RTS fans rejoice because Age of Empires IV is launching this Fall 2021. The game is coming to PC via Steam, the Windows Store, and eventually the Xbox Game Pass for PC. Today, we finally got a look inside Age of Empires IV during the Age of Empires: Fan Preview from Microsoft and Relic Entertainment. The new title will be the latest installment of the RTS series that dates back to 2005.
The video began by highlighting one of the new playable civilizations in Age of Empires IV, the Delhi Sultanate. Along with the Mongols, Chinese, and English, these are four playable civilizations we know thus far, but there will be eight in total at launch. Not much information is out there about each civ and its unique abilities and class-specifics. However, we saw the Delhi Sultanate has War Elephants and Scholars, and the Mongols have access to Khans, along with the ability to easily transport their structures to new locations.
Age of Empires IV has been in the making since 2017. We’ll be seeing lots of improvements to gameplay and visuals. One new mechanic is called stealth force, which allows players to set up stealthy squads ready for an ambush, hidden out of sight unless discovered by an opposing scout. We also saw combat with units firing from castle walls and towers. We also got a peek at some siege mechanics during the video.
Norman Campaign
We got a look at one of four playable campaigns during today’s video: Norman Campaign.
Age of Empires IV takes players on a journey through the ages as they command influential leaders, build expansive kingdoms, and fight some of the most critical battles of the Middle Ages. At the start of the Norman Campaign — just one of four campaigns available in Age of Empires IV — William of Normandy sets forth on the hard-fought road to conquer England and become it’s new king. What follows is an epic story of succession, family conflict, anarchy, and rebellion — all with the players in the front seat.
Age of Empires II and III: Definitive Edition Updates
According to Relic, AoE IV is more of a spiritual successor to AoE II. But it does incorporate a bit of AoE III elements. We also learned that the Definitive Editions of Age of Empires II and III are getting some updates.
A second expansion is coming for AoE II: Definitive Edition, called the Dawn of Dukes, focusing on Eastern Europe. A co-op feature is also coming to the game. This allows players to join their friends and play through battles and campaigns.
The United States is joining the civilizations in Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition. It’s unlockable through a challenge or by purchasing it on Steam or Windows. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is also being developed and will include some African civilizations.
Age of Empires IV is coming to PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass in Fall 2021.
Published: Apr 11, 2021 06:10 am