Age of Empires

Name: Age of Empires
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Platform: PC
Release Year: 1997
Stephen's Rating: 5/10

Basic Plot

There was no plot other than a series of empires battling each other.

Gameplay

Age of Empires is a real time strategy game. The game involves picking an ancient empire and battling against others in a contest to destroy each other's civilization.

During the game you could research better and more powerful technology. This was defined by reaching new "ages" as you played. These ages included the:

• Stone Age
• Tool Age
• Bronze Age
• Iron Age

Players started with a handful of workers and ascended to control an Iron Age empire and destroy their opponents. There were 12 empires to choose from and these were divided into four architectural groups, but ultimately each empire had similar units.

Resources were gathered to fund your empire and these included stone, wood, gold, and food. You spend your resources researching new technology, building soldiers to engage your enemy, and also structures and buildings which could help either by providing defence (walls, towers) or technology/economy.

The game included four single player campaigns which set the player several challenges to complete, as well as "Random" battles against AI opponents. There was also extensive multiplayer support for battling your friends.

The game came with a Scenario Builder, and players around the world created maps and scenarios to share.

Positives

The use of "ages" was unique and interesting. I can see where the game was trying to go; treading the line between Civilization and Warcraft. It was a fairly well balanced and epic real time strategy.

Negatives

One of the major pitfalls of the game is the lack of variety between the empires you choose to play as. Unlike Warcraft or Starcraft or even Command and Conquer the empire choice you made was largely meaningless and you had the same selection of units to pick from (perhaps with some minor changes).

I found the game less precise and satisfying than other games in the same genre.

Memorable Moments

None. I played a lot more of Age of Mythology.