Now first thing is first… this is not a remaster of the 2002 classic, instead Age of Mythology: Retold is a “reimagining” of the original game. With that it has been born anew, like a phoenix, with quite a graphical overhaul, every small detail completely recreated to bring new life to the 22-year-old title, basically this retold story is Medusa…before the hair extensions and stone-dead death stare.
What’s more, new content and features were added to this version. Developed by Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios, this updated version aims to rejuvenate the beloved game for a new generation while retaining the core elements that made the original a standout in the RTS genre. This review will delve into various aspects of the game, including graphics and audio, gameplay mechanics, quality of life improvements, multiplayer features, and the balance between nostalgia and innovation.
“Age of Mythology: Retold is a “reimagining” of the original game”
Graphics and Audio: A Visual and Auditory Overhaul
The most eye-popping change in “Age of Mythology: Retold” is its upgraded graphics. Picture the original game’s graphics as the digital equivalent of an ancient scroll—quaint but a bit pixelated. Now, “Retold” has given it a makeover that’s more “glorious fresco” and less “cave painting.” We’re talking high-resolution textures that don’t look like they were drawn with crayons, character models with actual details (so your heroes don’t look like they’ve been pixelated into oblivion), and environmental effects that make you think, “Wow, this ancient world actually looks ancient and not just like a mosaic tile mess.”
“major glow-up too, like Hercules in that Disney movie…”
As for the audio, it’s had a major glow-up too, like Hercules in that Disney movie… The remastered soundtrack, which was already a highlight in the original, now boasts a richness that might make your speakers weep tears of joy. The sound effects, from the clang of swords to the roar of mythical creatures, have been tweaked so finely that you might start expecting a Minotaur to burst through your living room at any moment. These audio enhancements make the game’s atmosphere as immersive as an ancient Greek amphitheater—minus the uncomfortable seating and questionable plumbing.
Gameplay Mechanics: Classic with a Modern Twist
“Age of Mythology: Retold” keeps the classic gameplay that made the original game an absolute smash hit. You still get to build and manage your own civilizations, gather resources like a medieval hoarder, and duke it out in strategic battles. Oh yes…. I almost forgot, you still get to summon gods and mythical creatures because apparently, nothing says ‘effective management’ like a giant Minotaur or Hydra on your payroll.
One of the game’s most magical tricks was mixing mythology with RTS madness. You’ve got three civilizations to choose from: the Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse. Each one is basically a buffet of divine chaos.
The Greeks bring powerful heroes and creatures like the Minotaur, who’s basically a one-man demolition crew with a bull’s head.
The Egyptians can summon deities with enough magical prowess to make David Copperfield look like an amateur.
The Norse? They’ve got Thor and his thunder, so when they call, you know it’s going to be loud and electrifying.
The strategic brilliance of the game comes from juggling these mythological quirks with traditional RTS tactics. You’ll need to manage your resources like a pro, strategize your military moves, and utilize your civilization’s unique abilities. It’s like trying to cook a gourmet meal with a side of divine intervention—challenging, but incredibly rewarding. This blend of ancient gods and strategic finesse makes “Age of Mythology” a standout in the RTS genre, proving that sometimes, all you need to conquer your enemies is some strategic know-how and a bit of divine assistance.
Quality of Life Improvements: Modern Enhancements
One of the biggest upgrades in “Age of Mythology: Retold” is its obsession with making your gaming life easier. While the heart of the game remains the same, a bunch of tweaks and updates ensure that you’re not pulling your hair out in frustration.
User Interface
Imagine the old interface was like trying to use a map from the 1800s to navigate your local grocery store. Now, it’s been revamped into something that looks like it’s been designed by people who actually use technology. Menus are now intuitive enough that you’ll actually find what you’re looking for without feeling like you’re trying to decipher an ancient scroll. The HUD has been streamlined to give you just the right amount of info without overwhelming you—because who needs more stress when you’re already battling mythical beasts?
Remember the days when your units would treat terrain like a maze designed by a sadistic architect? Well, those days are over. The new pathfinding system has been upgraded so that your units now navigate obstacles like they’re in a parkour class. Say goodbye to your troops getting stuck on every tree stump and rock, and hello to smoother, more efficient movement.
Pathfinding
Performance Optimization
“Retold” runs on modern hardware like a dream. Lag and loading times are now as rare as a Minotaur’s polite conversation. This means your battles will flow smoothly, even when you’re juggling hundreds of units and gods who think they’re too cool for proper battlefield etiquette.
For newcomers who might feel like they’ve just been dropped into a mythical mess, the game now features enhanced tutorials and training missions. It’s like having a friendly guide who gently explains the game’s mechanics without making you feel like a total rookie. So, you’ll be up to speed and ready to dive into the chaos without the added stress of learning through trial and error (or yelling at your screen).
Tutorials and Training
In short, “Age of Mythology: Retold” is now more user-friendly and less likely to make you want to hurl your keyboard out the window. It’s got all the divine strategy you loved, with a few modern conveniences to keep you sane.
Multiplayer Features: Expanding the Competitive Horizon
Multiplayer has always been the beating heart of “Age of Mythology,” and “Retold” is here to keep the party going with some shiny new features. Now you can flex your mythological muscles against opponents from around the globe without leaving your couch.
“you’re the Zeus of strategy games”
Matchmaking and Lobbies
Community Features
Competitive Play
Remember when finding a game used to feel like waiting for a dial-up connection to load a webpage? Not anymore! The matchmaking and lobby systems have been upgraded so you can find opponents of your skill level with the ease of ordering a pizza. No more endless waiting or accidentally joining a game where your opponents are gods and you’re playing as a peasant.
For those who’ve always dreamed of designing your own mythical kingdom or crafting the ultimate battleground where unicorns fight dragons, “Retold” has got you covered. The game’s support for mods and custom content has been beefed up, allowing you to unleash your inner game designer. Whether you want to create a map where squirrels are the ultimate warriors or just tweak the game to your liking, you’re now equipped with all the tools to make it happen.
If you’re itching to prove that you’re the Zeus of strategy games, “Retold” has ranked modes and seasonal events to satisfy your competitive cravings. You’ll get to test your skills against other top players and rack up rewards, all while dodging lightning bolts and epic fails. The competitive play features add layers of depth, making sure that every battle counts and every victory feels like conquering Olympus.
In short, “Age of Mythology: Retold” makes multiplayer a breeze and a blast. With quicker matchmaking, awesome community tools, and competitive challenges, you’ll be diving into epic battles and custom content with a grin on your face and a mythological beast at your side.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation: Striking the Right Balance
Remastering a classic game is a bit like trying to give your grandma’s old recipe a gourmet twist: you want to keep the soul of the dish while adding a modern flair. “Age of Mythology: Retold” is like the culinary equivalent of that mission—blending nostalgia with a sprinkle of contemporary pizzazz.
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Modernizing the Experience
But wait, there’s more! Just like how a vintage car can benefit from air conditioning and Bluetooth, “Retold” spruces things up with shiny modern updates. The graphics are now so crisp they make your grandma’s old photos look like blurry cave paintings. The audio is richer, making it feel like the gods themselves are shouting in Dolby Surround Sound. And the quality-of-life features? They’ve been tweaked so that playing the game now feels less like a struggle and more like a casual stroll through a mythological park.
Preserving the Classic
For die-hard fans of the original, “Retold” is like finding that vintage comic book you thought was lost forever. It keeps all the old-school charm that made “Age of Mythology” a legend, with the mythical units, the gods who probably have more drama than your favourite soap opera, and the strategic depth that once had you plotting world domination before breakfast.
“Age of Mythology: Retold” strikes a savvy balance between keeping the old-school magic and updating it so that it doesn’t feel like you’re playing on a relic from the dawn of time. It’s both a nostalgic throwback and a fresh experience, making it the best of both worlds without any of the awkwardness of a retro fashion blunder.
Conclusion: Zues himself could not do better!!
“Age of Mythology: Retold” is like remixing your favorite classic rock album with a futuristic light show. It revives the nostalgia of the original game but with a modern twist, featuring revamped graphics and audio that make it look and sound brand new. The quality-of-life improvements make gameplay smoother and more enjoyable, turning past frustrations into fun. In essence, it’s a classic reimagined with a fresh, contemporary spin—ideal for both longtime fans and new players.
Entertainment – 4.5/5
Action – 4.5/5
Extra – 4/5
EAX score 4.5/5
A big shout out to our friends over at Prima Interactive for giving us the chance to become masters of our own universes with a little help from a God or two.
