Modern version of Age of Empires?

[Actaeon]

Just curious to hear if there is a modern interpretation of Age of Empires. Loved that game.

That Rise of Nations sale on Steam is tempting, but not exactly modern.

 

[geforce255]

AoE II is on Steam. Some minor improvements to the original. I found that I had played it to death in the 90's and just couldn't keep interested.

 

[Actaeon]

Thanks. I also have AoE3 on Steam, but I always felt that game was quite a bit different from the older ones.

I'm just wondering if there is a more modern version of that format. Ancient times, running up through the ages, etc. Civ V is fun too, but that is turn based.

 

[Blanky]

Strange how genres die. Rts used to be huge. And so did music video games.

 

[BSim500]

I'm just wondering if there is a more modern version of that format.

AoE2 HD : The Forgotten (adds 5 new races) and Rise of Nations are the two nearest. Both run in 1920x1080 resolution. AoE3 wasn't bad though one thing I didn't like about it was the HUD took up almost 1/3rd of the screen vs 1/5th of the other two games. Age of Mythology was good. Really though, there's been nothing new in that genre, which in a way is both bad (nothing new to play) and yet good (they'll probably screw up and dumb down a sequel anyway complete with giant "made for TV" icons and "optimized for controller" input... )

 

[norseamd]

Thanks. I also have AoE3 on Steam, but I always felt that game was quite a bit different from the older ones. I'm just wondering if there is a more modern version of that format. Ancient times, running up through the ages, etc. Civ V is fun too, but that is turn based.

Bought the AOE collection on Steam when it was on sale. AOE 3 is occasionally playable but not that good. AOE and AOE 2 are still very good games even compared to any games made in the last 5 years by any publishers. Total Annihilation is also another game that is still very good and perfectly playable.

 

[Actaeon]

Bummer to hear there isn't anything new in this genre, it was really good and really fun. I would like this format but with all of the new unit/building control improvements like we saw in Starcraft 2.

I remember AOM quite well too, those god powers were pretty neat though a bit overpowering at times.

Anyway, I picked up the Rise of Nations game pack on Steam. I figured that was the closest I could get for now. It is on sale this week. Only $5.

Thanks.

 

[JumBie]

Strange how genres die. Rts used to be huge. And so did music video games.

The new generation of kids are going to grow up not knowing what RTS is. Gone are the days of Starcraft, C&C, AOE and many others. I'll be honest though I was a huge RTS fan growing up, however now nothing catches my attention RTS games just become dull and boring for me now. I guess it comes with age.

Moving on to the OP's question, so far there are no modern interpretations except for a game called 0.A.D found here http://play0ad.com/ its open source and currently in Alpha and has been for quite some time (years). I never took more than a glance at it, but you are more than welcome to dig deeper if you choose so.

 

[norseamd]

Have tried the 0 AD game and it was certainly playable and even possibly good.

There are new games by the way especially Supreme Commander.

 

[Berliner]

Starcraft 2.

Hypermodern take on AoE.

 

[shortylickens]

Rise of Nations Enhanced is on Steam and its great.
The maps are still 2D but the units are now 3D rendered. It doesnt feel awkward at all.

As opposed to the new Age of Mythology which has really weird lighting and looks awful.

 

[Artorias]

Rise of Nations Enhanced is on Steam and its great.
The maps are still 2D but the units are now 3D rendered. It doesnt feel awkward at all.

As opposed to the new Age of Mythology which has really weird lighting and looks awful.

So are the animations smoother with the new 3D units? I remember it being a little jarring going back to play it a couple years ago, though I don't seem to be bothered with AOE2HD animations at all.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Rise of Nations Enhanced is on Steam and its great.
The maps are still 2D but the units are now 3D rendered. It doesnt feel awkward at all.

As opposed to the new Age of Mythology which has really weird lighting and looks awful.

Yea, really liked RON Enhanced on Steam. Good times when RTS games were in their heyday. AOE, Galactic Battlegrounds, Supreme Commander, Company of Heroes, Battle for Middle Earth, so many good RTS games back in the day. They were what really got me interested in PC gaming.

 

[MWink]

They did make a modern Age of Empires game. It was called Age of Empires Online and it was an absolute abomination! Hands down my most regretted PC game purchase ever. To add insult to injury, Microsoft shut down the servers after only a few years, rendering the game unplayable.

I loved all the previous Age of games but I wish Age of Empires Online had never existed.

 

[Actaeon]

That is unfortunate. Now that you mention it, I recall seeing something like that, it was cartoon-ish or animated looking. Almost like TF2 players style. Anyway, shame to hear the series ended like that.

I was playing RON last night, pretty fun. Each battle during the scenarios are long though (each one can be up to 90 minutes!).

Other classic games I miss is Close Combat and Wing Commander. I remember playing Close Combat through some old Microsoft gaming service. Star Citizen looks like a fun modern day Wing Commander. Just used one of my AMD game codes for that and will check it out soon.

Anyway, thanks everyone, I guess I'll keep playing RON for the time being.

 

[shortylickens]

So are the animations smoother with the new 3D units? I remember it being a little jarring going back to play it a couple years ago, though I don't seem to be bothered with AOE2HD animations at all.

as smooth as your 3D card can render.

 

[tidy]

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[inachu]

To look to the future of a game that is like Age of Empires you have to look backwards.

The very first resource collection base building game was DUNE 2000 There are other games similar to Dune 2000 and AOE 1,2,3 warcraft 1,2,3 Starcraft, Command and Conquer. I am sure there are a couple of others. Back in Windows 3.1 I played Castles and Castles 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkaQcocGsc8

 

[inachu]

Rise of Nations Enhanced is on Steam and its great.
The maps are still 2D but the units are now 3D rendered. It doesnt feel awkward at all.

As opposed to the new Age of Mythology which has really weird lighting and looks awful.

The tv commercials for AOM was cooler than the game itself.

Found it to be very boring.

 

[thejohnfist]

I've been a die-hard AoE fan from the start (WOLOLO!) but aside from continuing to play AoE 3, the only other game that's satiated my thirst for development and war has been Civ 5. I know it's not RTS but it's about as close as I could be satisfied with.

(I have StarCraft 2, but they just don't play as well as AoE in my opinion.)

 

[shortylickens]

The tv commercials for AOM was cooler than the game itself.

Found it to be very boring.

I like AOM just not the remake.

Its got 4 distinct factions, loads of cool myth units, a decent campaign.

And TV always makes stuff better than reality. I love Skryim but the ads were like the 2nd coming of Jesus.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I still play AOE3 at least once a week and Starcraft occasionally. Been holding out on SC2 until they finish the trio so I can buy them all at once. Might have to wait forever.

Haven't seen anything on the horizon for any RTS games..... sigh..... dead genre

 

[Red Storm]

Age of Empires II will forever be a great game. Partly because of the solid mechanics, but also because of the beautiful 2D art style that is ageless. It doesn't have the same problem as 3D games like Age of Mythology or Age of Empires III where the graphics do not age well.

 

[tidy]

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[maevinj]

I wish somebody would do a new version of Empire Earth!