One of the RTS classics alongside C&C & Starcraft, Age of Empires 2 is brought remastered on steam. Now supporting all HD resolutions, reworked terrain, water & building textures/sprites, it definetly looks better than it did a decade ago. Gameplay is left mostly untouched, with the only notable change being a pop cap increase to 500. Multiplayer is handled through steam, meaning (generally) more stable MP, but with the caveat that LAN got removed from this version.

The constant support and existing features makes this a version to get even if you still have your old copy laying around.

▐▐░░▒▒▓▓ Review ▓▓▒▒░░▐▐

Oktober 1999; one of the most durable games all the time was born made from the hand of microsoft studios; its name: Age of Empires II. Even Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, which turned up at the same time, wasn't in a position neither to beat down the rapidly growing fanbase nor to outclass Age of Empires II itself.

Yet so many years later none games from this genre have nowere near enough reached the quality of Age of Empires II and we all ask ourselfs; is there something which can make such an old game better and give it modern conveniences to the newer operating systems? I'll give you the answer; a second coat. HD and the option to play with higher screenresolution.
With this AOEII looks better as never before, however the gameplay and everything else you may know from the old version has remained. Sadly this includes also unaltered animations from the unites, which causes the feeling that the whole game seems to be a bit laggy, especially when you have a lot of unites on the field.

Don't stop to read now! This and the price (18,99EUR/$ 19.99) could may be a reason to close this window within the second you saw the last sentence, but don't you dare! It's worth the time.

Remember when there was a population limit of 200? Microsoft had the wonderful idea to increase it and allow us to create not less than 500 unites. A real ease for most of the gamers, even if there was a mod which did the same to the old one.
Apropos ease: The multiplayer from the old version is yet after this many years still active but a pain in the neck to get it work properly, if I may say so. To avoid this, you are now able to play through the steam p2p multiplayer which microsoft implemented. As if this wasn't enough they also added a ranking system which permit you to duel yourself with other gamers and be the best!

Also steam called a workshop for this game into existence, so feel free to scroll through all the fanmade maps, graphics and so on!

Incidentally this version contains the add-on "The Conquerors" and if you still want more you also be cordially invited to buy "The Forgotten" Once a fanmade product, now remastered and available at the same menu from AOE II after purchase.

As to the rest you can expect playfully exactly what it was back then: Almost a perfect real time strategy.


▐▐░░▒▒▓▓ The lesson is clear ▓▓▒▒░░▐▐

Not every remake is good enough to fit into the quality of these old games... but in my opinion microsoft studios made nearly everything perfect. Till now I have no regrets about the purchase of this game plus its DLC and I guess it will still mesmerize me when I am old and bony and begin to fall apart! ;)

▐▐░░▒▒▓▓ Scoring ▓▓▒▒░░▐▐

Gameplay: 10.0/10.0
Graphics: 9.0/10.0
Controlls: 10.0/10.0
Sounds: 10.0/10.0
Value of Replay / Lengt of Playing: Endless
Recommendable: How can you ask? Go and buy it... NOW!

All in all: 10.0/10.0


▐▐░░▒▒▓▓ Rating ▓▓▒▒░░▐▐

SOUL OF EPICNESS!

Age of Empires II HD is a classic strategy game and a must-have for both old and new fans of the RTS genre. Although, the original game was realised in 1999 it managed to stand the test of time due to its unique art style.

The gameplay is simple to learn but hard to master. As you begin in the Dark Ages and try to advance your civilisation to the Imperial Age. A good building order is important for maintaining an optimal economy to support your war machine. It does not feature unique abilities that units can utilise and therefore it does not require the extensive micro-management as seen in games such as Starcraft II and Warcraft III. Actually, the introduction movie of the game says it all as two kings play a game of chess, the pieces representing units in the game. This is how Age of Empires feels, a real time chess game where every move matters and momentum is key.

As an added bonus the soundtrack of the game is amazing, although I do miss the original menu music. However, thanks to the support of the Steam Workshop, there is a mod to fix that (and many other things). Overall, the HD version is what it says: an update of the already impeccable original game with better textures and HD resolution support.

This game is one of those that turned me into a PC gamer, its the godfather of all RTS, could play it for hours still and be amazed.
The HD version added the option to play in 1080 and achievements, which is nice but its no excuse for charging $20 for a 15 years old game, besides there is still a lot of trouble with the lag MS is not fixing.

My score 9.5/10

This is the exact same game you played 10 years ago, would you want it any other way?

10/10