We went back in time, we linked heart, eyes and emotions to the roots of the events that gave life to ancient and never forgotten peoples. We relived in first person (in an isometric view, actually ...) unique, legendary feats, in an incredible mix of historical accuracy, modernized graphic sector with 4K UHD resolution, solid and deep gameplay mechanics and some good news that make it shine and stand out Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition within the videogame genre of RTS, titles of real-time strategy.
A journey that closes the circle of remastered re-releases of an epic saga, started in 1997 with the first chapter, which re-proposed the events that went fromStone Age to the period of pre-Roman Empire, to then explore the Middle Ages until you reach the Rinascimento with Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings, in 1999 (perhaps still the most appreciated chapter by fans of the genre and of the series).
A spasso nel tempo
In Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition (the original chapter was released in 2007 with the subtitle Age of Discovery) you can relive the events related to European colonization of the New World. This remastered version also contains the two expansions originally released in 2006 and 2007, namely The Warchiefs (who introduced the Iroquois, Sioux and Aztec populations into the game) e The Asian Dynasties (which added Indian, Chinese and Japanese civilizations to the offer). The contents introduced over time by the two subsequent expansions, are added to the playful offer of the Definitive Edition of Age of Empires 3 a series of unpublished content and two new civilizations: Swedish and Inca, which bring the total of populations present in the game to well 16. An impressive number, considering that each of these is represented with a very high level of attention to detail.
To demonstrate this, just think that when the game is started, the first message that appears on the screen underlines the commitment of Tantalus Media e Forgotten Empires in remedy some errors related to specific freedoms taken by the developers of the original title in representing indigenous civilizations, as well as in reconstructing some events and stories of characters who gave life to American history. Collaborating, therefore, with the Native Americans and with some members of the Iakota and Haudenosaunee Nations, with the addition of authentic native voice actors, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition promises to faithfully reconstruct some of the most important events in history.
The series, the most loved in the Real-Time Strategy field, today presents itself to our eyes with a renewed graphic sector thanks to the use of Havok game engine, which allowed a maximum resolution of 4K UHD. Furthermore, the same guaranteed one (partial) revision of physics and effects, in terms of destructibility of environments and interactions between the various polygonal models of the individuals who give life to cities, villages and battlefields. The new management of lights and shadows obviously, it cannot even be compared to what was previously observed on the screen in the original work. Here the sun's rays strike the objects, calculating shadows in real time that give life to magnificent scenarios, which can be zoomed in with considerable intensity, in order to appreciate the monstrous amount of detail as well as possible. Added to this is a magnificent audio compartment and a soundtrack that amiably turns genre, in relation to the civilization whose events are being staged.
The contents of Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition
To the classic mode History, who relives the exploits of Morgan BlackModes are added through animated scenes and long game sessions Historical Battles and the missions of "The Art of War". The first mode allows players to relive some of the most relevant battles in XNUMXth century history. The challenges contained in "The Art of War", on the other hand, offer challenging challenges for lovers of "difficult things". In fact, players will be required to complete the missions with particular objectives, like the one of search for treasures around the world or survive long and grueling waves of enemies, eager to make you skin. In addition, there are Unpublished maps, not present in the original title and a More curated level editor than in the past, with the possibility to share your creations online with other players. There Multiplayer mode offers Ranked Matches, Public Lobbies (to be researched or created) and functionality Cross-play between the servers of the Xbox division and those of Steam. Finally, it will be interesting to observe in a few weeks the creative ability of the other players thanks to the support to Mod, a feature that has always teased the world of PC gamers. Finally, there are the Skirmishes, in the declensions Supremacy o Deathmatch (up to a maximum of 8 players).
Once the software is started, it is possible to select thegame interface among the three offered by the developers: the classical does not need explanations, the Definitive is the one that offers the best experience in terms of modernity and ease of use, while the default it can be interpreted as a mix between the other two just described. Regardless of which one you choose, in Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition you will find yourself immersed in magnificent battles where AI running friendly and enemy factions seems to require more effort than in the past (at maximum difficulty) to be defeated, even if some bugs are not lacking at the moment (during our test we happened to witness moments in which the AI seemed unable to continue the battle, remaining inexplicably still, if not stimulated properly). Additionally, despite previous praise for the graphics capabilities of the new Havok engine, some problems can also be seen in the graphics field, related to the management of liquids (think of lakes and rivers) and to some polygonal interpenetration too many.
A story to tell
Ultimately, Age of Empries 3: Definitive Edition has proven itself to be a very respectable remaster, which it takes care of do not distort the gameplay experience of the original title, smoothing out some corners, and adding a good number of contents to those already present in the past, raising the quality of the offer and confirming the impossibility of not considering the purchase of this splendid work.
If you are a lover of the series and have consumed the physical media of the original chapters, you will discover that it is an immense pleasure to relive the old adventures (and the new ones) with a renewed graphic sector and in step with the times (considering the genre of belonging). If you are new to the genre, however, we suggest you consider the possibility of traveling through history, reliving events and battles that should not be forgotten. All, looking forward to Age of Empires IV, that next November it should finally show itself in action.
