Age of Empires III

"Stunning Graphics, Super Gameplay"

Introduction:
Age of Empires III is the latest release from Microsoft Game Studios to the Age of Empires series. It is a RTS (real-time strategy game) that follows on beautifully from its predecessors. However it is set further into the future, around the time of the British Empire and so gunpowder and cannons make an appearance.M any changes have been made to the overall feel of the game, for example “The Home City”

Gameplay: 9/10
The basic idea is very simple and is much like the older versions. You collect resources, build your economy and then wipe out the enemy with your army. However a lot has been added and changed. For example, stone no longer exists and the classic villager has become a “settler”. Lumber Camps and Mining Camps have also been removed, and you gain the resource just by having a settler mining it. Perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of “The Home City”. From here you can send resources, improvements and troops. As you progress and level up with experience you can customize the city and add new “cards”, which are used for resources etc.

There are a variety of nations to choose from and your army can be bolstered further by allying yourself with the natives. The main gameplay types are Death Match and Supremacy. Death Matches are generally a lot quicker as you begin with large stockpiles of resource, whereas Supremacy is much longer. Overall the gameplay is still as unique and excellent as before.

Plot/Story: 7/10
I personally do not like the campaign that has been given with this game. In the past you had epic tales from history, such as Attila the Hun and Joan of Arc – this has all gone…

Instead we are given a pretend storyline divided into three acts. Although the campaign is enjoyable, it doesn't compete with the campaigns given in previous versions. Therefore although there is nothing horrible about the campaign I couldn't give it higher because it has lost the great appeal that it used to have.

Sound: 8/10
The sound is very good but doesn't deserve a 9 or 10 because the background music as in the past loops and is very repetitive. However gunfire is extremely realistic and each gun has a slightly different noise. Overall the sound is stunning, if only they had improved the repetitive background sound…

Graphics: 10/10
Wow is the only word that can sum it up – the graphics are legendary. The water effects are amazing, and extremely realistic. They even have made it so the boats are reflected in the water. The shoreline is wonderful, and the trees look more unique and realistic than ever. The buildings have been improve a lot, especially when it comes to damage. Bits fall of when it is attacked, and they crumble spectacularly when they are destroyed. The units themselves are a dream on their own, and are very impressive. I was blown away by the brilliant graphics.

Play Time/Replayability: 9/10
The game is addictive, and if you play Supremacy in Skirmish matches you will be playing quite a long time per game. As the goal is to complete the campaign and get a high levelled “Home City” you will be amused for hours. AND if you do all that, there are many other nations to raise the level of their home city too.

Overall: 9/10
This game has a few flaws but overall is a super game. I would definitely recommend this game to anyone, as it caters for all sorts of people. If you are impatient and like to see games get to the point, Death Matches allow you to do this. Or if you like to build up and have time to spare, Supremacy matches and the campaign are there for you. The gameplay is good and the graphics stunning. There is little fault I could say about it, other than I personally preferred the setting of further in the past.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/16/06