Age of Mythology, the beloved real-time strategy game that first captivated players in 2002, is making a triumphant return with Age of Mythology: Retold, a complete remaster that promises to reignite the passion of long-time fans and attract newcomers alike.
The development team has worked tirelessly to deliver a comprehensive graphical update that enhances the game’s visual appeal, while implementing a plethora of modern gameplay adjustments aimed at satisfying both casual players and seasoned veterans. If you’ve been eagerly anticipating this remastered edition, you won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in this classic title more than two decades after its original release.
A Remaster Tailored for Every Fan
Much like its contemporaries from the early 2000s—Age of Empires, Warcraft, and Star Wars: Battlegrounds—Age of Mythology invites players to construct their bases on sprawling maps, gather vital resources, and build formidable armies to launch strategic assaults on adversaries. Individual units bring unique stats and health bars into play, demanding a mastery of mouse and keyboard controls that fans of the genre will appreciate. As a player who revels in the nostalgia offered by Age of Empires II and the modern charm of Age of Empires IV, diving into Age of Mythology: Retold is a delightful trip down memory lane. While it shares gameplay elements with Age of Empires, the incorporation of mythical creatures and a focus on historical epics gives it a distinct edge. The choice of faction and deity significantly alters your gameplay approach, ensuring that every match can offer a fresh experience.
However, it’s worth noting that the grounded mechanics of Age of Mythology: Retold—like resource gathering and unit management—might feel tedious for some. Players who thrive on meticulous micromanagement will find themselves in heaven, but those who prefer a less intensive experience may feel bogged down by the grind. The early 2000s strategy formula is on full display here. While Age of Empires IV brilliantly revived these classic roots, Age of Mythology: Retold is not for everyone, even among fans of the genre.
Mastering Tactical Gameplay
The gameplay experience of Age of Mythology: Retold pivots around understanding how to build your army and strategically selecting the right units. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, demanding players to think critically about their army composition. Protect your ranged attacks from melee threats, and ensure that your siege units are well-guarded when assaulting formidable bases. The sheer joy of assembling a battalion led by a colossal Troll or a fearsome Scorpion Man to breach enemy fortifications is immensely satisfying. Watching your adversary’s structures crumble under such might—enhanced by updated models—is a visual treat.
Nevertheless, newcomers to the series might find the nuanced dynamics of unit dominance somewhat daunting. Age of Mythology: Retold is crafted with diehard fans in mind, and those unfamiliar with the mechanics may face a steep learning curve before they feel comfortable engaging with the game.
Renovated for Today’s Players
The title brims with quality-of-life enhancements that cater to all levels of strategy enthusiasts. The main campaign serves as an excellent tutorial, allowing players to experiment with each faction while slowly absorbing the game’s mechanics. Spanning an impressive 50 missions, with three unique narratives and a Mythic Stories section for standalone scenarios, the campaign offers a wealth of content. Multiplayer options allow you to engage with friends or challenge the AI, presenting endless competitive possibilities to test your skills and strategies against various maps and factions.
The developers didn’t stop at visual upgrades; unit and character models have received a complete overhaul. However, those vying for heavily cinematic cutscenes or dramatically revised storylines should temper their expectations—Age of Mythology: Retold stays true to its early 2000s roots in that regard.
Though I haven’t had the opportunity to delve into online multiplayer yet, the prospect of battling alongside friends or against foes breathes new life into the community. If you’ve yet to experience Age of Mythology, or if you’re a nostalgia-fueled veteran who’s logged countless hours in the original, now is the perfect time to dive back in. While the foundational gameplay remains largely intact, that’s not a drawback. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Age of Empires IV, Age of Mythology: Retold serves as a nostalgic reminder of why these strategy games continue to captivate players around the world.
Pros:
- Complete graphics update
- Smooth gameplay and quality-of-life enhancements
- Adjustable AI difficulty catering to all skill levels
Cons:
- Challenging for newcomers, demanding mastery from diehard fans
- Steep learning curve
A copy of this game was provided by Xbox for review purposes. Reviewed on PC.
