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- Xbox Game Studios
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- Xbox Game Studios
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- Xbox Game Studios
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Released On: Nov 14, 2019
84
8.8
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 34 Critic Reviews
84
91% Positive
31 Reviews
31 Reviews
3% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 34 Critic Reviews
84
91% Positive
31 Reviews
31 Reviews
3% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Only few creators can show off with such a good remaster as the creators of Age of Empires. The second instalment almost didn’t age, and its already great gameplay was perfected. [Issue#301]
Age of Empires II is a game that has demonstrably lasted the test of time and arguably didn’t need an update; even in its original form it remains a real staple of the real-time strategy genre. However, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has taken that winning formula and ever-so-slightly tweaked it; not enough to disrupt anything that makes the game some great in the first place, but just enough to bring the game into the modern day.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 457 User Ratings
8.8
89% Positive
405 Ratings
405 Ratings
7% Mixed
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
5% Negative
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 457 User Ratings
8.8
89% Positive
405 Ratings
405 Ratings
7% Mixed
30 Ratings
30 Ratings
5% Negative
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – The Pinnacle of Strategy Gaming
If there’s one strategy game you must play, it's Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. This masterpiece from Microsoft and Forgotten Empires isn't just a remake; it's a testament to how deep and timeless real-time strategy can be. Since its original release in 1999, AoE2 has drawn players into a complex web of medieval conquest, tactical decisions, and iconic units – and the Definitive Edition takes everything great about it and elevates it further.
The Ultimate Balance of Complexity and Accessibility
What makes AoE2 legendary is its perfect balance. New players can dive in, build a few town centers, and create an army without feeling overwhelmed, while experienced players can explore intricate strategies that keep them engaged for years. Whether you’re pushing with a scout rush in Feudal Age, harassing villagers with knights in Castle Age, or managing trebuchets and mass units in the Imperial Age, each moment feels critical and satisfying.
Endless Replayability
With 35+ civilizations, each with unique strengths and a balanced roster of units, AoE2 offers endless ways to experiment with strategies. Want to play as the Franks and lead unstoppable knights, or perhaps try the Britons with unmatched longbowmen? Every civilization has a distinct playstyle, making each match feel fresh. And with various game modes, from campaign missions to multiplayer matches, you’re never short on options.
Stunning Visuals and Audio
The Definitive Edition has given AoE2 a beautiful visual upgrade. The units are clearer, animations smoother, and environments richer. And the music? Pure nostalgia. That iconic soundtrack has been remastered to match the grand scale of your empire, creating an atmosphere that pulls you into the age of kings and conquerors.
Multiplayer and AI That Keep You on Your Toes
Playing against other people is thrilling, with so many ways to challenge yourself. But if multiplayer isn’t your thing, the AI is formidable, offering a solid challenge that doesn’t feel unfair. Whether you’re facing the hard AI or the intimidating hardest setting, every match is a satisfying test of your skills.
The Verdict
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition isn’t just a game; it's a rite of passage for anyone who loves strategy. It’s a blend of nostalgia and polish, a bridge between classic RTS mechanics and modern-day refinement. If you’re only going to play one strategy game, make it this one. The medieval battlefield awaits – the question is, will you answer the call?
Why Age of Empires II Stands the Test of Time
One of the most remarkable qualities of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is its ability to remain relevant and beloved across generations. While newer games may chase high-octane graphics or lean on gimmicks, AoE2 embraces the roots of real-time strategy, relying on masterfully crafted mechanics that feel just as gripping today as they did over two decades ago. There’s a reason why this game still holds a prominent place in esports tournaments, content creation, and global gaming communities. Each game becomes a memorable journey, and with the Definitive Edition’s continuous updates, the developers keep refining and expanding that journey, offering something new even to the most seasoned players.
Campaigns that Bring History to Life
The campaign mode in AoE2: DE deserves its own spotlight. With over 200 hours of content across historic campaigns, players experience some of history's most epic stories firsthand. From Joan of Arc's defense of France to Genghis Khan's conquest of Asia, each campaign has been painstakingly researched and designed to immerse players in real historical events. You’re not just building an empire; you’re stepping into the roles of legendary leaders and experiencing the turning points of medieval history. And with updated voice acting and cinematics, the narrative is richer and more immersive than ever.
A Thriving Community and Modding Scene
The AoE2 community is one of the most dedicated in gaming. It’s common to find thousands of active players sharing strategies, organizing tournaments, and creating mods that add entire new dimensions to gameplay. The Definitive Edition seamlessly integrates mods, allowing you to personalize and tweak almost every aspect of the game. Whether you want to add custom maps, rework civilizations, or download new campaigns, the modding community has something for everyone. This ongoing dedication from fans has turned AoE2 into not just a game but a continually evolving platform.
Enhanced UI and Quality-of-Life Features
Long-time players will appreciate the attention to detail in the UI and quality-of-life upgrades. The game includes features like an automatic farm queue, unit queuing, and easier access to hotkeys, allowing you to focus more on strategy than micromanagement. The UI is cleaner and more responsive, presenting information in a way that’s accessible to beg
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Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is the best Age of Empires 2 on the market.
It is the best version of an epic game that has made the history of RTS and the worthy celebration of its twentieth anniversary.
One of the best strategy games ever made is back with additions that, even if small, give us a reason to rediscover it.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition brings the 1999 classic into 2019 with admirable grace. The developers manage to introduce very positive changes without radically altering that gameplay which has enthralled legions of fans for decades. Despite some issues, this is an exemplary remastering of a past title.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has the content to keep you entertained for a time. Unfortunately, the visuals and core mechanics are woefully behind 20 years after its initial release. It's a nostalgia trip for fans given the low price, but it's lacking in this new age of strategy games.
A masterclass in taking an old classic and improving it in every dimension including graphic, game design, interface, performance, unit AI, AI Adversaries, balance, competitive features, content, continuous updates and far more. This is a labour of love and it shows. Easily the best remaster I've ever seen. It now has an active community and competitive scene bigger than even modern recent RTSes. The game aged like fine wine in a barrel and it's now been bottled for public consumption. And I have to say, this vintage is drinking very, very well indeed!
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PC
No doubt about it: 'Age of Empires II' is an excellent game. It is iconic, it has rocked many generations of players around the world, it had some genius ideas and its graphics were pretty impressive at that time. But now we are speaking of the Definitive Edition which compiles all DLCs and offers '4K ultra HD remastered graphics'.
First, none of these two last informations appear to be true. Graphics are far from being '4K ultra HD' even if you activate the 'Enhanced Graphics Pack' because yes, it isn't included in the main pack game on Steam, you have to 'manually' activate it as you do it for regular add-ons. Just zoom a bit on characters and you will quickly see what an awful bunch of pixels looks like. Furthermore they released a new DLC in January 'Lord of the West'. It costs 10€ in addition to the 20 that the game already demands. Just indecent. Plus can somebody explain me what is the point of releasing a 'Definitive Edition' if you add some more content right after? Plus this game originally came out in 1999 on PC and 2001 on PS2, don't you think it is time to let it go? They already made a 'HD Edition' back in 2013! That's enough! The last DLC only includes two new civilizations and three solo missions, come on! Can you please let this game live without asking money for each and every detail you add ? Can't you fix long-term flaws like the poor pathfinding or the many reported bugs ?
Anyway I have to admit that the few added animations like the buildings falling apart while being destroyed is great. But it is nothing compared to what the game truly needs in order to be perfect. The nostalgia is definitely here but yeah, play it for some hours and you will quickly discover that this game truly is more than 20 years old.
I truly love it but I can't stand the way players are treated here. Does this nostalgia approach truly needs to be that glitchy and greedy? It's just sad.
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The AI is so good that, to be honest, gamers are busier than in previous versions. This is a plus, but they haven't capitalized on it.
The problem is the campaigns. The AI in the campaign is split between stupid and very good. There's no decent difficulty level, and the resource gathering and defense leaves no room for historical fun.
Gamers who are good at custom games and multiplayer will have no problem with this, but for a campaign-oriented gamer like me, it's not even enjoyable, which is why I gave it a low score. I'll be putting it away to wait for a mod with campaign tweaks or a long wait for a patch.
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Summary Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, a new and fully remastered soundtrack, and brand-new content, “The Last Khans” with 3 new campaigns and 4 new civilizations.
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PC
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date: Nov 14, 2019
Developer:
- Forgotten Empires LLC
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Genres: