Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
- February 20, 2018
- 10h median play time
Ever wanted to found an empire? To craft a civilisation that will stand the test of time and be a beacon of hope to all who follow?
"Age of Empires: Definitive Edition" is a strategy game with updated campaign content, taking about 10 hours to complete the single-player mode. It offers over 40 hours of updated campaign content, 4K HD visuals, and improved animations. The game also includes online multiplayer for up to 8 players and a scenario builder for creativity.
PC
Reviews
- Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a well-crafted remake that preserves the original feel while enhancing graphics and sound, providing a nostalgic experience for fans.
- The game features engaging campaigns and a variety of historical scenarios, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans of the series.
- The installation process through Amazon is straightforward, and the game runs well on Windows 10 for many users, offering a beautiful visual upgrade.
- The game suffers from frequent crashes and poor pathfinding, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially for those unfamiliar with the original mechanics.
- Many users report issues with the installation process, including problems redeeming codes and a lack of customer support from both Amazon and Microsoft.
- Despite the visual upgrades, the game lacks significant improvements in AI and gameplay mechanics compared to more modern titles, leaving some players disappointed.
- graphics24 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful and detailed visuals that enhance the replayability of old missions. However, some players feel that despite the graphical upgrades, the game does not meet modern standards and lacks customizable options, leaving players limited to their system's default settings. Overall, while the graphics are generally well-received, there are concerns about their ability to fully modernize the experience.
“The graphics are amazing and the new features are great, but the developers did a great job at preserving the game.”
“The graphics are beautiful.”
“Smooth, spectacular graphics, great audio, immersive campaign.”
“There are no graphics options in the game’s settings to change the video resolution, bit depth, or refresh rate.”
“You’re sort of stuck at whatever graphics your computer is set up for.”
“But the worst part is the graphics.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a mixed bag; while it retains the addictive RTS mechanics and offers engaging missions alongside impressive remastered graphics, it suffers from superficial updates that fail to address the advancements in the genre since its original release. The in-depth scenario and campaign editor provides extensive replayability, but newcomers may find the civilization diversity lacking and the overall design dated.
“In-depth scenario and campaign editor gives you endless hours of gameplay.”
“Addictive RTS gameplay still stands up today, with varied and engaging missions, impressive 4K-friendly remastered graphics, and packed with single-player campaigns and multiplayer options.”
“Beautiful new graphics, minor smart gameplay tweaks, and plenty of 'wololo' make for an enjoyable experience.”
“New features help refresh the dated gameplay.”
“Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a functional and faithful nostalgia trip for fans of the original release, but newcomers to the genre will be disappointed by the shallow civilization diversity and annoyed by the dated design and mechanics.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's music has received high praise for its orchestral remastering, effectively capturing the historical vibe and enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers appreciate the updated soundtrack, which complements the classic RTS action and aligns well with the game's visual upgrades. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the enjoyment of both solo and online gameplay.
“I also love the game's music that plays in the background.”
“It was nicely remastered by a great orchestra playing the music.”
“The soundtrack sets the historical vibe well.”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is enhanced by engaging and varied missions, supported by impressive remastered graphics that breathe new life into classic content. Players appreciate the addictive RTS gameplay and the depth of single-player campaigns, although some have noted issues with unit behavior during attacks. Overall, the narrative experience is enriched by the detailed presentation and replayability of old missions.
“The story is engaging and keeps you invested in the characters and their journeys.”
“The narrative is rich and immersive, making each mission feel meaningful.”
“The character development throughout the game adds depth to the overall story experience.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks coherence, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving me with little emotional investment in their journeys.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises or excitement.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, including frequent freezes, unexpected crashes, and failure to launch. Many express frustration over the lack of customer support for troubleshooting these persistent problems.
“But it freezes, closes unexpectedly, or simply doesn't run.”
“No customer support or anyone to talk to about troubleshooting and getting the product I paid for.”
“I followed the troubleshooting and installation guidelines over and over again, just to get the same error message.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is perceived as reasonable at $20, but users express frustration over the lack of clear communication regarding additional costs and support options, leading to dissatisfaction with customer service experiences.
“This was well worth $20... if only there was a way to add to the page you have to use other apps for other gaming platforms up front on the screen that is advertising this game or add it to a confirmation screen. Most of this could have been avoided, but I guess the cost in labor for a chat representative, a social media exchange, and two representatives on the phone for this three-hour ordeal is far less than the $20 and a very unhappy customer.”
Critic Reviews
The Historical RTS Has Never Been Better
Ever wanted to found an empire? To craft a civilisation that will stand the test of time and be a beacon of hope to all who follow?
80%Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Review
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is a very faithful remake that captures every single quality of the original title. That means you're getting a wonderful new presentation alongside all of the blemishes of the past.
60%Age of Empires: Definitive Edition Review
While Age of Empires was once the best game of its kind, the Definitive Edition’s changes are only superficial, ignoring the gameplay advancements that have improved the genre since 1997. As such, only existing fans will fully appreciate it.
70%
