Age of Empires
In short: Age of Empires is a strategy game released in 1997 by Ensemble Studios, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).
Age of Empires is a real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. Released in 1997, it is the first game in the Age of Empires series. Players advance through four ages: Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and the Castles Age.
Age of Empires, a seminal real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft in 1997, transports players to the dawn of civilization. As the inaugural title in the critically acclaimed Age of Empires series, it set a new standard for historical strategy games. The core gameplay revolves around guiding a chosen civilization through four distinct historical ages: the Stone Age, Tool Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. This progression isn't merely cosmetic; it unlocks new technologies, units, and buildings, fundamentally altering strategic possibilities and challenging players to adapt their approach. The game seamlessly blends elements of resource management, base building, military conquest, and technological advancement. Players must meticulously gather resources like food, wood, gold, and stone to construct their cities, train armies, and research beneficial upgrades. The intricate tech trees are a hallmark of Age of Empires, offering a diverse array of paths to empower civilizations – from agricultural improvements to advanced military tactics. Engaging in real-time combat, players command historical units ranging from clubmen and archers to siege weapons and mighty elephants, all within beautifully rendered historical settings. Age of Empires offers a rich single-player experience through various campaigns, each focusing on different historical civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians, and Yamato. These campaigns not only provi…
Game details
- Developer: Ensemble Studios
- Publisher: Microsoft
- Release year: 1997
- Platforms: PC
- Category: strategy
Our review
Age of Empires, released in 1997, is a monumental real-time strategy game that laid the groundwork for a beloved franchise. Its innovative blend of historical progression, resource management, and strategic combat was revolutionary for its time. While the graphics may appear dated by today's standards, the core gameplay loop remains incredibly engaging and addictive. The depth of the technology trees and the variety of civilizations offer immense replayability. The campaigns are well-crafted and offer a compelling journey through ancient history, and the multiplayer was groundbreaking. A must-play for any RTS enthusiast.
Pros
- Deep strategic gameplay
- Historical accuracy and progression
- Huge replayability
- Groundbreaking multiplayer
Cons
- Dated graphics
- Pathfinding issues
- Limited unit variety compared to successors
FAQ
- What are the key differences between civilizations?
- Each civilization in Age of Empires has unique bonuses, units, and access to different technologies. For example, the Egyptians excel in farming, while the Greeks have strong hoplites.
- How do I advance to the next age?
- To advance to the next age, you typically need to research specific technologies and build certain prerequisite buildings in your Town Center. The requirements vary slightly by age.
- Is there a multiplayer mode?
- Yes, Age of Empires features a robust multiplayer mode that allows you to play against other players online or over a local network. It was a groundbreaking feature for its time.
- What are the victory conditions?
- Victory conditions can vary depending on the game mode. Common conditions include destroying all enemy Town Centers, building and protecting a Wonder, or achieving a certain score within a time limit.
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Last updated: 03/04/2026