Review: AGE OF EMPIRES III: DEFINITIVE EDITION Improves On Greatness
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is a strong example of how to improve and reskin a great game for experienced and new players. Whenever a game is brought back, there has to be an actual reason to purchase it again. Age of Empires 3 was already a great game and this definitive version doesn’t add an incredible amount of content, but the improvement to user interfaces, menus, fixes, and updated graphics make up for that. It may not be so beautiful that those who already own it need to purchase it again, but avid fans and newcomers can enjoy a much-improved version of this game.
Age of Empires 3 is a real-time strategy game that sends players into different parts of history and classic historic battles with real and fake characters and heroes. The game has a plethora of different civilizations that have unique units, unique abilities, and great aesthetics. Two new civilizations were added for the definitive edition. The campaigns are a little short. However, there are multiple stories and various historic battles that you can play through, so much so that most people will have a hard time getting through all the content under 20 or 30 hours. With online multiplayer and other skirmishes that can be set up, players can expect many hours of great gameplay outside of the main campaign.
Now, let’s take a gander at the graphical upgrades. Menus, the game’s user interface, and general layout is changed a lot and mostly a big improvement. The colors are more defined and things are easier to understand. Players can still choose between modern or classic interfaces so they can play however it is most comfortable to them. All the character models and all of the textures have had a really smooth and well detailed reskinning. It definitely won’t be the most beautiful game out there now, but it does look noticeably better and feels more natural. Some of the character animations especially in cut scenes are still pretty stiff, but for the number of hours of gameplay and story elements offered, it’s just fine for a real-time strategy game.
Like I said before, I don’t know if this version of the game merits a download and replay for most players who already have played through this game, but for those who love Age of Empire 3 and consistently play it, this could totally be worth it to buy with the nice facelift and new civilizations.
