Age of Empires IV Review: Ultimate Insights

Age of Empires IV has been eagerly anticipated by RTS fans around the globe. Building upon its predecessors, this installment aims to capture the complex strategic gameplay while introducing modern elements. Here’s our in-depth review of Age of Empires IV to help you decide whether this game is worth your time and money.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Story & Worldbuilding
• Gameplay
• Graphics & Audio
• Performance and Platforms
• Pros & Cons
• Verdict
• Rating

Introduction

Age of Empires IV, developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, brings a fresh perspective to the historical RTS genre. Staying true to its roots, Age of Empires IV encapsulates the grand scale of history while introducing elements that appeal to both veterans and newcomers. This Age of Empires IV Review delves into the various facets that make up this fourth installment.

Story & Worldbuilding

The game takes players through historical timelines with four immersive campaigns featuring the histories of the Normans, the English, the Mongols, and the Rus. Each campaign enriches the player’s understanding of these civilizations, combining historical narratives with compelling gameplay tasks.

The authenticity in worldbuilding is commendable, allowing players to feel fully immersed as they journey through time. The attention to historical detail combined with rich storytelling anchors the gameplay, making each mission an educational experience.

Gameplay

Age of Empires IV retains its classic RTS elements, with resource gathering, base building, and strategic military conquests. The game introduces new mechanics, such as stealth forests and more dynamic naval warfare, enriching the strategies available to players.

The inclusion of eight diverse civilizations, each with unique units and technologies, keeps the gameplay fresh. The pacing of the game balances well between casual players and those seeking a more intense challenge, offering scalability in its difficulty settings.

Graphics & Audio

The visuals in Age of Empires IV have been enhanced to suit modern gaming standards, featuring detailed structures and beautifully rendered environments. While not groundbreaking, the graphics serve the gameplay effectively, providing clarity and immersion.

The audio component complements the visual experience with immersive soundtracks and authentic sound effects that bring battles to life. Voice acting in the narrative sections is engaging, maintaining player interest in the storyline.

Performance and Platforms

Age of Empires IV runs smoothly across supported platforms, namely Windows PC. The game has been optimized adequately, although minor frame rate drops can occur during intense battles or when running on lower-end hardware.

The game is available on Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC, making it accessible for a wide audience. Multiplayer and online elements blend well with traditional single-player gameplay, providing varied experiences for different audiences.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Deep historical campaigns
  • Diverse civilization gameplay
  • Enhanced graphics and sound
  • Strategic depth with new mechanics
• Cons:
  • Occasional performance hitches
  • Lacks innovation in some gameplay aspects

Verdict

Age of Empires IV stands as a strong addition to the esteemed series, offering a deep, engaging experience that stays true to the franchise’s roots while incorporating modern gameplay dynamics. Its historical depth and immersive storytelling, combined with refined strategic elements, make it a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike, notwithstanding some minor technical drawbacks.

Rating

We rate Age of Empires IV a solid 8.5 out of 10. The game delivers a compelling mix of historical depth and strategic gameplay, marred only slightly by performance issues and a need for further innovation.