Each of these factions plays as distinctly as the others, if not more so, whether it be the Incans being able to convert enemy units with their priestesses, America’s unique “age up” mechanic involving US States and special technologies, or Ethiopia being able to build monasteries on gold mines for bonuses. DLC, meanwhile, has introduced a fully fleshed-out United States, followed by the Ethiopians and Hausa with the Augrelease of The African Royals. For one, Definitive Edition adds in new civilizations to the original 14, with the Swedes and Inca available right at the onset. If you’re expecting this to be the exact same game with a new coat of paint, however, you’d be mistaken. The much-vaunted, and divisive, RPG-esque“Home City” feature is very much present, along with all the expansion packs: the Native American-centric The Warchiefs, and Big Huge Games’ The Asian Dynasties. These are reflected in the five Ages (Exploration, Commerce, Fortress, Industrial, Imperial), in how gameplay mechanics are streamlined –worker units, for instance, don’t require drop-off points for resource gathering – and in how combat generally transitions toward gunpowder-based warfare as you progress. Building upon the basic foundations of the franchise, Age of Empires III chronicles the pivotal changes of the late-15 th to mid-19 th Centuries: an era of discovery, colonization, revolution, and industrialization.
On the surface, there’s seemingly little difference from the 2005 version. With such a pedigree, does Definitive Edition actually live up to, if not surpass, Ensemble’s original? The short answer would be a resounding yes, though not without some birthing pains. In addition to having Command and Conquer veteran Adam Isgreen in charge of World’s Edge, it’s worth noting how Forgotten Empires not only traces its origins back to a team of modders for Age of Empires II, but has also come to include ex-Ensemble Studios staff among its ranks. Even the current development team is emblematic. It’s also brought newer fans to the storied saga.
Not only has itgarnered a loyal following, inspiring a modding community and vibrant multiplayer scene that remain active to this day.
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In addition, series co-creator Bruce Shelly had even referred to it in a 2011 interview as a disappointment, if not a “huge mistake.” At the same time, however, the game’s a solid entry in its own right. The original Age of Empires III garnered a mixed reception among gamers back in the day, be it for the backdrop, creative decisions or gameplay mechanics like the Home City system. After all, it’s been a long road leading up to its Steam release on October 15, 2020. If that sounds like much praise, you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking so.
Despite a rocky launch and controversy that could have snuffed it at the crib, over a year on, Tantalus Media, World’s Edge, and Forgotten Empires have done much to make this title worthy of the franchise Ensemble Studios forged back in 1997. Released almost 15 years to the day after the original, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is proof that the once-underappreciated title has been vindicated in the eyes of RTS fans.
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