Age of Empires II, a real-time strategy game launched in 1999, continues to be a classic strategy game even after 20 years of its release. The game offers a varied experience with 13 different civilizations, gameplay modes like single-player campaigns, custom scenarios and online multiplayer. Its focus on resource management, city building and combat mechanics, unit balance and tactical depth make it enjoyable for both new players and veterans. Its attention to historical accuracy, with each civilization based on historical research and campaigns depicting important historical events, makes it a fun and interactive way to learn about history. The game benefits from an active modding community, which extends its longevity.
Why Age of Empires II is Still a Classic Strategy Game
Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and released on September 30, 1999. The game has since gained a cult following and remains popular to this day, even after 20 years. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Age of Empires II is still considered a classic strategy game.
Gameplay
One of the main reasons why Age of Empires II has stood the test of time is due to its timeless gameplay. Age of Empires II offers players a varied experience, allowing them to choose one of 13 different civilizations, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can also choose from a variety of game modes, including single-player campaigns, custom scenarios, and online multiplayer.
The game’s focus on resource management, city building, and combat mechanics still holds up today, making it enjoyable for both veteran players and newcomers to the genre. The game’s unit balance and tactical depth are also major factors, as players must make strategic decisions in real-time to outsmart their opponents.
Historical Accuracy
Age of Empires II is also known for its attention to historical accuracy, which has captured the hearts of many history buffs. The game spans from the fall of Rome to the discovery of the New World, allowing players to learn about the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Each civilization also has its own unique units, buildings, and technologies, which are all based on historical research.
The game’s campaigns also offer players a glimpse into important historical events, ranging from William Wallace’s fight for Scotland’s independence to Joan of Arc’s crusade. In this way, Age of Empires II can also be viewed as educational, as it teaches players about different civilizations and their histories in a fun and interactive way.
Modding Community
Age of Empires II also benefits from an active modding community, which has created a vast amount of custom content over the years. Mods can range from new scenarios, civilizations, graphics, and even gameplay mechanics. The game’s modding tools are also relatively easy to use, offering a low barrier of entry for those interested in creating their own content.
This has extended the longevity of the game, as players can always find a new experience by browsing the game’s Steam Workshop or other modding sites. The modding community has also helped keep Age of Empires II relevant by creating new content even after two decades since the game’s release.
Conclusion
Age of Empires II remains one of the most beloved real-time strategy games of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. The game’s timeless gameplay, historical accuracy, and active modding community have allowed it to remain popular even after 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of strategy games or not, Age of Empires II is definitely worth your time.