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Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV is a bold and ambitious evolution of the series, and quite likely one of the best RTS games ever made.
84%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
stability, grinding
86% User Score Based on 58,200 reviews
Critic Score 82%Based on 36 reviews

Platforms

PCPCXboxXboxXbox Series X|SXbox Series X|SWindowsWindowsXbox Game PassXbox Game PassCloudCloudXbox OneXbox OneXbox Cloud GamingXbox Cloud Gaming
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About

Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game that brings historical warfare to life through 4 campaigns and 8 civilizations, such as the English and Chinese. Players can choose their path to victory in single-player, co-op, or multiplayer modes, leading troops and managing resources in battles spanning from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance with stunning 4K visuals. The game features prominent historical figures, like Joan of Arc and Genghis Khan, in immersive quests across 500 years of history.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 58,236 reviews
graphics2.3k positive mentions
stability400 negative mentions
  • The campaign features engaging historical narratives and documentary-style cutscenes that enhance the overall experience.
  • The gameplay is rich and engaging, offering a variety of civilizations with unique playstyles and strengths.
  • The humor and light-hearted moments throughout the game create an enjoyable atmosphere for players of all skill levels.
  • Many players feel the missions lack depth and character development, often feeling repetitive and disconnected.
  • The game has been criticized for persistent bugs and glitches that affect gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes.
  • The character development is generally viewed as lacking, resulting in less emotional investment compared to previous titles in the series.
  • graphics
    5,712 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Age of Empires IV have received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the updated visuals, describing them as stunning and immersive, with detailed environments and unique aesthetics for each civilization. However, some critics argue that the graphics feel cartoonish or lack the depth expected from a modern game, with comparisons made to older titles in the series, suggesting that while the graphics are an improvement over previous installments, they do not meet the high standards set by contemporary games. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant aspect of the game, but opinions vary on their execution and impact on gameplay.

    • “Updated graphics, objectives, and story cinematics with that familiar gameplay and feel, what's not to love?”
    • “The visuals are stunning, with beautifully detailed cities and landscapes that I could get lost in for hours.”
    • “The graphics are breathtaking, bringing ancient civilizations to life with stunning visuals and intricate animations.”
    • “Graphics are adequate and nothing more; I would've loved to see better model detail or model individuality.”
    • “The graphics look like something in between a loveless version of Valheim and a version of Halo Wars 1 with everything interesting removed; everything looks like play dough.”
    • “The graphics are very disappointing for the date of release.”
  • gameplay
    5,570 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Age of Empires IV has been generally well-received, with many players appreciating its blend of classic mechanics from previous titles, particularly Age of Empires II, alongside new features that enhance strategic depth. Players enjoy the unique mechanics for each civilization, which add variety and encourage different playstyles, although some criticize the game for lacking innovation and balance, particularly in multiplayer. Overall, the game offers a polished experience with engaging campaigns and a nostalgic feel, though it has room for improvement in terms of content and gameplay complexity.

    • “Updated graphics, objectives, and story cinematics with that familiar gameplay and feel, what's not to love?”
    • “The gameplay is rich and engaging, offering a variety of civilizations, each with unique playstyles and strengths.”
    • “This game perfectly captures the classic aoe magic while elevating the experience with modern gameplay and an insane level of customization.”
    • “Age of empires ii, remastered with better graphics and less gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay feels stale and doesn't bring anything revolutionary to the table.”
    • “Despite the developers' attempts to diversify civilizations and introduce unique mechanics for each, many of these efforts fall flat in practice.”
  • story
    2,592 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of Age of Empires IV has received mixed reviews from players. Many appreciate the engaging historical narratives and the documentary-style cutscenes that provide context and educational value, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players feel that the missions lack depth and character development, often feeling repetitive and disconnected, with a focus on scripted events rather than immersive storytelling. Overall, while the campaign offers a visually impressive and informative journey through history, it may not satisfy those seeking a more character-driven narrative akin to previous titles in the series.

    • “The campaigns are incredibly well-crafted, combining historical narratives with challenging missions that push you to think critically and adapt your strategies.”
    • “The cinematic storytelling and documentary-style videos add an educational layer that’s surprisingly fun.”
    • “The campaign is great offering a variety of missions and little documentaries you can watch in-between missions after unlocking it.”
    • “The campaign is pretty bad with there being no story to it whatsoever, the game actually feels like a complete downgrade from the 3rd one, mostly all of it feels really hollow and that they removed so many features.”
    • “The campaigns so far seem simplistic with missions that are no way close to the complexity of aoe2.”
    • “Story missions should have been like previous games instead of this pseudo documentary immersion breaking format.”
  • music
    660 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Age of Empires IV has received mixed reviews, with many praising its dynamic and immersive qualities, particularly the unique soundtracks for each civilization that evolve with gameplay. While some players find the orchestral compositions and historical authenticity to be outstanding, others feel that the music lacks the memorable charm of previous entries in the series, particularly Age of Empires II. Overall, the sound design is generally regarded as top-notch, enhancing the game's atmosphere and gameplay experience.

    • “The clashing swords, booming trebuchets, and epic music made me feel like I was in the middle of an actual battle, and honestly, it made everything more immersive than I expected.”
    • “The music adapts dynamically to the ebb and flow of gameplay, heightening the emotional impact of each strategic decision and triumphant conquest.”
    • “The sound design is probably the best in any game I've played, with each faction having unique music and unit sounds after each age up.”
    • “The music is garbage with some little dog whistles to remind older players like me of the aoe2 days but it just isn't hitting the spot, just feels like a marketing gimmick.”
    • “The ui is completely soulless and garbage, as well as the music which is just droning ambient lameness.”
    • “Overall I will say it's a pretty good game, although I find it very lacking in the music department.”
  • optimization
    600 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance on various systems, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and poor performance on lower-end hardware. Many users noted that while the graphics are visually appealing, the game can be resource-intensive, leading to performance drops, especially in multiplayer scenarios or during large-scale battles. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others find the optimization lacking and in need of further improvements.

    • “The graphics are nice to look at, the sound effects and music are pleasant and the game is well optimized and quite stable.”
    • “From a performance standpoint, I can play with everything maxed out, and it's perfectly smooth.”
    • “The game plays very smooth, well optimized so it runs really well and looks really nice.”
    • “This game has a lot of bugs, and the unit operation optimization is terrible.”
    • “Not optimized at all, keeps crashing for no reason.”
    • “The optimization of this game is terrible.”
  • stability
    448 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has been a mixed bag, with many users reporting persistent bugs and glitches that affect gameplay, particularly in multiplayer modes. While some players note improvements and a smoother experience compared to the initial launch, others continue to experience frequent crashes, freezes, and unresponsive AI. Overall, the game is seen as still needing significant updates to address these ongoing stability issues.

    • “The game runs great and is damn satisfying after you get a bit more into the different civs and their strengths.”
    • “Is as expected, performs well, almost no glitches or failures.”
    • “Bug free, no glitches, and silky smooth homage to the old games in this saga.”
    • “Terrible gameplay, tons of glitches even after years. Microsoft ruined this IP for sure; do not waste your time in multiplayer.”
    • “The sheer amount of bugs, glitches, weird crashes, and balance issues makes you think this is some early access instead of an actual release.”
    • “This game is beyond buggy; I tried it for their free game period and quit due to frustration with the sheer amount of bugs.”
  • replayability
    296 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is highly praised, with many players noting its endless options through skirmishes, multiplayer battles, and custom mods. The introduction of new civilizations and dynamic campaigns enhances the experience, providing significant strategic depth and variety. However, some users express a desire for more playable factions and improvements to single-player content, indicating that while the multiplayer aspect offers high replay value, the single-player experience may feel lacking.

    • “💡 Endless replayability: skirmishes, multiplayer battles, and custom mods ensure you’ll never run out of ways to play.”
    • “The latest updates and DLCs have taken the game to the next level, introducing new civilizations, campaigns, and mechanics that add depth and replayability.”
    • “The matchmaking system ensures fair and balanced matches, while the deep strategic gameplay provides endless replayability.”
    • “Game is entirely designed around multiplayer and has 0 replayability.”
    • “Waste of money and time, the main campaign is just a fragmented tutorial with no replay value.”
    • “Age of empire 4 has almost 0 replay value for singleplayer...why not make a game good for people who don't like to play the multiplayer option.”
  • grinding
    254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is a mixed experience; while some players appreciate the streamlined mechanics and find enjoyment in resource farming and troop building, many others criticize the repetitive and tedious nature of grinding, particularly in multiplayer and campaign modes. The need for extensive micromanagement and the grind for achievements or civilization mastery are frequently mentioned as frustrating aspects that detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, players suggest that while the game has improved in some areas, it still requires significant time investment and can feel monotonous.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “Until AOE4, which follows other ventures where constant grinding is the only key to success.”
    • “Furthermore, the AI is still a bit wonky, and some of the campaign missions have a tendency to turn into tedious slogs where you basically just grind through endless waves of enemies until a timer expires.”
    • “What a tedious and frustrating task this game is compared to prior iterations.”
  • humor
    166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition" is a standout feature, with players enjoying witty one-liners from units, amusing historical references, and chaotic multiplayer moments that lead to laughter. The game is filled with funny animations, quirky unit interactions, and unexpected scenarios that keep the experience light-hearted and entertaining, making it accessible for players of all skill levels. Overall, the blend of humor and strategy creates a uniquely enjoyable atmosphere that resonates with both new and veteran players.

    • “In conclusion, Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a hilarious romp through history, filled with epic battles, questionable fashion choices, and enough strategy to make Machiavelli blush.”
    • “From witty one-liners from your units to hilarious historical references, this game had us laughing out loud more than once.”
    • “It's silly, it's irreverent, and it's absolutely hilarious.”
    • “AI levels are so unbalanced it's not funny. The units don't counter well, and I noticed the AI on easy was harder to kill, which is really odd. This is the only game I struggled on easy, so I will not dare play on medium.”
  • monetization
    104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" that capitalizes on nostalgia without offering substantial new content. While there are no microtransactions or in-game purchases, which some players appreciate, the overall sentiment suggests that the game feels incomplete and lacks the depth expected from a sequel, leading to disappointment among long-time fans. Despite the absence of aggressive monetization strategies, the perception of the game as a lazy reboot persists, overshadowing its positive features.

    • “There are no microtransactions, which is a big plus, and the game has very high replay value thanks to its dynamic multiplayer modes and varying campaign missions.”
    • “I have thoroughly enjoyed the mastery challenges and the ability to unlock new cosmetic customization through gameplay as opposed to in-game purchases.”
    • “No loot boxes, no microtransactions, no battle pass; I appreciate that there is no in-game paid content in a video game market saturated with obnoxious incentives to pay beyond the base price.”
    • “This game ultimately was a cash grab by Microsoft that was meant to attract the competitive/esports Starcraft 2 crowd, and it didn't really succeed in that because the devs missed the point of what Age of Empires was.”
    • “Just a cash grab and an insult to the legacy of Age of Empires, 4 thumbs down.”
    • “The game feels like a cheap cash grab, because the makers know we Age of Empires fans will buy it no matter what.”
  • atmosphere
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in Age of Empires IV is widely praised for its immersive sound design, detailed visuals, and historical authenticity, which collectively enhance the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the vibrant art style and the atmospheric music that complements the battles, although some feel the removal of certain features has impacted the overall ambiance. Overall, the game successfully evokes a deep medieval atmosphere, making it engaging for both new and veteran players.

    • “The atmosphere, however, is very immersive, with detailed maps and period-appropriate visuals drawing you into each battle.”
    • “From the clash of swords to the stirring soundtrack, Age of Empires IV's sound design enhances the atmosphere and authenticity of battles.”
    • “The game's sound design is equally impressive, with fitting music, ambient sounds, and realistic battle cries that further enhance the atmosphere and immerse players in the world of the game.”
    • “Since AOE4 no longer has the city/card system and in general has a very different atmosphere compared to AOE3.”
    • “I do understand that in a multiplayer setting the music is irrelevant, probably even distracting, but in single player I was missing some of the atmosphere that the earlier games were able to provide through the background music.”
    • “Artistically, it feels a bit lukewarm/safe and creates an atmosphere that doesn't match the high quality of the game.”
  • emotional
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of Age of Empires IV evokes a mix of nostalgia and immersion, with players appreciating the dynamic music and polished presentation that heighten the experience of strategic gameplay. While some feel a lack of emotional depth in the single-player campaigns compared to previous titles, others find joy in the historical storytelling and character connections. Overall, the game successfully rekindles feelings of excitement and awe reminiscent of earlier entries in the series, despite some critiques regarding its focus on multiplayer and gameplay mechanics.

    • “The music adapts dynamically to the ebb and flow of gameplay, heightening the emotional impact of each strategic decision and triumphant conquest.”
    • “As someone that has been playing games of this series for over 15 years now, this game made me feel that childlike awe and blood boiling war lust once again. This game has put in pretty much all the things kid me would've wished for in the earlier games, in terms of presentation, details, and atmosphere, AOE4 is definitely at the top.”
    • “It really made me feel invested in the characters.”
  • character development
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is generally viewed as lacking, with reviewers noting that while the campaign features beautiful designs and a variety of civilizations, it fails to create a strong emotional connection to the characters. The historical accuracy and minimal dialogue contribute to a vague portrayal of the main characters, resulting in less investment from players compared to previous titles like Age of Empires 3, which offered more engaging personal narratives. Overall, the campaign is praised for its aesthetics but criticized for its weak character development.

    • “Beautiful campaign, beautiful character designs and variety of civs/options.”
    • “Unlike Age of Empires 3, which took liberties to create a fictional search for the fountain of youth and had good personal character development, this was more historically accurate and vague for the main characters.”
    • “The timeline is spread out much more, and there's very little character development.”
    • “There's also much less holding each mission together over a campaign, as the timeline is spread out much more and there's very little character development.”
    • “Campaigns are amazing, but lacking in any sort of character development.”
    • “Down to the bland and weird architecture and character designs.”

82%Critics’ scoreBased on 38 critic reviews

Buy Age of Empires IV

23h Median play time
112h Average play time
5-100h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 202 analyzed playthroughs

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