Relic is trying to strike a balance between these two types of fans. Some players like the classic gameplay of Age of Empires II, which was a clear evolution of the first game, while others are a fan of the new gameplay elements added in the third instalment. The reception to all these new mechanics was mixed to say the least, which created two separate fanbases within the Age of Empires community. Stacked unit productions, a card systems, smaller maps and armies, hero units and less macro heavy economies. Back in the day – in 2005 – Ensemble Studios released Age of Empires III with a lot of new mechanics. A balance between old and new, a balance between Age of Empires II and Age of Empires III. It’s very clear from the very first minutes when playing Age of Empires IV the goal was to create a balance. With Age of Empires this is no different, as just like first person shooters, real time strategy games have been around for quite some time. Xbox fans know this all too well regarding Halo.

Relic Entertainment is owned by Sega and is mostly known for their Company of Heroes titles.Ĭreating a new game in a well established franchise isn’t an easy task. The latter is often seen as one of the last bastions of large strategy game studios. The former is a new studio within Microsoft established in 2018 overseeing the Age of Empires franchise. The developers of Age of Empires IV are World’s Edge and Relic Entertainment.

And my impressions of the first ‘new’ Age of Empires game to release in over 16 years? The past few days I’ve been playing the Age of Empires IV Technical Stress Test. The neighbours have built a new shed, the street has been renovated and while you were away your house got a new coat of paint. It’s like coming home after a long vacation.Ī sense of familiarity, sure – but certain things have changed.

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