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Softonic review

Joe Wainer
Joe WainerUpdated 5 months ago

Go back to the basics with this RTS classic

Age of Empires IV is a historical strategy video game that lets you take part in the heart of every glorious conflict that made it to history books. Developed by Relic Entertainment and World's Edge, this 3D real-time strategy game is the fourth main installment of the popular Age of Empires game series.

While it is the title released after Age of Empires III, Age of Empires IV actually takes more gameplay mechanics directly from the successful Age of Empires II. It also gets mechanics that were scrapped for the third game and offers all-new campaigns.

Is the Age of Empires series over?

Age of Empires is a series of historical real-time strategy video games, originally developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios. The first game was Age of Empires, which was released in 1997. Succeeding games were a mixture of main titles, remastered editions with some expansion packs bundled alongside them, and interesting spin-offs. They all met varying success but the series had an overall popular standing with fans of the RTS sub-genre. 

However, it can be pretty easy to assume that the franchise is dead due to the lack of a whole new game after Age of Empires III’s release way back in 2005. Thus, Age of Empires IV aims to bring back the epic battles the series is known for—all in stunning 4K graphics. In this game, you go back to the Middle Ages and will progress through the usual four eras: the Dark Age, Feudal Age, Castle Age, and Imperial Age. 

How many civilizations are in Age of Empires 4?

There are eight diverse civilizations to choose from as your playable faction: the English, the Chinese, the Mongols, the Delhi Sultanate, the French, the Abbasid Caliphate, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Rus. However, there are only four distinct historical campaigns you can follow, with 35 missions to complete: the Norman conquest of England, the conflict between England and France, the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, and the expansion of one of the Mongol empires. 

Similar to the other games in this series, Age of Empires IV lets you become certain historical characters in these campaigns, such as Joan of Arc from France and Genghis Khan from Mongolia. You also get to change the outcome of history by making important decisions to help your faction win. In case you’re new to this game sub-genre, the tutorial and Campaign Story Mode are designed to be both easy enough to understand—yet still challenging enough for veteran players. 

This is thanks to its new gameplay mechanics, evolved strategies, and combat techniques—although, truthfully, there’s actually nothing overtly new and groundbreaking about this installment. If you’d like to test your skills further, you can try out the online multiplayer mode wherein you can either compete or co-op with up to seven players in PvP and PvE matches. Lastly, just like its predecessors, this game is highly customizable and compatible with mods and allows players access to content tools for custom games.

Official release on other platforms

Relic Entertainment expands the reach of Age of Empires IV by releasing it on other platforms, namely on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The game has been optimized accordingly to ensure smooth and fuss-free gameplay, packed with captivating graphics and high-stakes gameplay. Furthermore, both console versions will feature all content, expansions, and updates from the original release, promising a complete and holistic experience.

Witness the Sultans Ascend

Ongoing development for Age of Empire IV continues with the new expansion pack, The Sultans Ascend. This feature-packed add-on focuses on the Muslim resistance in the wake of the first waves of European Crusades and guides them to reclaiming their land. Aside from the new campaign set in the Middle East, you also gain access to two returning civilizations with the Byzantine Empire and the Japanese.

Fans of the game will also be treated to a massive free upgrade through the 9.1.109 patch. Marking the start of the game’s Season Six, everyone gets three new multiplayer maps: Canal, Gorge, and Rocky River. Additionally, the event will be marked by limited-time challenges that will reward players with new profile portraits and coats of arms to display. Additionally, four of the 10 maps in The Sultans Ascend will be made temporarily available on Ranked matches.

Can’t go wrong with the classics

All in all, Age of Empires IV is a pretty great addition to the classic RTS game series despite its rather tame features. While it doesn’t really offer any major new mechanics to distinguish it from the previous games, it has enough of what the fans loved about the series to make it an enjoyable endeavor regardless of your experience with this sub-genre of strategy games.

PROS

  • 8 playable civilizations involved in 4 historical campaigns
  • Classic gameplay mechanics with some new minor additions
  • An online multiplayer mode with both PvP and PvE
  • Encourages players to create custom mods

CONS

  • Nothing really new compared to the previous games

Program available in other languages


Age of Empires IV for PC

  • Paid

  • In English
  • V 8.1.185
  • 4

    (503)

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