Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion Trial Version includes one standard multiplayer game (King of the Hill on a Yucatan Map), one single player campaign scenario (Montezuma One), and two. Age of Empires is an epic real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years, in which players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of small stone age tribes. Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into great civilizations.
Third edition from Microsoft's Ensemble Studios brings well crafted RTS
Age Of Empires 2 Trial Version Download
Age of Empires is a long standing RTS with a great pedigree and the third edition is no different. Players choose one of eight playable nations and progress through building a colony city and raising it up through time from the Discovery Age up to the Imperial age. Players gather resources, building buildings and raise up armies to oppose their enemies on the map. Each nation has specialties and unique units / buildings. Spanish elite units, for example have the Espada Rodelero, Garrochista Lancer, and Tercio Pikeman which no other Nation has access to. The units and buildings are all historically accurate and are generally represented correctly within the game.
Game Play
Age of Empires III doesn't hold many surprises for any player familiar with the RTS genre, but it does have a few interesting unique mechanics. Players will build buildings, gather numerous resources and train up an army, but the way to gain access to more buildings and units is to advance tot he next age. Each 'upgrade' from one age to the next has a set resource cost associated with it and will allow the player access to that age's new units and buildings. Players will have to make a decision as to whether to spend their resources on upgrades or on more lower cost units in their current age. Apart from the active city that the player is building there is a second 'Home' city that can be upgraded, is persistent across missions and garners several benefits. Shipments of materials and troops are the most common way for the Home City to help its offshoot. Other interesting ideas is a Political system that will make different effects in game and aid the player.
Presentation
Age of Empire III is a great looking game, fully 3D with the ability to zoom in and see what all your workers are up to in their daily lives. Zoom out and watch your army clash with the enemy on sprawling battle lines. Models are detailed and towns are full scale buildings instead of the caricature of buildings that some RTS games rely on to represent their structures. The result will be a city that looks like a city populated by to-scale workers, soldiers and horses. This is a great looking game that scales very well. There aren't any cut scenes apart from the opening trailer.
Pros
- Diverse units, buildings and nations have lots of tactical options to explore and exploit
- Visually stunning game with large towns and detailed models
- Great additional mechanics with the Home City and Politics systems
Cons
- Length of games might be a little much for some players just wanting a casual experience
- Large tech trees and many different systems mean a learning curve for new players
Fans of the original Age of Empires II are going to love this high-definition remake. Better graphics, improved performance, and Steam Workshop support make this game more modern and just as addictive as ever.
Real time strategy
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Age of Empires II: HD Edition is a modern update to the series that made real-time strategy games mainstream.
The Age of Empires franchise dates back to 1997. Despite no major release for the series since 2005, it’s still going strong with Age of Empires II: HD Edition. This remaster by Forgotten Empires adds support for widescreens and newer operating systems. Keep an eye out for increased map sizes and populations as well. That ought to perk up some ears and get the bloodbath started. Age of Empires II is a modern update to the series that made real-time strategy games mainstream.
Fans should expect plenty of new features that are well worth the price tag. Steam Workshop support is a huge addition that increases modding community engagement. It has revived the multiplayer community, making it easier to dominate opponents online. Forgotten Empires is bringing fresh content to the game with its new expansion packs. They’ve added 12 new civilizations so far and dozens of new maps. Fans of the original’s campaigns will be pleased with the new, fully-voiced exploits on the campaign menu. The game’s charming, early-millenium visuals are still intact. This remaster doesn’t buff up graphics like other HD remakes. While Resident Evil and Final Fantasy received a visual overhaul, Age of Empires did not.
Where can you run this program?
You’ll see that Forgotten Empires, the studio behind this HD remake, has only released the game for Windows PCs running Windows Vista or later.Is there a better alternative?
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Not at all. Age of Empires is the definitive real-time strategy series. If you’re looking for similar games, check out Rise of Nations, Command & Conquer, or StarCraft.
Our take
This remake doesn’t vary much from the original game. If you download the update, it’d be to get access to the new content that comes along with it. It is definitely worth it.
Should you download it?
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Yes, even if you’ve never played the original. Age of Empires II: HD Edition is a classic game updated for a new generation.