Nearly 15 years after its release, Age of Empires 3 is getting a Definitive Edition, as both Age of Empires 1 and 2 have. While players wait on Age of Empires 4, the announcement of Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition builds up even more excitement.
While each Definitive Edition improves the game graphically, Age of Empires 3 takes it a step further with a 4K remaster, brand new features, and new civilizations. As seen in the trailer, many of the civilizations look extremely stunning with the 4K remaster. The elegant Japanese buildings look even more amazing, the colorful Aztec architecture is even more vibrant, and the snow piled on Russian cathedrals looks realistic.
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The two new playable civilizations in the Definitive Edition are the Incas and the Swedes. The Incas may share some similarities to the Aztec civilization, however will have completely different abilities, bonuses, unique and royal guard units. Perhaps Age of Empires is taking inspiration from Civilization 6, which has Incan leader Pachacuti and Swedish leader Kristina, both included in the game’s Gathering Storm DLC.
One of the already existing civilizations has also been reworked. Developers worked with Native American tribal consultants in order to correctly capture their culture. In Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, the Native American civilization has gotten fundamental changes that better reflect the culture and people of the civilization. It is a big step for developers to represent each civilization and its history correctly, and will hopefully continue into Age of Empires 4.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition also introduces two new game modes. Historical Battles will place players in a historical situation with certain objectives to complete and the new Art of War challenge missions will help players understand the Age of Empires real-time strategy mechanics. Every real-time strategy game has an intense learning curve, but new players will have plenty of ways to get into the swing of gameplay with the Definitive Edition.
Both land and sea combat is shown in the trailer and looks dramatically more smooth. Units move well, have impressive attack animations, and have improved 3D models. Overall, the Definitive Edition like an improvement, especially thanks to its new features that will, hopefully, excite both new and old fans of the franchise. Players will not have to wait long for the game, because it releases for Steam and Xbox Game Pass in less than two months.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition releases on October 15 for PC in the Steam Store and Xbox Game Pass.
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