The classic real-time strategy game Age of Empires had a major showing at gamescom, which showed off the upcoming Age of Empires: Definitive Edition in action. The biggest news, however, was the official announce trailer of Age of Empires IV.
The trailer for Age of Empires IV ran through several eras of history, showing off well-drawn artwork in a diorama style before showing the logo. No other information on the game, outside of the teaser trailer, has been given at this time, other than the game is being developed by Relic Entertainment.
Most of the focus was on the Definitive Edition of Age of Empires, first announced at E3 2017. Over an hour of promotion by Microsoft Studios would showcase a mini documentary on the history of the franchise, a live-demo of the game, and the announcement of Age of Empires IV.
The hour also included a new trailer for the Definitive Edition. Several new features include 4K UHD Visuals, an increased population limit, enhanced pathfinding, improved zoom levels and more. The game will also include an expanded user interface, complete with several in-game scenarios and a fully re-orchestrated soundtrack.
In addition to Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, but it was announced that both Age of Empires II and III will receive Definitive Editions in the future as well, although no footage of the games was shown at this time.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will be released on October 19th, 2017 for PC, exclusively for Windows 10 and available for purchase from the Windows Store.
Quick Take
Age of Empires has always been one of those classic RTS games that everyone should play at least once, so it is nice to see it receive some love for its 20th anniversary by Microsoft Studios. The announcement of Age of Empires IV is also a welcome edition, the last game in the series was released in 2005, with the last expansion for the series in 2007. Outside of the Age of Mythology spin-off series, a proper return to the RTS roots from the original franchise is long overdue.
I am certainly excited for the Definitive Edition, and I can't wait to see more about Age of Empires II, III, and IV in the future.
What are your thoughts though? What do you think of the Age of Empires IV announcement? Leave your comments below.
