Age of Wonders 4: A Magical Conquest, But With Minor Hiccups
The 4X strategy genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) thrives even amidst a downturn in other strategy subgenres. From established studios to smaller indie developers, the genre sees a steady stream of new releases, proving its enduring appeal. Classic titles like Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, with its extensive DLC library, and Endless Legend remain popular, consistently ranking high on gaming charts. Among these returning classics, the Age of Wonders series from Dutch developer Triumph Studios stands out with its consistent release schedule, focusing on new iterations rather than solely relying on DLC expansions. In 2019, Triumph Studios experimented with Age of Wonders: Planetfall, a sci-fi departure from the series’ traditional fantasy setting. However, this deviation didn’t fully resonate with long-time fans. Returning to its roots, Triumph Studios has now released Age of Wonders 4, continuing the main storyline. Does this fourth installment maintain the series’ legacy? Let’s delve into this review and find out.
Reigniting the War Between Mortals and Immortals
Independent studios often favor the 4X genre for its lower technological and graphical demands. However, compelling gameplay and narrative are crucial for success. Established titles, while boasting rich lore and worlds, face the challenge of innovating enough to keep each new release engaging.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
Triumph Studios recognized these challenges when developing Age of Wonders 4. They analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of previous entries, aiming to refine existing mechanics, introduce fresh elements, and weave a captivating new narrative. Age of Wonders 3 succeeded by incorporating elements from contemporary 4X games, centering on tactical combat with magic and grand strategy. However, this emphasis on tactical gameplay somewhat overshadowed the strategic 4X aspects. The developers attempted to increase difficulty by giving the AI unfair advantages, such as reneging on agreements and coordinating overwhelming attacks.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
Age of Wonders 4 addresses this imbalance with a simplified fantasy setting, allowing players to craft their own stories. The narrative revolves around a powerful sorceress who enslaves various races across different worlds with her magic. Players customize their own races, akin to classic RPGs based on Dungeon & Dragons, choosing from six cultures with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to harness magical power and lead mortals against the immortal forces. The diverse customization options from the outset lead to unique economic, military, and magical development paths. This avoids the “new bottle, old wine” syndrome of some traditional strategy games.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
After customizing your race and culture, your journey to conquer the immortals begins. While incorporating new elements, the core gameplay retains the series’ tactical focus, seamlessly integrating it with the strategic layer. Tactical combat remains central, with armies of up to six units, each with distinct roles and strengths. Units gain experience and grow stronger through battles.
However, mortal forces are limited. Magic plays a pivotal role in Age of Wonders 4. Players must constantly develop resources and build magic towers to gain significant advantages in combat. A well-placed strategic spell combined with tactical magic during battles can lead even an underdog army to a decisive victory.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
Exploration and expansion are essential, not just for resources, but also to recruit units with special abilities. These specialized units significantly bolster your army’s strength. This constant drive to explore and exploit keeps the gameplay engaging. The AI opponents are also more balanced, eliminating the “ganging up” of previous versions, making diplomacy a viable option.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
The integrated RPG elements are well-implemented, impacting development, diplomacy, and even the attitudes of neutral factions. This depth adds to the narrative, providing insight into the game’s world.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
Age of Wonders 4 successfully carves its own niche within the 4X genre, offering a fresh approach that challenges even veteran players.
Minor Issues Holding Back Perfection
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
While innovative, Age of Wonders 4 still has some minor flaws. Magic, while crucial for victory, feels underwhelming in the early game. This can lead players to neglect magic research in favor of economic development and character progression, potentially hindering their progress later on.
Age of Wonders 4 – Game Review
This somewhat linear progression, while contributing to the game’s uniqueness, can also restrict player choices. The graphics and sound, while adequate for a 4X game, are not particularly impressive compared to recent releases in the genre. Unit models, buildings, and terrain appear only slightly improved over the decade-old Age of Wonders 3. The visual effects also don’t quite match the game’s depiction of magic’s power. This can make the game less visually appealing, especially for newcomers. Finally, some minor bugs can cause crashes or freezes, requiring further polish.
In conclusion, Age of Wonders 4 offers a compelling and innovative 4X experience, but some minor issues prevent it from reaching its full potential.
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