Age of Empires II

Age of Empires 2 (also known as Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings) is a celebrated real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft for home PCs in 1999. Developed on the upgraded version of the Genie Engine that powered the original version of the Age of Empires in 1997, this sequel managed to improve upon almost every aspect and gain the reputation of one of the best RTS games of all time.



Set in the Middle Ages and with an ability to move to newer historical periods such as Dark Age, Feudal Age, Castle Age, and Imperial Age, the game offers players an incredible variety of challenges in the single-player campaign missions and an incredible variety of tactical clashes in streamlined online modes.

This included five historical single-player campaigns, three additional single-player modes, and a fully-featured multiplayer. Age of Empires II game had built-in support for thirteen playable civilizations, all featuring their unique units (two per civilization), visual style, and preferred tactics for establishing strongholds and beating opponents.

The core gameplay loop of the game followed the tried and true formula of managing expansions of towns, gathering resources, training armies, and making sound tactical moves to outsmart either computer-controlled AI players or real opponents located at nearby PCs via Ethernet connections or worldwide players via the Internet. During the length of the campaign or PvP matches, the game expands on the number of supported units on the screen, allowing clashes of massive armies on the battlefields.

Due to its popularity, the AoE 2 has also received several expansions, sequels, and high-definition remakes. Age of Empires II: HD Edition remake arrived in 2012, while a Definitive Edition remake followed in 2019, including all original content, expansions, 4 new civilizations, new campaign missions, and support for 4K visuals.



The original Age of Empires 2 is today playable on almost every PC you can find around you.  While it can easily run on any single or multicore PC, be aware that it is optimized only for older Windows OS versions such as Windows 95/98/Me/XP/NT. Users who want to play this title on newer Windows OS should investigate activating compatibility modes for this application if any instability is noticed.

Key Features

• Multiple Civilizations: Players can choose from various civilizations, each with unique units, buildings, and technologies, including the Britons, Vikings, Mongols, and more.
• Single Player Campaigns: It offers several single-player campaigns, each with its own storyline and historical context.
• Multiplayer Mode: Compete against friends or strangers in multiplayer mode, either through LAN or online play.
• Random Map Generator: Generate random maps with different terrains, resources, and starting conditions, ensuring each game feels fresh and unpredictable.
• Custom Scenarios: Create and share custom scenarios using the built-in scenario editor, allowing for endless replayability.

User Interface

The user interface in this game is intuitive and easy to navigate, featuring clear icons and tooltips to help players understand game mechanics and options.



The interface is customizable, allowing players to adjust settings such as screen resolution, hotkeys, and display options to suit their preferences.

Installation and Setup

Installing this game is straightforward, requiring users to insert the installation disc or download the game from an online platform such as Steam. The setup process guides users through installing necessary files and configuring game settings before launching the game for the first time.

How to Play

• Choose Civilization: Select a civilization from the available options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
• Build Structures: Begin by constructing essential buildings such as Town Centers, resource gatherers, and military buildings.
• Gather Resources: Collect resources such as wood, food, gold, and stone to fuel your civilization's growth and expansion.
• Train Units: Recruit soldiers, archers, cavalry, and siege weapons to defend your territory and launch attacks against enemies.
• Research Technologies: Upgrade your civilization's technology tree to unlock new units, buildings, and abilities.
• Expand and Conquer: Expand your territory, explore the map, and engage in strategic battles to conquer rival civilizations and achieve victory.

FAQ

Can I play Age of Empires II on modern operating systems like Windows 11/10?
Yes, it has been updated to be compatible with modern operating systems, including Windows 11 and 10.

Does Age of Empires 2 for PC support multiplayer gameplay?
Yes, it offers both LAN and online multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against friends or strangers.

Are there different difficulty levels in single-player mode?
Yes, players can choose from multiple difficulty levels in single-player mode, ranging from easy to hard, to suit their skill level.

Can I create and share custom scenarios in Age of Empires II?
Yes, it includes a scenario editor that allows players to create custom scenarios and share them with others.

Are there any expansions or DLCs available for Age of Empires 2?
Yes, it has several expansion packs and DLCs that add new civilizations, campaigns, and gameplay features.

Alternatives

Age of Empires III - The sequel to Age of Empires II, offering improved graphics, new civilizations, and updated gameplay mechanics.

Age of Empires II: HD - The one of the most popular PC strategy games ever in HD version!

Starcraft II - A sci-fi RTS game with three unique factions, each with its own strengths and playstyle.

Pricing

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is available for purchase (for $19,99) on platforms such as Steam and the Microsoft Store. Pricing may vary depending on the edition and any included expansions or DLCs.

• System Requirements
• OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11
• Processor: 1.2 GHz CPU
• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX 9.0c compatible GPU
• Storage: 2 GB available space

PROS

• Engaging gameplay with deep strategic elements.
• Historical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Customizable settings and multiplayer options.
• Active community and support for mods and custom content.
• Timeless appeal and replayability.

CONS

• Dated graphics compared to modern RTS games.
• Steep learning curve for newcomers to the genre.
• Limited tutorial and in-game guidance for complex mechanics.
• Occasional bugs and compatibility issues on newer systems.

Conclusion

It remains a timeless classic in the RTS genre, offering engaging gameplay, historical authenticity, and deep strategic depth. Despite its age, the game continues to attract new players and maintain a dedicated fanbase thanks to its compelling single-player campaigns, robust multiplayer mode, and endless replayability.

While it may not boast the graphical fidelity of modern titles, its gameplay stands the test of time, making it a must-play for strategy enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Whether you're reliving nostalgic memories or experiencing it for the first time, Age of Empires II is a gaming experience that transcends generations.