Legendary series that defined the species RTS

When Ensemble Studios released the first Age of Empires in 1997, no one expected this strategic production to change the face of gaming for years. Combining historical campaigns, deep mechanics and today's iconic formula "Build Your Civilization", the series won millions of fans. Today, after 25 years, Age of Empires continues to record popularity – thanks to remasters, new releases and Xbox debuts.

Birth of Legend: A Classical Era of RTS (1997-2005)

Age of Empires (1997): The beginning of the empire

The first part moved players into ancient times (from 12,000 BC to 500 CE), offering 16 civilizations to develop. Innovation was the combination of a struggle for resources with an accurate mapping of historical conflicts. The success of the game (more than 3 million copies sold according to IGN) established the expansion of The Rise of Rome (1998).

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999): Masterpiece of the species

Part two, incarcerated in the Middle Ages, is still considered the peak of the series. 13 civilizations, epic campaigns (including Joan of Arc or Saladin) and the revolutionary Genie Engine engine provided the game with a cult status. According to Microsoft data, the game sold in over 5 million copies before 2001.

Classic Parts of Age of Empires

Title	Year of premiere	Key novelties
Age of Empires	1997	16 civilizations, 4 historical epochs
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings	1999	13 civilizations, historical campaigns
Age of Mythology	2002	Mythologie, a system of divine interventions
Age of Empires III	2005	3D engine, American colonization

Age of Mythology (2002): Mythological Experiment

Spin-off series moved action into the world of Greek, Egyptian and Nordic myths. The mechanics of "God's gifts" and campaigns based on legends (e.g. Odysseus) gained recognition from critics (87/100 in Metacritic).

Age of Empires III (2005): Revolution in 3D

The third main installment introduced a three-dimensional graphics and a system of "cards from the metropolis" allowing to bring meals from Europe. Despite mixed voices (79/100 in IGN), the game paved the way for modern RTS.

Years of Forgetfulness and Return of Glory (2006-2019)

After Ensemble Studios closed in 2009, the series almost disappeared from the market. The rescue proved: – Fan projects: Fashions like Age of Empires Online*(2011) kept the community alive. – Definitive Editions: Remasters in 4K, which since 2018 restore the classic to graces.

New era: Remasters and debut on consoles

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

The refreshed version of the second part is today the most popular RTS on Steam (average 25 thousand players per day in 2023). It contains: – 35 civilizations (including Slavs and Bulgarians), – 4K HDR and a renewed soundtrack, – 3 new campaigns: Tatars, Kumans and Bulgarians.

Age of Empires on Xbox (2023)

In October 2023 Microsoft introduced Age of Empires II: DE and Age of Empires IV on the Xbox Series X/S. Key amenities: – Optimization under controller, – Cooperation mode, – Cross-play with PC

Why go back to Age of Empires in 2024?

The series offers more than ever: – 4 active games: AoE II: DE, AoE III: DE, AoE IV, – Availability: All titles are available on Xbox Game Pass, – Community: Tournaments like*Red Bull Wololo attracts millions of viewers.