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Age of Empires 4

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Download Age of Empires 4 and leave your mark on world historyThe Age of Empires series is a popular line of RTS games (real-time strategy) that first launched in 1997 with “Age of Empires.” Since then, three expansions have been released, making Age of Empires IV the fifth installment in the series.The most recent game released in the series was Age of Empires, which focused on the European colonization of the New World — it launched in 2005. In other words, it’s been more than 15 years since fans have been able to experience a new installment in this much-loved universe.

Age of Empires 4 – The fourth sequel in a series of successful war strategy games

Age of Empires 4 has a lot to live up to, as the series was once among the best-selling RTS games ever. You can see this in the forums, where people who tested the beta (and others) share what they feel the game lacks or could do better. After so many years, the game really can’t afford to miss the mark.And with an RTS legend like Adam Isgreen at the helm, and development by Microsoft Studios and Relic Entertainment, you’d think nothing could go wrong. Even so, in some areas the game almost feels like a downgrade compared to Age of Empires 3. Choose which historical faction you want to play asEnglish civilizationThe English start in the Anglo-Saxon period, then progress through the Anglo-Norman, English Gothic, and Tudor eras. Across these ages, the English flex both defensive and offensive muscles with their castles and archers.MongolsThe Mongols spend less time building defenses and instead can deal massive damage while roaming the map. Mobility is one of their greatest strengths; this nomadic people are fierce fighters with exceptional cavalry. Their horsemen are led by the mighty Khan, an archer on horseback who supports followers in battle.The Holy Roman EmpireThis devout empire gains special units with a direct spiritual role. The Prelate is a support unit that can heal and inspire brothers and sisters in arms. Prelates also provide an economic edge by boosting villager productivity.Abbasid CaliphateThe Abbasid civilization offers a look at the height of Islam in this Arabic-speaking faction. The Caliphate lets you appoint an Imam who inspires nearby units. They also field camels for transport and even in battle. Over time, the architecture evolves into the iconic style adorned with beautiful minarets and domes.The Chinese DynastyThis dynasty stands out for its construction and combat style. The Chinese are the first to develop gunpowder. They dominate with engineering in Age of Empires 4, much as they did throughout real history. As leader of the Chinese Dynasty, you can start with more villagers than other players, giving you an economic and production head start.The FrenchThe French evolve from a small faction that builds its economy with structures like the gold mine and mill to a feudal kingdom with its royal guard. In the next age you unlock the Royal Institute, and later you can upgrade your army with new forms of warfare. French royal knights and mobile cannons are among this civilization’s iconic units.The RusThis faction is built around skilled hunters; players take on bounty missions that task you with killing specific animals on the map. Doing so yields more food and better harvests. The Rus also rely on their unique Warrior Monks, mounted units that aid allies in battle.Delhi SultanateIf you choose the Delhi Sultanate, you lead the era’s technological innovation. They focus on protecting themselves and their knowledge, spending time inside the base researching new technological wonders. The faction’s special unit is the Scholar. And if you’re after heavier warfare, you can always mount a war elephant and lead it into the heat of battle.

Fewer civilizations to choose from is a deliberate choice

Eight civilizations isn’t a large number to choose from when you look at other historical war games from a bird’s-eye view, like Cid Meiers Civilisation 6, which launched with 19 different civilizations and later expanded to 50 with DLC packs.But Age of Empires has taken a different route, and this seems intentional; with fewer civilizations, there’s room to make each culture feel more authentic and unique, with less overlap in what they can do or excel at.You can dive into Cid Meiers first game, Civilisation, which is so old it has become abandonware software.A well-balanced gameAge of Empires 4 looks to be a promising game, but expectations are high given how long it took to arrive. That could have serious consequences if the game doesn’t meet players’ expectations.Overall, the game is good and well-balanced; however, it can feel limiting if you’re coming from games like Civilisation 5 and 6, or Humankind.Download Age of Empires 4

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Reviewer’s rating with pros and cons, and user ratings

★★★★★
Pros
  • Great graphics
  • Challenging gameplay
  • Make your mark on world history
Cons
  • No free trial

User Rating

★★★★★