Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of Age of Empires? This legendary real-time strategy (RTS) series has captivated gamers for decades, and today, we're going to rank the best games in the franchise. Whether you're a seasoned commander or a fresh recruit, get ready for a nostalgic and strategic journey through history!

Why Age of Empires Still Reigns Supreme

Before we get started, let's talk about why Age of Empires is still a big deal. This isn't just about nostalgia; the series has consistently delivered deep, engaging gameplay that combines resource management, strategic combat, and historical accuracy. Each game allows you to lead different civilizations, build empires, and clash with opponents in epic battles. What's not to love?

The enduring appeal of Age of Empires lies in its blend of historical themes and strategic depth. The series has evolved over the years, introducing new features, civilizations, and gameplay mechanics, but the core formula remains as compelling as ever. From the ancient world to the age of exploration, Age of Empires lets you rewrite history your way. It's easy to see why it's such a fan favorite.

Ranking the Best Age of Empires Games

Okay, let's get down to business. Here's my take on the best Age of Empires games, ranked from great to absolutely legendary. Keep in mind that this is subjective, and your personal favorites might be different – and that's totally cool!

5. Age of Mythology

Age of Mythology takes the Age of Empires formula and throws in a pantheon of gods, mythical creatures, and heroic units. Instead of historical civilizations, you command the Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse, each with their unique mythological units and god powers. This spin-off is a refreshing departure from the historical focus of the main series, offering a more fantastical and over-the-top experience.

The gameplay is still classic Age of Empires, with resource gathering, base building, and unit management. However, the addition of mythological units and god powers adds a whole new layer of strategic depth. Imagine summoning a powerful earthquake to devastate your enemy's base or unleashing a horde of mythical creatures to crush their army. It's pure RTS mayhem!

While some purists might argue that it's not a true Age of Empires game, Age of Mythology's unique setting and gameplay make it a standout title. The single-player campaign is engaging, and the multiplayer battles are incredibly fun and chaotic. If you're looking for something a little different from the historical norm, Age of Mythology is definitely worth checking out.

4. Age of Empires III

Age of Empires III moved the timeline forward to the age of exploration and colonization, focusing on European powers and their interactions with the New World. This installment introduced new mechanics like the Home City, which allows you to send shipments of resources and units to your colony from your mother country. The graphics were also a significant step up from previous games, with detailed units and environments.

The game features eight European civilizations, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. You can build a thriving colony, trade with native tribes, and wage war against rival European powers. The Home City mechanic adds a strategic layer, allowing you to customize your economy and military with shipments that suit your play style.

Age of Empires III also includes a compelling single-player campaign that follows the story of a European family as they navigate the challenges of the New World. The campaign is well-written and engaging, with plenty of historical references and memorable characters. While some fans were initially skeptical of the new setting and mechanics, Age of Empires III has proven to be a worthy addition to the series.

3. Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV is the latest installment in the series, and it brings the franchise back to its historical roots. Developed by Relic Entertainment, the game features eight diverse civilizations, each with its unique units, technologies, and play styles. The graphics are modern and polished, and the gameplay retains the classic Age of Empires feel while introducing some new features.

One of the most notable aspects of Age of Empires IV is its focus on historical accuracy. The game features documentary-style videos that provide context and information about the civilizations and events depicted. The single-player campaigns are also historically inspired, allowing you to relive famous battles and events from the medieval era.

Age of Empires IV is a great entry point for new players, with a comprehensive tutorial system that teaches the basics of the game. However, it also offers plenty of depth and strategic options for experienced players. The multiplayer mode is active and competitive, with a variety of game modes and maps to choose from. While it may not be as revolutionary as some of the earlier games, Age of Empires IV is a solid and enjoyable RTS experience.

2. Age of Empires

Age of Empires, the game that started it all! Released in 1997, this title introduced the world to the addictive blend of real-time strategy and historical settings. Players guide their chosen civilization from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, developing technologies, gathering resources, and commanding armies. While the graphics may seem dated by today's standards, the gameplay is timeless.

The original Age of Empires set the standard for the series, with its intuitive interface, diverse civilizations, and engaging gameplay. The single-player campaign is a historical journey through ancient civilizations, from the rise of Egypt to the conquests of Greece. The multiplayer mode allowed players to test their skills against each other in epic battles.

Age of Empires wasn't just a great game; it was a cultural phenomenon. It introduced a new generation of gamers to the RTS genre and inspired countless other games. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. While later games in the series have improved upon the formula, the original Age of Empires still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers.

1. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings often hailed as the pinnacle of the series, this game refined and perfected the formula introduced by the original. Set in the Middle Ages, Age of Empires II features thirteen diverse civilizations, each with its unique units, technologies, and strengths. The gameplay is deep and strategic, with a focus on resource management, base building, and tactical combat.

Age of Empires II introduced several improvements over its predecessor, including more detailed graphics, a more intuitive interface, and a wider variety of units and technologies. The single-player campaigns are historically inspired and engaging, allowing players to relive famous battles and events from the medieval era.

But what truly sets Age of Empires II apart is its incredible replayability. The game has a thriving modding community, with countless user-created scenarios, campaigns, and civilizations. The multiplayer mode is still active and competitive, with a dedicated fanbase that continues to play the game online. Age of Empires II isn't just a great game; it's a masterpiece of the RTS genre, and it remains the gold standard for historical strategy games.

Honorable Mentions

Before we wrap up, I wanted to give a shout-out to a few other Age of Empires games that deserve recognition:

• Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome: An expansion pack for the original Age of Empires, The Rise of Rome added new civilizations, units, and technologies, focusing on the Roman Empire.
• Age of Empires II: The Conquerors: An expansion pack for Age of Empires II, The Conquerors introduced new civilizations, units, and gameplay mechanics, including the ability to garrison units in buildings.
• Age of Empires Online: A free-to-play online version of Age of Empires II, Age of Empires Online featured a persistent world, customizable cities, and cooperative gameplay.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my ranking of the best Age of Empires games! Whether you're a fan of historical settings, mythological creatures, or strategic combat, there's an Age of Empires game out there for you. So fire up your PC, gather your resources, and prepare to build an empire that will stand the test of time. Thanks for reading, and I'll catch you in the next game!