Video Game

Mythical Makeover: Age of Mythology Retold Reawakens a Classic

Posted by David McKenzie on

Overall Rating: 8.0/10

  • Gameplay: 8.5/10
  • Graphics and Art Style: 8.0/10
  • Sound and Music: 8.0/10
  • Replayability: 8.5/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 7.5/10

Introduction

Age of Mythology: Retold is a modern remaster of the classic 2002 real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios. This updated version aims to rejuvenate the original experience with enhanced visuals, rebalanced gameplay, and new content, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers to the series. It filled me with A LOT of nostalgia and is overall still a good RTS in a time devoid of good RTS’.

Gameplay (8.5/10)

The core mechanics of Age of Mythology: Retold remain faithful to the original, blending traditional RTS elements with mythological themes.

Strengths:

  • Diverse Civilizations: Players can choose from Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean cultures, each offering unique units, deities, and technological advancements.
  • Mythological Integration: The inclusion of god powers and myth units adds a distinctive layer of strategy, setting it apart from other RTS titles.
  • Campaign Depth: The game features a rich single-player campaign, “The Fall of the Trident,” along with additional scenarios, providing hours of engaging content.

Weaknesses:

  • AI Behavior: Some players have reported that enemy AI can be predictable, potentially reducing the challenge in single-player modes.
  • Pathfinding Issues: Occasional unit pathfinding problems can disrupt the flow of gameplay, a concern carried over from the original release.

Graphics and Art Style (8.0/10)

Age of Mythology: Retold benefits from a significant visual overhaul, utilizing the engine from Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition.

Strengths:

  • Enhanced Visuals: The game boasts improved textures, lighting, and animations, bringing the mythological world to life.
  • Artistic Consistency: The updated graphics maintain the charm of the original while providing a modern aesthetic.

Weaknesses:

  • Performance Variability: Some users with lower-end hardware have reported performance issues, indicating that optimization could be improved.

Sound and Music (8.0/10)

The audio experience in Retold has been refreshed to enhance immersion.

Strengths:

  • Reorchestrated Soundtrack: The game’s music has been re-recorded, offering a richer auditory experience that complements the mythological themes.
  • Authentic Sound Effects: Unit responses and environmental sounds contribute to an immersive atmosphere.

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Audio Cues: Over extended play sessions, some players may find certain audio cues become repetitive.

Replayability (8.5/10)

The game’s structure and content variety encourage multiple playthroughs.

Strengths:

  • Varied Civilizations: Each culture offers distinct playstyles, encouraging experimentation and replayability.
  • Multiplayer Support: Robust online multiplayer modes provide competitive and cooperative experiences, extending the game’s longevity.

Weaknesses:

  • Content Familiarity: Veteran players may find the content familiar, though the remastered elements provide a fresh perspective.

Performance and Optimization (7.5/10)

While the game performs well on modern systems, there are areas needing attention.

Strengths:

  • Stable Gameplay: The game runs smoothly on recommended hardware configurations, with minimal crashes or bugs reported.

Weaknesses:

  • Optimization for Lower-End Systems: Players with older hardware have reported performance issues, suggesting a need for better optimization.

Expansions Overview

Age of Mythology: Retold includes the original Titans expansion and introduces new content.

  1. Immortal Pillars:
    • Content: This upcoming expansion, scheduled for release on March 4, 2025, introduces the Chinese pantheon, complete with new gods, myth units, and a campaign inspired by ancient Chinese legends. ageofempires.com
    • Anticipation: Fans are eager to explore the new civilization and the strategic possibilities it brings.

Conclusion

Age of Mythology: Retold successfully revitalizes a classic RTS, offering enhanced visuals, rebalanced gameplay, and new content that honors the original while appealing to modern audiences. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in optimization and AI behavior, the game’s depth and charm make it a worthwhile experience for both veterans and newcomers.

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