Age of Empires: 25th Anniversary Collection

Age of Empires: 25th Anniversary Collection is a compilation celebrating 25 years of the iconic real-time strategy franchise. It includes multiple definitive editions and expansions from the Age of Empires series, spanning historical epochs and mythological realms, allowing players to experience the rich legacy of the games.

Age of Empires: 25th Anniversary Collection: Review

Introduction

Few franchises have shaped the real-time strategy (RTS) genre as profoundly as Age of Empires. For 25 years, it has been a cornerstone of historical wargaming, blending resource management, technological advancement, and tactical combat into an accessible yet deeply strategic formula. The Age of Empires: 25th Anniversary Collection, released on October 25, 2022, is not merely a bundle but a time capsule—a curated journey through the series’ evolution, from its 1997 debut to the modern era of Age of Empires IV. This collection comprehensively chronicles the franchise’s legacy, offering both veterans and newcomers a definitive experience of its highs, innovations, and enduring impact. Its thesis is clear: to celebrate the franchise’s historical significance while demonstrating its continuous relevance through meticulous remastering, expanded content, and forward-looking announcements. As Microsoft’s Michael Mann, Studio Head at World’s Edge, aptly stated, “Our players are part of the development team and have been the beating heart of Age of Empires for 25 years.” This collection is both a tribute to that legacy and a launchpad for its future.

Development History & Context

The Age of Empires saga began in 1997 with Ensemble Studios, a Dallas-based developer founded by Bruce Shelley and Tony Goodman. Shelley, a former designer on Civilization, envisioned a game that merged the historical depth of Sid Meier’s work with the real-time combat of Warcraft II. The original Age of Empires (1997) was a technical marvel for its era, built on the custom Genie Engine. It faced constraints typical of late-90s development: low-poly 3D graphics, limited AI capabilities, and the challenge of compressing vast historical epochs into a single, cohesive experience. Against a gaming landscape dominated by fantasy RTS titles like StarCraft and Total Annihilation, Age of Empires carved a niche by emphasizing historical authenticity. Its success—selling over 3 million copies by 2000—spawned sequels and expansions, with Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999) refining the formula into a genre benchmark.

Tragedy struck in 2009 when Microsoft disbanded Ensemble Studios after Halo Wars, leaving the franchise’s future uncertain. However, Microsoft’s commitment to Age of Empires persisted, shifting development to studios like Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, and Relic Entertainment. The Definitive Editions (2018–2020) revitalized classic titles with 4K textures, modern UIs, and crossplay, while Age of Empires IV (2021), developed by Relic, returned to the medieval roots of AoE II with a new engine and deeper mechanics. The 25th Anniversary Collection crystallizes this journey, presenting games born from disparate eras—from the pixelated Stone Age to the photorealistic battles of AoE IV—under a unified banner. It underscores how technological leaps (e.g., the Havok physics engine in AoE III, the custom Relic Engine IV) expanded possibilities, while the core vision of accessible, historically-inspired strategy remained unshaken.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The collection’s narrative tapestry is bifurcated: the historical main series and the mythological spin-off Age of Mythology. Historically, the games eschew rigid plots in favor of emergent storytelling. Age of Empires I and II offer campaigns framed as historical vignettes—Roman conquests, Joan of Arc’s defiance, or Genghis Khan’s raids—though these are light on dialogue and heavy on gameplay-driven drama. Age of Empires III shifts to colonial narratives, focusing on European expansion into the Americas and Asia, with campaigns like “Blood, Ice and Iron” weaving fictionalized tales around real figures like Morgan Black. Thematic depth lies in their exploration of civilization-building: the tension between conflict and cooperation, technological progress, and cultural exchange. Age of Empires IV continues this with campaigns like “The Dynasties,” examining the Mongol and Delhi Sultanate through the lens of leadership and empire.

Age of Mythology (2002) departs starkly, embracing mythological grandeur. Its campaign follows Arkantos, an Atlantean hero, on a quest across Greek, Egyptian, and Norse realms. Dialogue is more character-driven, with witty banter and dramatic confrontations, while themes revolve around divine favor, hubris, and the consequences of meddling with gods. The expansion The Titans (2003) adds the fall of Atlantis, emphasizing cyclical destruction and rebirth. While the main series celebrates human ingenuity, Age of Mythology explores the capriciousness of myth, offering a thematic counterpoint that enriched the franchise’s identity. Ultimately, the collection’s narratives are less linear stories than frameworks for strategic expression, letting players forge their own sagas of empire.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The collection charts Age of Empires’ gameplay evolution with remarkable clarity. The original AoE I established the core loop: gather four resources (food, wood, gold, stone), advance through ages (Stone to Iron), and build an army. Its innovation lay in its “tech tree,” allowing diverse civilization strategies (e.g., Egyptian archers, Babylonian priests). Age of Empires II refined this with the “Feudal-Castle-Imperial” progression, introducing unique civilization bonuses (e.g., Briton longbows, Frankish cavalry) and landmark units like Mangudai horse archers. The Definitive Editions added quality-of-life features: improved pathfinding, spectator mode, and mod support.

Age of Empires III introduced RPG elements with “Home Cities,” persistent hubs that provided customizable upgrades across matches—a divisive addition for shifting focus from base-building. Its expansions (e.g., The African Royals) diversified civilizations but faced criticism for imbalance. Age of Empires IV reverts to AoE II’s purity, emphasizing unit counters and map control while adding modern mechanics like “Outposts” for territorial control. The collection’s combat systems reflect this arc: from AoE I’s simplistic melee to AoE IV’s intricate micro-management with flanking and terrain bonuses.

Notably, Age of Mythology diverges with its “god powers” (e.g., meteor strikes, earthquakes) and mythological units (e.g., minotaurs, valkyries), blending RTS with RPG-like god-simulation. Its “favor” resource system—gathered via worship, mining, or hunting—adds a layer of choice absent in historical titles. Across all games, AI remains a hallmark: Ensemble Studios prioritized “fair play” AI that didn’t cheat by boosting resources, a legacy maintained in modern titles. The collection’s UIs also showcase progress—from the minimalist interface of AoE I to the sleek, informative panels of AoE IV. However, older titles like Age of Mythology: Extended Edition show their age with clunky controls, a stark contrast to AoE IV’s streamlined design.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The collection’s visual and auditory design is a masterclass in historical and mythological immersion. Age of Empires I’s low-res sprites and 2D landscapes captured ancient epochs with charm, while Age of Empires II’s detailed 2D sprites—each civilization with unique architecture—set a standard for period authenticity. Age of Empires III leveraged the Havok engine for dynamic destruction: buildings splinter realistically, trees fall with physics-based collisions, and units animate fluidly. Age of Empires IV elevates this with 4K environments, where lush forests and bustling cities feel lived-in, from the cherry blossoms of Japan to the deserts of Mali.

Age of Mythology’s art is painterly and fantastical, with glowing Norse realms and Egyptian underworlds evoking mythic grandeur. Its sound design, too, stands apart: Gregorian chants for Greeks, thunderous drums for Norse, and ethereal melodies for Egyptians. The main series’ music, directed by Stephen Rippy, uses historical instruments—bagpipes for Scots, sitars for Indians—grounding gameplay in cultural authenticity. Age of Empires III’s score, meanwhile, blends orchestral and folk elements to evoke colonial tension. Sound effects are equally evocative: the “wololo” conversion chant from AoE II is iconic, while AoE IV’s arrow impacts and cannon fire are visceral. The collection’s Definitive Editions remaster these assets, preserving the original’s soul while modernizing fidelity. Together, art and sound transform strategy sessions into sensory journeys, making each civilization feel distinct and each battle epic.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, the Age of Empires series received acclaim for its accessibility and depth. Age of Empires II (1999) remains a critical darling, holding a Metacritic score of 92%, praised for its balance and replayability. Age of Empires III (2005) sold 2 million copies but divided critics for its emphasis on RPG mechanics over pure strategy. Age of Empires IV (2021) revitalized the franchise, earning “Best Strategy Game” awards and commending its return to form. The spin-offs saw mixed fortunes: Age of Mythology (2002) was lauded for its innovation, while Age of Empires Online (2011) and Castle Siege (2014) were criticized for monetization and missteps.

The 25th Anniversary Collection itself has been celebrated as a comprehensive preservation effort. Kotaku and El Output lauded its value, bundling 16+ years of content into a single package. Commercially, it drove renewed interest, with AoE IV’s “Anniversary Edition” adding Malian and Ottoman civilizations, boosting concurrent players. The franchise’s legacy is undeniable: it popularized the “historical RTS” subgenre, influencing titles like Rise of Nations and Empire Earth. Its esports scene thrives, with Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado in 2024 drawing 85,800 peak viewers. Future expansions—Return of Rome for AoE II, Age of Mythology: Retold, and the mobile/Xbox ports—promise continued growth. As Shelley noted, the series’ success lies in “making a game which appealed to both the casual and hardcore gamer,” a legacy the collection honors.

Conclusion

The Age of Empires: 25th Anniversary Collection is more than a bundle; it is a monument to a franchise that defined an era. By compiling remastered classics, modern entries, and ambitious spin-offs, it offers a panoramic view of RTS evolution—from the humble Genie Engine to the photorealistic Relic Engine IV. Its strengths lie in its comprehensiveness and curation: the Definitive Editions breathe new life into aging titles, while AoE IV proves the series’ relevance. Flaws, like Age of Mythology: Extended Edition’s dated UI, are minor in the face of such value.

For veterans, this collection is a nostalgia trip and a celebration of 25 years of shared victories and defeats. For newcomers, it is the perfect entry point into one of gaming’s most influential series. Microsoft’s commitment—evident in the Xbox/console ports, mobile game, and Age of Mythology: Retold—ensures the empire endures. As the anniversary broadcast declared, “Raise a glass to yourselves, to empires built, to castles fallen.” This collection is a toast to that legacy: a definitive, essential package that secures Age of Empires’ place in gaming history not just as a relic, but as a living, breathing saga. Verdict: An essential, masterful compilation that honors the past while forging the future of strategy gaming.