Age of Empires III

[timbit]

I was just wondering what everyone thinks of Age of Empires III. I just got it and have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I don't know if my tastes have changed or what, but it doesn't really seem like much of an improvement over Age of Kings gameplay wise, and over Mythology graphics wise. The home city concept didn't really impress me that much. I loved Age of Empires 1 and Age of Kings/Conquerers, and Mythology was ok, but I'm not a fan of 3. Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone else was disappointed, or if it was just me.

[catacon]

I like the home city thing and the shipments, but I prefer the medieval era better. I know they are progressing through time with the games, but I would rather play with swords and bows than muskets and cannons. It's still pretty fun, though.

[MakeYourslf2012]

I would call this game "so-so", perhaps a 7 out of 10.

I am a HUGE fan of the AOE series but i dont really see as big as a difference as i saw from AOE to AOEII.

True, the graphics in this game are increadible, but about an hour in to game play - it was almost a little too much. The "bloom" effect that it gives kind of hurts the eyes, and i find myself getting constant headaches from it.

This was also the first game that I actually had to turn the video settings below normal. It packs too much of a punch for my GPU (in sig.) to handle.

Other than the graphics and the new Home City feature, i didnt really see that much of gameplay difference. One thing i hoped they could have worked on was the individual unit movements in a formation. If one corner of a formation of 30 units run into an object, the whole formation has to shift. so when your on a dense map, the gameplay looks a little fake, just AOEII (can anyone relate?).

[saikojay]

IMO, the graphics are better than Age of Kings.
By gameplay, they took a few things out of the game like trading in the market with carts. Gameplay is disappointing but its startin to get me into the game.

[spartan015]

well i enjoyed it alot... i nvr really played the old age of empires (planning on getting the first one? the one wit the japan and what not) so i guess im new to it.

[fudtone]

I think I played it longer than 2 and kings but not as long as 1. I might try to check out some only to see if thats worth a poop.

[figarowa]

just picked it up a few days ago, still same game play, but some cooler weapons, not so sure on the home city thing yet, but the AI is a lot better at their attack plans this game I think, plus the graphics are pretty good.

[Sauron]

AI is superb, attack better - wish they'd defend base slightly better - new units, graphics are better then AOK, but not the major jump from AOE to AOK had graphics wise. I love the fact that there are no more store houses; it takes forever to recruit villagers and its weird; but I'd swear that the upgrades for the settlers make them actually work slower. Maybe its just me. Its a great game though - I love the muskets, formations are great and its kool to be able to select how many units you can have and they pop out in fives. I wish there was a bigger population limit. It really takes a LOT longer to get your base started then it used to, but its a LOT easier to play in many ways. I wish there was also an option to rotate the map...would have been nice. Still gets a 8/10 though from me.

[Kulag]

9/10 here. Very good, even though I only have the demo...

Note: It's possible to edit your home city so you're L100 with all cards without playing a single match.

[Hi Ho]

graphics are better then AOK, but not the major jump from AOE to AOK had graphics wise.

Are you serious? The graphics are one of the biggest improvements. Just going from 2D to 3D is a big jump, but then they added all the dynamic lighting, beautiful water, and tons of other little details. It has to be the best looking strategy game by a long shot.

[Jaggannath]

Once again I find myself siding with HiHo on this one... the graphics (just look at the screenshots) are a marked improvement not only on the AOE series, but pretty much all strategy games

[catacon]

I agree the graphics are TONS better! When you zoom in, the detail is amazing!

[tomster2300]

Just played through the tutorial and I have to say I'm hooked. I always loved AOE II, but when you focus those mortars and cannons on people and buildings, and the thunderous booms which follow (with my surround sound ) it is amazing. It was shaking my desk the bass was so deep. Only problem I had with the demo was the sound. I just said it was great, but for some reason it kept getting louder then would suddenly get soft and stay on a certain level, then repeat itself. It was kind of odd - yet when it was playing right I loved it. Two thumbs up on this game.

[pam123]

My copy of the Holiday issue of MaximumPC just arrived and it has the demo.
I'll have to check it out.

[tomster2300]

I forgot to mention that I was playing the demo and not the retail version of the game. I'm going to have to wait on buying the game for awhile - car payments and food expenses are a pain when you're in college.

[nbcrusader]

Huge improvement in graphics over AOE II. Watching building blow apart with each mortar shot is great.

Strategy will take some time to learn. In AOE II, it was easy to understand the mix of infantry/archers/calvery. Now, most units carry guns, so you have to know the oddly named units (historically based names, of course) to get the right mix.

[Sauron]

Well - it still wasn't the huge jump that I was hoping for...I guess I have played too many other strategy games. I mean I think Cossacks looks better, and Epic Earth 2 isn't that bad either..Even Rise of Nations had little quirps which weren't added in AOE3.

[Hi Ho]

What video card are you using Sauron? AOE III can be a power hog and, from what I've read, it doesn't look nearly as good on older cards.

[Sauron]

9600 Pro.

[spartan015]

Originally Posted by tomster2300 I forgot to mention that I was playing the demo and not the retail version of the game. I'm going to have to wait on buying the game for awhile - car payments and food expenses are a pain when you're in college.

its actually kinda diff from the demo, i cant really explain (not cuz its spoiler or anything) but its a lil diff, they layout and what not. still alot of fun lol. gameplay hasnt changed, man i love having a navy and just bombarding the coastal towns...