Age of Mythology Retold Out Now!
In the pantheon of real-time strategy (RTS) games, few have carved as distinct a niche as Age of Mythology. Originally released by Ensemble Studios in 2002, the game was an immediate hit, thanks to its novel mix of history and mythology, deep strategic gameplay, and immersive storytelling. Two decades later, Microsoft has brought this beloved title back into the spotlight with Age of Mythology: Retold, a definitive edition of the game that aims to modernize the experience while staying true to the magic of the original. This remaster presents a unique opportunity for both veterans and newcomers to dive into a world where gods, monsters, and heroes shape the fate of civilizations. Let’s delve into the game’s mechanics, how it stacks up to its predecessor, and whether this modern version can stand the test of time.
Age of Mythology: Retold – A Revitalized Classic
Age of Mythology: Retold follows in the footsteps of the original, bringing back the RTS formula that captivated players in the early 2000s. The game is set in an ancient world where the fates of civilizations are shaped not only by armies and strategies but also by the intervention of mythological gods. Players choose from one of four cultures: the Greeks, Egyptians, Norse, and Atlanteans (introduced in the Titans expansion). Each culture has a unique roster of units, god powers, and technological advancements, adding a layer of variety to the strategic options available.
The premise is simple yet compelling: build a thriving civilization, gather resources, train armies, and crush your enemies. However, Age of Mythology introduces a divine twist: players align themselves with gods from their chosen culture’s pantheon, who grant access to mythical units, supernatural powers, and technologies that can turn the tide of battle. Whether you’re summoning a mighty Cyclops to destroy enemy fortifications, unleashing a lightning storm on your foes, or bolstering your economy with divine favor, the blend of history and mythology adds a unique flavor to traditional RTS gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
At its core, Age of Mythology: Retold retains the classic RTS elements that fans of the genre have come to love. The game features three primary resources – food, wood, and gold – which players must manage to build their economies and armies. In addition to these, there’s also a unique resource called “favor,” which is used to summon mythological creatures and invoke god powers. The method of gathering favor differs for each civilization, adding another layer of strategic depth. For example, the Greeks gain favor by praying at temples, while the Norse earn it through combat.
One of the hallmarks of Age of Mythology is its unit diversity. In addition to standard soldiers and siege units, players can summon myth units such as Minotaurs, Hydras, Anubites, and Frost Giants. These powerful creatures offer unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle, especially when combined with god powers, which allow players to call down divine interventions ranging from earthquakes and meteors to plagues and tidal waves.
While the strategic depth of the original game is intact, Retold introduces several quality-of-life improvements and updates that bring the experience into the modern era. Graphically, the game has been given a significant facelift. Textures, models, and animations have been upgraded, and the environments look much more detailed and vibrant. Water effects, in particular, are strikingly improved, adding a sense of immersion that wasn’t present in the original. The remaster also supports 4K resolutions and boasts reworked lighting effects, making the ancient world feel more alive and dynamic.
In terms of mechanics, Age of Mythology: Retold streamlines certain systems to make the game more accessible to newcomers. Pathfinding has been improved, AI behaviors are more sophisticated, and controls have been tweaked to feel smoother and more responsive. These changes are subtle but make a huge difference in the flow of gameplay, especially in larger battles where precision and timing are crucial.
One of the most anticipated features of Age of Mythology: Retold is the multiplayer component. The remaster integrates modern matchmaking and ranking systems, making it easier for players to find games and compete online. In addition to traditional one-on-one or team-based skirmishes, Retold will feature new multiplayer modes and options, potentially breathing new life into the online community that has remained active since the original game’s release.
Age of Mythology Retold Story Campaign and Mythology
A significant draw of Age of Mythology is its rich campaign, which tells a sprawling mythological story involving gods, heroes, and ancient civilizations. The original campaign follows the Greek hero Arkantos, who embarks on an epic journey across multiple cultures, interacting with the mythologies of Egypt, Norse, and later Atlantis. Along the way, players encounter legendary figures such as Odysseus, Thor, and Set, as well as famous mythological creatures like the Kraken and the Fire Giant.
Retold not only includes the original campaign but also the Titans expansion, which introduces the Atlantean civilization and an additional storyline involving a war between the gods and the rise of the titans. In terms of narrative, the remaster doesn’t diverge from its roots but enhances the storytelling experience with modern voice acting, cinematic sequences, and updated audio to create a more immersive and engaging campaign.
The game’s mythology system, in which players choose a major god and two minor gods to align with over the course of the game, is a cornerstone of the Age of Mythology experience. Each god offers unique bonuses, units, and powers, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations. For example, aligning with Zeus allows players to summon the lightning bolt god power and create devastating Hoplites, while choosing Ra grants access to powerful priests and the ability to call down a meteor strike.
This system adds a tremendous amount of replayability to the game. Every civilization has a distinct playstyle, and choosing different gods within that civilization opens up new strategies and tactics. As a result, Age of Mythology: Retold offers a level of depth and complexity that will keep players engaged long after they’ve completed the campaign.
Comparison to the Original
For longtime fans of Age of Mythology, one of the key questions is whether Retold does justice to the original. In many ways, the remaster feels like a love letter to the classic, preserving its core mechanics and charm while updating it for modern sensibilities. The graphics overhaul is impressive, and the quality-of-life improvements make the game more approachable without sacrificing the depth that made the original so beloved.
However, Retold is more of a refinement than a revolution. Fans expecting radical changes or entirely new content might be disappointed. The remaster stays close to the original formula, with the most significant additions being graphical upgrades, enhanced multiplayer options, and minor gameplay tweaks. Some critics might argue that the remaster plays it too safe, especially in an era when other classic RTS games like Age of Empires IV are pushing the genre forward with bold innovations.
On the other hand, the decision to stick closely to the original’s formula might be exactly what many fans want. Age of Mythology was already a well-crafted game with a unique appeal, and Retold delivers a polished, modern version of that experience without muddying the waters with unnecessary changes.
Reception and Final Thoughts
As of its early reception, Age of Mythology: Retold has garnered positive feedback for its faithfulness to the original while modernizing key aspects of the game. The RTS genre has evolved considerably since the game’s initial release, but Retold reminds players of the timeless appeal of managing civilizations, controlling mythological creatures, and calling on divine powers. The remaster’s improvements, particularly in terms of visuals and online functionality, are welcomed by both nostalgic players and new fans of the genre.
For those unfamiliar with the original, Age of Mythology: Retold offers an excellent entry point into a classic RTS. It introduces players to the rich world of ancient civilizations and mythology, wrapped in gameplay that’s easy to learn but difficult to master. The campaign’s narrative remains compelling, and the strategic depth afforded by the god powers and myth units keeps each match fresh and exciting.
However, Retold is not without its challenges. Some players may find the gameplay formula dated compared to newer RTS titles that offer more complex mechanics or innovative features. In particular, the resource management and unit micro-management might feel simplistic by today’s standards. Additionally, while the remaster brings the game’s visuals up to modern standards, it can’t fully hide the fact that Age of Mythology is a product of its time in terms of design and pacing.
Ultimately, Age of Mythology: Retold succeeds in its goal of revitalizing a classic for a new generation of players. It strikes a balance between nostalgia and modernization, providing an RTS experience that’s both familiar and refreshing. Whether you’re a veteran of the original or a newcomer curious about the legends of ancient civilizations, Age of Mythology: Retold offers an engaging and mythic journey worth embarking on. To learn more go to their official website here. Or visit their official Steam site, which has great reviews.
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