Céleste . They plan to ensure the continuity of Microsoft’s vision from another angle. Currently, the title is available in free-to-play .
9. Age of Empires: The Original Title
The original of the Age of Empires saga was released in 1997. The game teleports players to the distant eras (5000 BC) to the beginning of antiquity. It includes 4 single-player campaigns focused on ancient civilizations such as Greek, Yamato, Egyptian and Babylonian. There is also a Rise of Rome expansion pack that highlights the journeys through which the ancient Roman Empire had to go.
In the original title of the game, the player is required to ensure the evolution of his civilization on the economic, military and technological aspects. It’s like building your empire from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. For this, the player must have control over the hidden ruins of the map to be able to erect the Marvel building . The latter being only available at the last age.
Nonetheless, when it comes to design, Age of Empires, the inaugural title isn’t top notch in presentation. If we only mention the graphics where there is a lot to improve.
8. AOE IV: Improved Medieval History
Age of Empires IV transports players back to medieval times. It offers more fun actions and gameplay . But its real strength lies in control and accessibility. It’s an unmissable medieval journey in which civilizations have new special abilities. The game allows the player to dive into a lake of informative story while having fun.
However, the graphics and images do not feature any special enhancements . The narration by the same voice also becomes more and more unpleasant.
7. AOE II: HD Edition
As its name suggests, Age of Empires II: HD Edition brings a touch of HD innovation to the same title. It also brings a new expansion The Forgotten , a project initially created by fans of the game. Later, two new expansions will be added to the first. These are The African Kingdoms and Rise of the Rajas .
In 2013, the game seemed to be getting old. But these new contributions made it possible to relaunch the franchise. This gave new life to the followers. That said, fans craving something new don’t see enough satisfaction in it . Some still prefer to play Call of Duty instead.
6. AOE II: The Conquerors and The Age of Kings
In this title, the player has the opportunity to relive the fall of Rome . It must start with few resources at its disposal. He will have to use these resources to lead his people to victory. Two options are available for this purpose: the implementation of successful economic strategies and the use of force .
In The Conquerors, the player can assert himself as a dominator while in The Age of Kings, he must exercise his gray matter. The Conquerors allows the player to take on the role of fierce warriors from history such as Attila the Hun, El Cid or Montezuma. In any case, Age of Empires II is one of the best titles in the saga, especially with its 13 new nations.
The improved artificial intelligence in the game scores another point. Indeed, not only crops replant automatically, but the player can also propose his own boat formation.
5. AOE III: Definitive Edition
This title is one of the newest in the game Age of Empires (2020). In general, the term “definitive edition” refers to the particularity of the version. That’s true for this one given that it’s made a lot of improvements over the original version. For example, there are features that we did not suspect in the original version.
The Definitive Edition brought more than gameplay. It also introduced 4K processing . This is the case for sounds, resources, animations, and even new civilizations. In addition, the developers have worked well on the AI. This has significantly improved the quality of the images. However, AOE III: Definitive Edition has not been immune to bugs even though it is better than its original release from 15 years ago.
4. Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Definitive editions follow one another even if they do not reach the top of the list. This one was released in 2018 revisiting the version released two decades earlier. The gameplay remains the same. The changes focused on graphics quality and other technical aspects.
To increase the popularity of the Age of Empires game, Microsoft introduced HD processing, along with 4K support. At the same time, it has improved sound quality , allowing for a fully immersive experience.
3. Age of Empires III
Microsoft developed Age of Empires III at the end of 2005 as a PC version. For some, the title ranks among the best in the saga with its 8 civilizations. In the new explorer map, the New World , the player can choose between several colonial empires (French, Portuguese, German, British, etc.). Each of them has advantages and disadvantages which are likely to be explored for the treasures they hide.
In addition, the game provides new options for building infrastructure such as trade routes. This will allow the player to propose new alliances . Both expansion packs The WarChiefs and The Asian Dynasties bring new story content and civilizations to the game.
On the technical side, this title brought a considerable evolution, in particular on the graphics. The new physics system makes combat much more engaging.
2. Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology adds a new civilization in addition to the 13 others from Age of Empires II: Age of Kings . In addition, there is a new map and new scenarios. Powerful titans like Cronos can join the game if the player summons them. The latter also has the possibility of transforming humans into real heroes of his choice. The game features 16 new human units .
Also, 10 mythical units joined the game, added 12 new divine powers . This is also what makes it so popular. One cannot, however, pass without listing the two expansion packs The Titans and The Age of the Dragon . The fantastic touch brought to the gameplay forms an inseparable whole in the title.
1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Of all the definitive editions of the Age of Empires saga, this one remains the best. Upgrading with contemporary games is a major highlight of Age of Empires II Definitive Edition released in 2019. AI improvements access better game features. you don’t have to cheat to stand up to the player.
Icing on the cake, the title includes a new auto- replenishment feature . This eliminates the frustrations of players in previous versions. Age of Empires II also features all expansions. Reason why it is by far the best title of the saga.