Age of Mythology: Retold explained

Age of Mythology: Retold
Publisher:Xbox Game Studios
Modes:Single-player, multiplayer
Genre:Real-time strategy
Released:September 4, 2024
Platforms:
Series:Age of Empires
Director:Adam Isgreen

Age of Mythology: Retold is a real-time strategy video game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. It serves as a remastered version of Age of Mythology, originally developed by Ensemble Studios and released in 2002. It was first revealed on October 25, 2022. The game was released on September 4, 2024, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.[1] The game received generally positive reviews from critics.

Gameplay

Age of Mythology: Retold combines elements of the original game with modern real-time strategy design and visuals. Built using version of the Bang Engine, all units and animations were completely redone for the remake. The remake features a new fully symphonic version of the original soundtrack, featuring numerous tweaks and modernizations, and offering more options for players.[2]

Players can choose mythological gods from the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean pantheons, using their powers to summon powerful creatures and cast spells against their enemies.[3] The game features a 50-mission campaign that takes players across various mythical worlds, including locations such as Troy, Midgard, and Egypt. Notably, Retold's description only refers to the Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean cultures, excluding content from the Tale of the Dragon expansion, unlike the Definitive Edition re-releases of Age of Empires I, II, and III, which included all previously released official content at launch. However, the Chinese pantheon – alongside one other, as yet unspecified – has been confirmed as post-release content for the game.[4] Players can command units inspired by world mythologies, such as Centaurs, Trolls, Mummies, and Cyclops.[5] [6]

Myth unit abilities can be activated by players at will, rather than automatically cast by the unit. A unit's charged ability can also be set to trigger automatically, similar to the original game. The favor cap of 100 is changed or removed. God powers are now generally multi-use with cooldowns, and reusing some of the most powerful god powers, like Son of Osiris, costs favor. A new Wonder Age introduces cheaper god power casting, though its relation to the current Titan Age is unclarified. An auto-economy feature is added through systems such as Villager Priority.[7] Resource drop site foundations can be selected from a resource's command panel, and when placed, a nearby idle Villager will be automatically tasked to it. The population limit is increased, and the game now includes ray tracing. Hotkey buttons are displayed on icons in the command panel, while crush armor, reload time, and attack multipliers are shown next to other unit/building attributes in the information panel. The Scenario Editor has a text filter option to find objects faster, and all upgraded myth units have unique visuals. Additionally, the game notifies the player when approaching the population space capacity.[8]

Campaign plot

See also: Age of Mythology.

Players enter a world where ancient mythological pantheons from various cultures coexist and vie for dominance. The Greeks, Norse, Egyptians, and Atlanteans are all embroiled in a struggle, wielding their divine powers in war. The narrative arc of the game is centered around this conflict, with each civilization bringing its myths and legendary creatures to the battlefield. Players choose a pantheon and lead their chosen gods and heroes to victory, shaping the fate of the world with each decision.[9]

Development

Age of Mythology: Retold was co-developed by World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge, and Virtuos Games.

The game was first announced on October 25, 2022.[10] World's Edge announced the game's release date on June 9, 2024, at the Xbox Summer Showcase. It was released for Windows and Xbox Series X/S on September 4, 2024.[11]

The beta version of the game was made available to play to those who had pre-bought the premium edition from July 12-14, 2024.[12]

Reception

According to review aggregator Metacritic, Age of Mythology: Retold was received "generally favourable" based on 28 critic reviews for PC and 7 critic reviews for Xbox Series X.[13] [14] As per OpenCritic, 85% of the 34 critic reviews recommend the game.[15]

PCGamesN complimented the enhanced UI, describing it as clearer and more vibrant while offering a more user-friendly experience. Criticism was aimed at the upgraded visuals; some players may find the new detailed art lacks the original's charm and feels too generic.[16] Windows Central commented positively on the enhanced visuals and the faithful recreation of the audio and soundtrack. They also noted the improvements in gameplay and the range of accessibility options. Some criticism was directed at pathfinding issues and a few bugs and glitches.[17]

Awards

The game received a nomination as "Best Microsoft Xbox Game" at the Gamescom Awards 2024.[18] It was nominated for "Best Sim/Strategy Game" at The Game Awards 2024.[19]

Notes

  1. Web site: Boudreau . Ian . 2022-10-25 . Age of Mythology: Retold will remaster the classic RTS game . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152239/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/teaser-trailer . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
  2. Age of Empires on Consoles, Logitech G Cloud and more . 2022-10-28 . Hryb . Larry . Larry Hryb . Rothamel . Ethan . Saylor . Steve . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230124021632/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmu5jeHe6Nc . 2023-01-24 . live . YouTube.
  3. News: Bolding . Jonathan . 2024-02-23 . Age of Mythology: Retold's developers are going 'way beyond' the definitive editions for Age of Empires: 'We want to build the game in your head' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240611192035/https://www.pcgamer.com/age-of-mythology-retold-interview-preview/ . 2024-06-11 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  4. Web site: Brosofsky . Ben . 2024-03-01 . An Iconic RTS Is Getting A Nostalgic, Epic Remake . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240613154046/https://screenrant.com/age-mythology-retold-rts-remake-details/ . 2024-06-13 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  5. Web site: Jason Kong . Clark . 2024-06-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold Gameplay and Story Info Everything We Know So Far . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152235/https://game8.co/articles/reviews/age-of-mythology-retold-gameplay-and-story-info . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . Game8 . en-US.
  6. Web site: Tolbert . Samuel . 2024-06-12 . I played this gorgeous strategy remake and now it's one of my most anticipated games of the year . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152237/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/i-played-this-gorgeous-strategy-remake-and-now-its-one-of-my-most-anticipated-games-of-the-year . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  7. Web site: Duran . Misael . 2022-10-25 . When is the release date for Age of Mythology Retold? . 2024-06-27 . Gamepur . en-US . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627154725/https://www.gamepur.com/guides/when-is-the-release-date-for-age-of-mythology-retold . live .
  8. Web site: Romano . Sal . 2024-02-23 . Age of Mythology: Retold launches in 2024 for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240226042026/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/age-of-mythology-retold-launches-in-2024-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc . 2024-02-26 . 2024-06-27 . Gematsu . en-US.
  9. Web site: Karanja . Evans . 2024-06-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold — Everything We Know - Gaming.net . 2024-06-27 . Gaming.net . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121438/https://www.gaming.net/age-of-mythology-retold-everything-we-know/ . live .
  10. Age of Mythology: Retold - Announce Trailer . 2022-10-25 . en . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152238/https://www.ign.com/videos/age-of-mythology-retold-announce-trailer . 2024-06-27 . live . IGN.
  11. Web site: Yin-Poole . Wesley . 2024-06-09 . Microsoft Announces Age of Mythology Retold Release Date at Xbox Games Showcase . 2024-06-27 . . en . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121527/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-announces-age-of-mythology-retold-release-date-at-xbox-games-showcase . live .
  12. Web site: McCarter . Reid . 2024-07-09 . Age of Mythology: Retold set to launch limited time beta very soon . 2024-07-14 . . en-US . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121442/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/closed-beta-launch . live .
  13. Web site: Age of Mythology: Retold for PC Reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en.
  14. Web site: Age of Mythology: Retold for Xbox Series X reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en . August 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240828065117/https://www.metacritic.com/game/age-of-mythology-retold/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x . live .
  15. Web site: 2024-08-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold Reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en . August 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240827191935/https://opencritic.com/game/17117/age-of-mythology-retold . live .
  16. Web site: Benfell . Grace . 2024-08-27 . 22 years later, one of the all-time best fantasy RTS games gets a worthy remake . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240829094512/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/review . 2024-08-29 . 2024-08-29 . . en-US.
  17. Web site: Tolbert . Samuel . 2024-08-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold review — A wonderful remake that lays the foundation for years of expansions . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240827155341/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/age-of-mythology-retold-review-a-wonderful-remake-that-lays-the-foundation-for-years-of-expansions . 2024-08-27 . 2024-08-29 . . en.
  18. Web site: Makuch . Eddie . 2024-08-19 . All The Gamescom Awards 2024 Categories And Nominees . 2024-08-22 . . en-US.
  19. Web site: The Game Award Nominations: ‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ Slices Its Way To Victory With Seven Nominations . 18 November 2024. Destiny. Jackson. . 18 November 2024.

References

  1. Web site: Boudreau . Ian . 2022-10-25 . Age of Mythology: Retold will remaster the classic RTS game . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152239/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/teaser-trailer . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . . en-US.
  2. Age of Empires on Consoles, Logitech G Cloud and more . 2022-10-28 . Hryb . Larry . Larry Hryb . Rothamel . Ethan . Saylor . Steve . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230124021632/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmu5jeHe6Nc . 2023-01-24 . live . YouTube.
  3. News: Bolding . Jonathan . 2024-02-23 . Age of Mythology: Retold's developers are going 'way beyond' the definitive editions for Age of Empires: 'We want to build the game in your head' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240611192035/https://www.pcgamer.com/age-of-mythology-retold-interview-preview/ . 2024-06-11 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  4. Web site: Brosofsky . Ben . 2024-03-01 . An Iconic RTS Is Getting A Nostalgic, Epic Remake . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240613154046/https://screenrant.com/age-mythology-retold-rts-remake-details/ . 2024-06-13 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  5. Web site: Jason Kong . Clark . 2024-06-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold Gameplay and Story Info Everything We Know So Far . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152235/https://game8.co/articles/reviews/age-of-mythology-retold-gameplay-and-story-info . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . Game8 . en-US.
  6. Web site: Tolbert . Samuel . 2024-06-12 . I played this gorgeous strategy remake and now it's one of my most anticipated games of the year . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152237/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/i-played-this-gorgeous-strategy-remake-and-now-its-one-of-my-most-anticipated-games-of-the-year . 2024-06-27 . 2024-06-27 . . en.
  7. Web site: Duran . Misael . 2022-10-25 . When is the release date for Age of Mythology Retold? . 2024-06-27 . Gamepur . en-US . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627154725/https://www.gamepur.com/guides/when-is-the-release-date-for-age-of-mythology-retold . live .
  8. Web site: Romano . Sal . 2024-02-23 . Age of Mythology: Retold launches in 2024 for Xbox Series, Xbox One, and PC . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240226042026/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/age-of-mythology-retold-launches-in-2024-for-xbox-series-xbox-one-and-pc . 2024-02-26 . 2024-06-27 . Gematsu . en-US.
  9. Web site: Karanja . Evans . 2024-06-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold — Everything We Know - Gaming.net . 2024-06-27 . Gaming.net . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121438/https://www.gaming.net/age-of-mythology-retold-everything-we-know/ . live .
  10. Age of Mythology: Retold - Announce Trailer . 2022-10-25 . en . 2024-06-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627152238/https://www.ign.com/videos/age-of-mythology-retold-announce-trailer . 2024-06-27 . live . IGN.
  11. Web site: Yin-Poole . Wesley . 2024-06-09 . Microsoft Announces Age of Mythology Retold Release Date at Xbox Games Showcase . 2024-06-27 . . en . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121527/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-announces-age-of-mythology-retold-release-date-at-xbox-games-showcase . live .
  12. Web site: McCarter . Reid . 2024-07-09 . Age of Mythology: Retold set to launch limited time beta very soon . 2024-07-14 . . en-US . August 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240818121442/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/closed-beta-launch . live .
  13. Web site: Age of Mythology: Retold for PC Reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en.
  14. Web site: Age of Mythology: Retold for Xbox Series X reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en . August 28, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240828065117/https://www.metacritic.com/game/age-of-mythology-retold/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x . live .
  15. Web site: 2024-08-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold Reviews . 2024-08-28 . . en . August 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240827191935/https://opencritic.com/game/17117/age-of-mythology-retold . live .
  16. Web site: Benfell . Grace . 2024-08-27 . 22 years later, one of the all-time best fantasy RTS games gets a worthy remake . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240829094512/https://www.pcgamesn.com/age-of-mythology-retold/review . 2024-08-29 . 2024-08-29 . . en-US.
  17. Web site: Tolbert . Samuel . 2024-08-27 . Age of Mythology: Retold review — A wonderful remake that lays the foundation for years of expansions . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240827155341/https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/age-of-mythology-retold-review-a-wonderful-remake-that-lays-the-foundation-for-years-of-expansions . 2024-08-27 . 2024-08-29 . . en.
  18. Web site: Makuch . Eddie . 2024-08-19 . All The Gamescom Awards 2024 Categories And Nominees . 2024-08-22 . . en-US.
  19. Web site: The Game Award Nominations: ‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ Slices Its Way To Victory With Seven Nominations . 18 November 2024. Destiny. Jackson. . 18 November 2024.

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