Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game from Forgotten Empires. The game was released in 2019 and is available on PC with the Windows operating system. The project is the actual reissue of Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, but with improved visuals and additional content.

Graphics

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has received its re-release in 4K resolution and with improved graphics, which has greatly benefited it. The picture looks not ultra-modern, but quite decent. All models are worked out in detail, it is intuitively clear what kind of building or unit is being used at the moment.

The color rendition is not bad, close to realistic. There are questions about working with light, but they are lost during massive tactical battles. Due to the presentation format of the picture (top to bottom and slightly at an angle), there is simply no way to see the illumination.

In some moments of the game, the tones are not chosen very organically. For example, the tents and tents are highlighted in a particularly acidic color. Of course, this is necessary for proper positioning of them on the map, but it looks repulsive.

Gameplay

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition miraculously intertwines computer strategy with real history. Everything here is tied up as much as possible under realism and compliance with the canons of the past. The events of the game begin in the Stone Age and end with our days.

The gameplay is familiar and straightforward. The player needs to build fortifications and buildings for various purposes: from farms and residential buildings to educational centers. Also, the management of the residents is transferred into the hands of the user: they need to be hired, sent to work. To develop, you have to explore the map and learn new technologies. If this is not done in time, the enemy will be the first to do it, and then death cannot be avoided!

There are several game modes: campaign, single and multiplayer. Playing against AI, you can practice, learn the mechanics of the project. Difficulty level is adjustable. It is more difficult to play against real opponents, games can last for hours, but the result is worth it.

A useful innovation in comparison with the original game is the ability to create task queues for workers. This significantly speeds up the gameplay, especially in multiplayer mode. Also, with this innovation, it became more convenient to fight without being distracted by routine affairs in their lands.

Another nice bonus - farms are replenished automatically. This may seem like a minor improvement at first, but in practice it significantly increases the dynamics of the game and simplifies micromanagement.

Campaigns

The feature of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is its historicity, so the campaigns here are themed too. They repeat the events that actually happened, but leave the ending open - the result depends on the player's actions. For example, a gamer is invited to plunge into the history of Joan of Arc or test their strength during the clashes of North American civilizations.

During campaigns, in contrast to the single-player sandbox mode, the player is limited to a certain time period. Going through these missions, you can find many interesting references and easter eggs, learn new interesting historical facts.

A total of 24 campaigns and 16 historical battles are available in the game. This is more than enough to engage in the plot for a long time and not distract from the screen for dozens of game hours.

Features

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a leisurely and attractive project filled with interesting features:

• Players can decide for themselves which AI will fight - classic or reworked. The original computer opponent has certain bonuses from the start and does not disdain "dirty" gaming techniques. The new AI is smarter, more like a real person in the process of battles.
• There is a rating system in multiplayer. Battles "for status" are highlighted in a separate block, regular matches through the lobby are not counted here.
• There are 35 different civilizations to choose from in the game. Each of them is historically competent and well balanced for multiplayer play.
• Character models are superbly worked out. For example, each combat unit is a separate 3D model, which was fixed in 32 different positions to create a full-fledged 3D image.
• The remaster contains all the DLCs from the original game at once and even a little more! The player does not have to spend a dime on add-ons.
• Maps have become much more detailed. Natural barriers have appeared, the landscape has become more interesting.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is designed for modern gamers. She is beautiful, customizable, with the ability to play with both AI and other players. Taking the time to do it is definitely worth it, especially if you like strategies.