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Age of Mythology: Extended Edition breathes new life into the classic real-time strategy game that captivated players with its unique blend of mythology and historical warfare. This enhanced version, including the Titans expansion, invites players to revisit a world where gods and mythical creatures clash alongside human armies. But does this remaster successfully recapture the magic of the original, or is it a relic of the past? Let’s delve into the world of Age of Mythology: Extended Edition and explore its strengths and weaknesses.

A Clash of Civilizations

alt text – Greek Hoplites clashing with Egyptian soldiers

Age of Mythology: Extended Edition offers players a choice of four distinct civilizations: Greeks, Egyptians, Norse, and Atlanteans. Each civilization boasts unique units, technologies, and a trio of major gods, adding a layer of strategic depth. The game masterfully captures the cultural nuances of each civilization, reflecting their unique strengths and weaknesses. Greeks boast disciplined and powerful armies, Egyptians utilize a vast slave labor force, and Norse warriors are renowned for their ferocity. While the Atlanteans, introduced in the Titans expansion, share some similarities with the Greeks, they offer a different playstyle with their focus on economic power.

The Power of Favor

Beyond the standard resources of food, wood, and gold, Age of Mythology introduces a fourth crucial resource: Favor. This divine resource fuels mythical units, god powers, and upgrades, and each civilization has a distinct method of acquiring it. Greeks gain Favor through worship at temples, Egyptians by constructing monuments, Norse through combat and chieftains, and Atlanteans by building town centers. These diverse methods contribute significantly to the strategic gameplay, forcing players to adapt their strategies based on their chosen civilization and god.

Strategic Depth and Mythic Mayhem

alt text – An Egyptian Pharaoh leads his troops into battle

Age of Mythology’s strategic core revolves around the interplay of human soldiers, mythical creatures, and heroes. Heroes excel against myth units, myth units dominate regular soldiers, and regular soldiers counter heroes, creating a dynamic rock-paper-scissors system. Furthermore, individual unit types have specific strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to create diverse armies and adapt to their opponent’s composition. The choice of major and minor gods further complicates the strategic landscape, as each deity offers unique units, god powers, and upgrades. This intricate system ensures that every match feels fresh and challenging.

A Mythic Campaign

alt text – Norse units prepare for battle

The campaign mode in Age of Mythology: Extended Edition is a true highlight. Following the Atlantean general Arkantos, the story weaves a compelling narrative of intrigue and betrayal, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Players will encounter iconic figures from Greek mythology and witness the unfolding of a grand conspiracy involving the god Poseidon. The campaign’s engaging narrative and diverse missions offer a compelling single-player experience that complements the game’s robust multiplayer offerings.

A God Among Mortals?

alt text – A Greek hero battles a mythical creature

For fans of mythology, particularly Greek mythology, Age of Mythology: Extended Edition offers a thrilling opportunity to interact with legendary heroes and mythical creatures. Commanding figures like Hercules, Achilles, and mythical beasts like Pegasus and the Kraken is an undeniably appealing prospect. The ability to wield devastating god powers, such as meteor showers and earthquakes, adds another layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Dated Graphics

alt text – Arkantos surveys the battlefield

Despite some visual enhancements, the graphics in Age of Mythology: Extended Edition undeniably show their age. While the day-night cycle, water effects, and lighting have been improved, the character models and environments remain relatively unchanged from the original release. This dated visual presentation can detract from the overall experience, especially for players accustomed to modern graphics.

Balance Issues

alt text – Atlantean forces engage in combat

A persistent issue from the original game is the lack of balance between civilizations and gods. Some civilizations, like the Egyptians, are inherently weaker, while others, like the Greeks, enjoy significant advantages. Similarly, certain gods and god powers are considerably more powerful than others, leading to predictable strategies and imbalances in competitive play.

Conclusion

Age of Mythology: Extended Edition is a nostalgic trip back to a beloved classic. Its engaging campaign, unique gameplay mechanics, and mythological setting remain compelling. However, the dated graphics and persistent balance issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may not be a perfect remaster, it still offers a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of mythology and real-time strategy games.

alt text – A battle between Greek and Norse forces