Graphically, Age of Empires 4 takes a different approach compared to prior Relic Entertainment games and it's certainly quite different to AOE3, which was very advanced for its time period. That said, it's this combination of simplicity and evolution that makes the game easy to pick up and play without worrying so much about build order or micro-management. There is added depth here, but by and large this feels very familiar to play and not overly complex. However, most of the core combat and unit archetypes are straight out of AOE2, with the same emphasis on 'rock paper scissors' that we have seen before. On top of that, there's some great new siege gameplay for taking and occupying walls. Yes, it has new elements like stances for infantry formations, while advancing ages allows you to choose specific wonders that you can build with a variety of gameplay bonuses. As I see it, this new game is largely a throwback in gameplay terms, but in a good way. It would be easy to diminish Age of Empires' core gameplay loop with layers of complexity that it does not need. However, the key strength of AOE4 is its gameplay. The addition of this extra layer of history doubles down on one of the series' strengths - drawing inspiration from actual historical events and scenarios, setting it apart from the more usual fantasy or sci-fi RTS fare. These videos describe the historical context and impact of what is happening in the game, with integrated animations adding further spice. Accompanying the gameplay are some well-produced 4K HDR live action documentary pieces that ready you for the mission ahead. This campaign is impressive, starting from the Norman invasion of England in 1066 and straddling a further 200 years of history, taking you through a variety of historical battles and actions from the perspective of the various victors. Even the initial Norman campaign has several defining moments sculpted by the developer to teach the player more about the game's micro and macro management. On top of that, there's a dedicated training game type, which goes deeper into how AOE4 works. As the game starts up, players are immediately introduced to the basic mechanics of the game, teaching you the staples such as resource collecting, technology and the various units' strengths and weaknesses.
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Overall, the game is excellent with much to commend it, delivering an experience that should satisfy series stalwarts while also gently introducing the game to newcomers.
The Age of Empires series has so much history behind it that Relic Entertainment faced a huge challenge in resurrecting the franchise, especially in the wake of the successful remasters for the second and third games. The game is well worth checking out and I really enjoyed playing it, but I honestly feel that key improvements need to be made from a technological standpoint. But the good news is that Age of Empires has returned with a fourth series entry, with RTS powerhouse developer Relic at the conn. It has been more that 16 years since the last major Age of Empires - and in that time we've seen the demise of franchise creator Ensemble Studios and a general shift in the design of real-time strategy games.
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