Age of Mythology
In short: Age of Mythology is a strategy game released in 2002 by Ensemble Studios, available on PC. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended).
A real-time strategy game based on mythology, allowing players to choose from Greek, Egyptian, or Norse civilizations. Players gather resources, build armies, and powerful mythological units to conquer opponents.
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios in 2002. It’s a spin-off from the critically acclaimed Age of Empires series, distinguishing itself by incorporating elements of mythology into its gameplay. Players can choose from three major mythological cultures: Greek, Egyptian, and Norse, each with its unique gods, mythological units, and technologies. The game combines traditional real-time strategy elements like resource gathering, base building, and army management with innovative 'god powers' that can turn the tide of battle. The single-player campaign follows the Atlantean admiral Arkantos, who embarks on an epic journey across various mythical lands to save his civilization. This narrative-driven campaign exposes players to the distinct units, gods, and strategies of each culture. Beyond the campaign, players can engage in skirmish matches against AI or other players, utilizing a wide array of units including human soldiers, siege weapons, and powerful mythological creatures such as Minotaurs, Mummies, and Valkyries. The game also features a robust scenario editor, allowing for endless custom content. What sets Age of Mythology apart is its deep integration of mythological themes. Players don't just worship gods; they actively invoke their powers to summon tornadoes, meteors, or even heal their units. Favor, a unique resource, is generated differently by each civilization and is crucial for obtainin…
Game details
- Developer: Ensemble Studios
- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Release year: 2002
- Platforms: PC
- Category: strategy
Our review
Age of Mythology reimagines the classic RTS formula with a brilliant mythological twist. The game masterfully blends traditional resource management and army building with unique god powers and mythical units, offering a fresh and engaging experience. Each civilization feels distinct, encouraging diverse strategies and replayability. The campaign is well-crafted, though the story can be a bit generic at times. Graphically, it holds up surprisingly well for its age, with charming unit designs and environmental details. The sheer amount of content, from diverse factions to a robust scenario editor, ensures excellent value. Multiplayer is still active and provides endless competitive fun. A timeless classic that remains a benchmark for mythological strategy games.
Pros
- Unique mythological setting and units
- Engaging 'god powers' mechanic
- Distinct civilizations with varied strategies
- High replayability
- Strong single-player campaign and multiplayer
Cons
- Story can be predictable sometimes
- Graphics, while charming, show their age slightly
FAQ
- Is Age of Mythology still active online?
- Yes, while the original game's online services might be limited, Age of Mythology: Extended Edition and the newer Age of Mythology: Retold have active multiplayer communities on platforms like Steam.
- What are the main differences between civilizations?
- Each civilization (Greek, Egyptian, Norse) has unique heroes, mythological units, tech trees, and god powers. For example, Greeks get favor from building temples, Egyptians from building monuments, and Norse from fighting/raiding. Their economies and military compositions also differ significantly.
- Is there a story campaign?
- Absolutely! The single-player campaign, 'The Fall of the Trident', is a lengthy and engaging narrative following the Atlantean admiral Arkantos as he travels through various mythologies.
- Can I play Age of Mythology on modern systems?
- Yes, the Age of Mythology: Extended Edition on Steam is optimized for modern operating systems and offers improved graphics and features. The upcoming Age of Mythology: Retold will offer even more significant updates.
More about this game
Similar games
Last updated: 01/04/2026