Hey guys! So, you're wondering if Age of Empires 4 is still worth diving into in 2024? Let's break it down. The legendary Age of Empires franchise has been a cornerstone of the RTS genre for decades, and the fourth installment had some big shoes to fill. Now that the initial hype has settled, it's time to take an honest look at what AoE4 brings to the table and whether it’s a worthwhile experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. This article will cover everything you need to know.

What Makes Age of Empires 4 Special?

Age of Empires 4 brought a mix of classic RTS gameplay with modern enhancements. One of the standout features is its focus on historical accuracy. The game includes meticulously researched civilizations, each with unique units, technologies, and playstyles. This attention to detail makes each game feel like a history lesson, as you learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different cultures throughout the ages. For example, playing as the English might involve building strong defensive castles and fielding powerful longbowmen, while the Mongols focus on raiding and cavalry tactics. This asymmetry between civilizations adds depth and replayability, as mastering each faction requires a different approach.

Another key element is the game's accessibility. While it retains the core mechanics of resource gathering, building, and combat that fans love, Age of Empires 4 introduces improved tutorials and a streamlined user interface. This makes it easier for new players to jump in and learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. The art style, while initially controversial, is clean and visually appealing, making it easy to distinguish units and buildings on the battlefield. The developers have also made significant efforts to improve the AI, providing a challenging experience even for experienced RTS players.

Moreover, Age of Empires 4 has seen continuous updates and improvements since its release. New civilizations, maps, and game modes have been added, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The developers have also listened to community feedback, addressing balance issues and making tweaks to improve the overall experience. This commitment to ongoing support is a major plus, as it shows that the game is not just a one-off release but a continuously evolving platform.

Gameplay: Classic RTS with a Modern Twist

Let’s dive deeper into the gameplay. Age of Empires 4 retains the core elements that make the RTS genre so addictive: resource management, base building, and strategic combat. You start with a humble town center and a handful of villagers, and your goal is to expand your empire, gather resources, construct buildings, and train an army to crush your opponents. The game features four resources: food, wood, gold, and stone, each essential for different aspects of your economy and military.

One of the key strategic elements is choosing which technologies to research. Each civilization has a unique tech tree, offering different upgrades that can significantly impact your gameplay. For example, you might choose to focus on economic upgrades to boost your resource production, or you might prioritize military technologies to gain an edge in combat. The decision of how to allocate your resources and which technologies to research is crucial for success.

Combat in Age of Empires 4 is both strategic and tactical. You need to consider the composition of your army, the terrain, and the strengths and weaknesses of your units. Different units have different roles, such as archers for ranged damage, cavalry for flanking attacks, and infantry for holding the line. Positioning your units effectively and using terrain to your advantage can make a big difference in battle. The game also features siege weapons, such as trebuchets and bombards, which can be used to destroy enemy fortifications and break through defenses.

The game also introduces the concept of Landmarks, which are unique buildings that provide significant bonuses. Each civilization has access to different Landmarks, and choosing which ones to build can greatly influence your strategic direction. For example, the English can build the King's Palace, which provides additional defensive capabilities, while the Delhi Sultanate can build the House of Learning, which boosts research speed. These Landmarks add another layer of strategic depth to the game.

Civilizations: A Diverse Roster

The civilizations in Age of Empires 4 are one of its strongest assets. Each civilization is distinct, with unique units, technologies, and playstyles. This diversity makes each game feel fresh and exciting, as you need to adapt your strategies depending on which civilization you are playing against.

For example, the English are a defensive-oriented civilization, with strong castles and powerful longbowmen. They excel at controlling territory and defending against enemy attacks. The French, on the other hand, are a more aggressive civilization, with powerful cavalry and economic bonuses. They excel at early aggression and snowballing their lead. The Mongols are a unique civilization that focuses on raiding and mobility. They can pack up their buildings and move their entire base to a new location, making them difficult to pin down.

The Chinese are a versatile civilization with a mix of strong infantry, siege weapons, and economic bonuses. They have access to unique technologies and units, such as the Imperial Official, who can collect taxes from buildings. The Delhi Sultanate is a technologically advanced civilization with a focus on research and elephants. They can research technologies faster than other civilizations, giving them a significant advantage in the late game.

Since the initial release, new civilizations have been added, such as the Ottomans and the Malians, further expanding the roster and adding even more diversity to the gameplay. Each new civilization brings its own unique flavor and strategic options, keeping the game fresh and exciting.

Graphics and Sound: A Polished Experience

Age of Empires 4 features a clean and visually appealing art style. While some players initially criticized the graphics for not being as detailed as other modern RTS games, the art style is designed to be easy to read and visually clear. This makes it easy to distinguish units and buildings on the battlefield, even in the heat of combat. The game also runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware, making it accessible to a broader audience.

The sound design in Age of Empires 4 is also top-notch. The music is immersive and atmospheric, creating a sense of historical authenticity. The sound effects are crisp and impactful, adding to the excitement of battles. Each civilization has its own unique voice lines and unit sounds, further enhancing the immersion.

The game also features detailed historical documentaries that provide additional context and information about each civilization. These documentaries are a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the different civilizations featured in the game. They add an educational element to the game, making it more than just a simple RTS.

Community and Esports: A Growing Scene

Age of Empires 4 has a thriving community of players, content creators, and esports enthusiasts. The game has a dedicated following on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, where players can watch live streams, tutorials, and competitive matches. The community is active and engaged, providing feedback to the developers and creating mods and custom content.

The game also has a growing esports scene, with tournaments and leagues being organized around the world. These tournaments feature top players competing for cash prizes and recognition. The esports scene adds another layer of excitement to the game, as players can watch and learn from the best players in the world.

The developers have also been actively supporting the community and the esports scene. They have organized official tournaments and events, providing opportunities for players to compete and showcase their skills. They have also worked closely with community leaders to gather feedback and address issues.

Is It Worth Playing in 2024?

So, the big question: is Age of Empires 4 worth playing in 2024? The answer is a resounding yes. The game offers a compelling mix of classic RTS gameplay with modern enhancements. It features a diverse roster of civilizations, each with unique units, technologies, and playstyles. The game is accessible to new players, while still offering enough depth and complexity to challenge experienced RTS veterans.

The continuous updates and improvements since its release have made the game even better. New civilizations, maps, and game modes have been added, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. The developers have also listened to community feedback, addressing balance issues and making tweaks to improve the overall experience.

The graphics and sound design are polished and immersive, creating a visually and aurally appealing experience. The community is active and engaged, with a growing esports scene. Whether you are a long-time fan of the Age of Empires franchise or a newcomer to the RTS genre, Age of Empires 4 is definitely worth checking out in 2024.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Age of Empires 4 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the RTS genre. Its blend of historical accuracy, accessible gameplay, and ongoing support makes it a standout title in 2024. Whether you're strategizing epic battles, diving into historical lore, or engaging with the vibrant community, AoE4 offers a rich and rewarding experience. So, gear up, choose your civilization, and prepare to make your mark on history!