Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Buyer's Guide

Master a classic RTS game with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, featuring 4K visuals, new campaigns & playable nations. Worth playing, but beware of bugs & poor online matchmaking.
Fan-art of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

The sprawling historical strategy epic from 1999 gets a lavish 4K makeover, accompanied by a fresh audio refiturated soundtrack, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The Definitive Edition bristles with new features: three new campaigns, four fresh Civilizations, and online multiplayer mayhem with 35 playable nations. With over 200 hours of engaging gameplay, the remastered edition is a gift for fans of epic strategy, while newcomers can immerse themselves in the rich fabric of human history.

Should I play Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2024?

The good

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (AoE2: DE) is lauded by many as the best real-time strategy (RTS) game ever made, combining nostalgia with enhanced graphics and quality of life improvements. The game has an extensive amount of content, including numerous campaigns that offer both entertainment and historical enrichment. Long-time fans appreciate the beautiful remastering and the game’s ability to evoke the joy of their childhood experiences. Many players, even those typically inclined towards other RTS titles like StarCraft, find the controls tight and the gameplay smooth. The game is described as addictive and endlessly re-playable, with some fans declaring that there’s nothing else quite like Age of Empires II.

The bad

Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, some users have noted issues primarily related to multiplayer gameplay. Recent updates have reportedly introduced bugs that cause freezes and crashes, detracting from the multiplayer experience. The absence of offline LAN play can be a significant drawback for those who travel or have limited internet connectivity. Some users also highlighted problems with pathfinding and minor gameplay inconsistencies that affect the overall experience.

Verdict

Should you buy Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2024? Absolutely, especially if you’re a fan of RTS games! 🌟 The game offers an incredible amount of content, nostalgic value, and beautiful enhancements. While some multiplayer issues exist, the single-player campaigns alone make it worth the investment. Just ensure to check for updates regarding any multiplayer fixes if that’s your primary interest. Dive into a timeless classic that has only gotten better with age. 🌳🏰⚔️



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In-game Screenshot

Screenshot of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG