Few game franchises have managed to capture the essence of human history and the thrill of strategic warfare quite like Age of Empires. Developed by Ensemble Studios and now under the care of Relic Entertainment, the Age of Empires series has been a staple of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre since its inception in 1997. With its immersive historical settings, intricate gameplay mechanics, and enduring appeal, Age of Empires has stood the test of time, captivating players for over two decades.

I played my first Age of Empires game way back in the late 90s (yes I am that old). It belonged to an ex-boyfriend of mine, and it drew me in so quickly that I’m ashamed to admit when I visited him I would often spend my time on his PC playing that rather than, yanno, doing girlfriend stuff. Hey, it’s not my fault he introduced me to such an addictive game!

So here are a few reasons why the Age of Empires series is still beloved today:

A Historical Tapestry

Age of Empires transports you across different eras of human history, allowing you to relive and shape the destiny of ancient civilisations. From the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome to the epic battles of the Middle Ages in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, and the exploration and colonisation of the New World in Age of Empires III, each instalment offers a meticulously crafted historical tapestry.

Incredible Gameplay Depth

At the heart of the Age of Empires series lies its rich gameplay depth, blending resource management, city-building and strategic warfare. You have to carefully balance economic growth, technological advancement and military might to forge a successful civilisation. The games feature a variety of civilisations, each with its unique strengths and playstyles, further adding to the depth and replayability. From commanding vast armies on the battlefield to overseeing the development of your civilisation, Age of Empires delivers an immersive and engaging gameplay experience.

Endless Possibilities with Modding and Custom Scenarios

One of the enduring strengths of the Age of Empires series is its robust modding community. Players have embraced the games’ modding tools, creating custom scenarios, campaigns and modifications that extend the longevity and diversity of the gameplay experience. The ability to design and share custom content has nurtured a passionate community that continues to breathe new life into the games long after their release.

Evolution and Innovation

Over the years, the Age of Empires series has evolved and embraced new ideas while staying true to its core gameplay. Age of Empires II: HD Edition introduced updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements, revitalising the game for a new generation of players. Age of Empires III and its subsequent expansions pushed the boundaries further with new gameplay mechanics and a more immersive single-player campaign. Age of Empires IV combines the best of the series’ tradition with modern enhancements, enticing both veterans and newcomers alike.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Beyond its commercial success, the Age of Empires series has had a significant impact on gaming culture and the RTS genre. Its historical accuracy and attention to detail have sparked an interest in history among players, fostering a love for learning about different civilisations and time periods. The games have also served as a platform for competitive esports, with Age of Empires II becoming a mainstay in the competitive RTS scene, attracting passionate players and fans from around the world.

So far, the series is comprised of:

Age of Empires (1997): The original Age of Empires introduced players to the epic strategy game series, allowing them to build and expand civilisations from various historical periods, manage resources, and engage in warfare in a dynamic and evolving world.

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999): Building upon the success of its predecessor, Age of Empires II transported players to the Middle Ages, offering improved graphics, expanded civilisations, and challenging campaigns that spanned centuries of history.

Age of Empires III (2005): Age of Empires III shifted the focus to the colonial era, where players took command of European powers seeking to establish colonies in the New World. With its stunning visuals and refined gameplay mechanics, the game offered a fresh take on the franchise.

Age of Empires IV (2021): The long-awaited sequel, Age of Empires IV, takes players on a journey through different historical epochs, from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. With updated graphics, new civilizations, and enhanced gameplay, it revitalises the series while staying true to its roots.

Age of Mythology (2002): Age of Mythology delved into the realms of mythology, allowing players to control civilisations based on ancient gods and creatures. Combining historical elements with mythical powers, the game offered a unique twist to the Age of Empires formula.

Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome (1998): An expansion pack for the original Age of Empires, The Rise of Rome introduced new campaigns, civilisations, and units, expanding the gameplay experience and providing additional challenges for players.

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (2018): A remastered version of the original Age of Empires, the Definitive Edition brought updated visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and additional features to introduce the classic game to a new generation of players.

Age of Empires stands as a true pillar of the RTS genre, encapsulating the thrill of history, strategic warfare, and empire-building. Its enduring appeal, rich gameplay depth, and commitment to historical authenticity have solidified its status as a beloved series among gamers.

Have you played any of the Age of Empires games? Which ones did you like most? Drop me a comment below.