Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in the Middle Ages. The game allows players to choose from different civilizations, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Released in 2000, the Conquerors expansion pack added new features, game modes, and civilizations, solidifying Age of Empires II as one of the best strategy games of all time. Despite being over two decades old, the game continues to be played by thousands of gamers worldwide. The multiplayer experience and active community, as well as the game’s availability on multiple platforms and frequent updates, contribute to its long-lasting popularity.

Introduction

Age of Empires II is a classic real-time strategy game that was released in 1999. The game was a huge success and quickly became a fan-favorite. In 2000, an expansion pack named The Conquerors was released, which added new features, game modes, and civilizations. The Conquerors expansion solidified Age of Empires II as one of the best strategy games of all time. Today, more than 20 years later, Age of Empires II and its expansion pack are still played and beloved by gamers all around the world.

The Gameplay

Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in the Middle Ages. The game allows players to choose from different civilizations, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The objective of the game is to build a base, gather resources, train an army, and defeat the enemy. To accomplish this, players have to manage their resources carefully and make strategic decisions. They can choose to attack their opponents directly or opt for a more defensive approach by building strong defensive structures.

The Conquerors Expansion

The Conquerors expansion added new features, game modes, and civilizations to the game. One of the most prominent additions was the inclusion of five new civilizations – the Aztecs, Mayans, Spanish, Koreans, and Huns. Each of these civilizations has their own unique units, technologies, and strategies. The expansion also added new game modes such as the Wonder race, where players had to build a Wonder and protect it from their opponents, and King of the Hill, where players had to control a specific location on the map for a certain amount of time.

New Units and Technologies

The Conquerors expansion also introduced new units and technologies to the game. For instance, the Spanish civilization had access to the Conquistador, a powerful mounted unit that was effective against infantry and archers. The Aztecs, on the other hand, had the Jaguar Warrior – a fast-moving infantry unit that was effective against other infantry units. The expansion also added new technologies such as the Bloodlines upgrade, which increased the hit points of cavalry units, and the Thumb Ring upgrade, which increased the accuracy of archers.

Enhanced AI and Graphics

The Conquerors expansion also improved the game’s AI, making the computer-controlled opponents more challenging and strategic. The game also received a graphical upgrade, making the visuals more detailed and polished. The new civilizations, units, and technologies were all beautifully designed, adding to the overall appeal of the game.

Why Age of Empires II Still Holds Up Today

Despite being over two decades old, Age of Empires II and its expansion pack continue to be played by thousands of gamers worldwide. One of the reasons for this is the game’s timeless gameplay. The mechanics of Age of Empires II are easy to understand but hard to master. Players can spend countless hours perfecting their strategies, mastering their unit compositions, and experimenting with different civilizations.

The Thrilling Multiplayer Experience

Another reason why Age of Empires II has stood the test of time is its multiplayer experience. The game’s matchmaking system and lobby system make it easy for players to find games with other players. The thrill of playing against real people is what keeps the game exciting and engaging. The multiplayer experience is also hugely customizable. Players can choose from a variety of game modes and maps, or they can create their own custom maps and scenarios.

The Availability of the Game

The game’s availability is another factor for its long-lasting popularity. Age of Empires II is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and even console. In addition, the game is frequently updated, with bug fixes and balance changes, keeping the game fresh and relevant.

The Community and Modding Scene

The Age of Empires II community is large and thriving. There are numerous online forums, YouTube channels, and Twitch streams dedicated to the game. The modding scene is also active, with players creating and sharing custom scenarios, campaigns, and even total conversion mods. The community keeps the game alive by creating new content and keeping the game’s legacy alive.

Conclusion

Age of Empires II: The Conquerors Expansion is a classic real-time strategy game that stands the test of time. The game’s timeless gameplay, thrilling multiplayer experience, and active community have kept the game relevant and engaging even after two decades. The Conquerors expansion added new features, game modes, and civilizations, solidifying Age of Empires II as one of the best strategy games of all time. If you haven’t played Age of Empires II yet, then you’re missing out on one of the greatest strategy games in history.