Age of Empires: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires: Definitive Edition does almost everything it sets out to do; it breathes new life into an absolute classic, and allows us to put on those rose-tinted glasses for another long campaign across the map, dominating through any means possible and constructing an empire very few could dream of. It still suffers from a few issues that the original did, but what more can you ask from a game that is older than half the people you play against online these days? It’s definitely worth purchasing, if only for the nostalgia factor.

It’s a very solid remaster of a classic game, and those looking for a nostalgia trip to 20 years ago should look no further. Some of the quirks are still present, even the original cheats, ultimately making this the true Definitive Edition.

There's a famous idiom about wearing glasses that are not of the correct clarity. Okay, enough of writing like I'm Commander Data. Rose-tinted glasses are something we all have one time or another. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Nostalgia is a powerful tool. It has fuelled Kickstarter titles for years now. The problem is, sometimes nostalgia is a thing best left unexplored. This is partly the case with Age of Empires: Definitive Edition.

A solid remake of a game that’s past its time.

Put on your helmet, strap on those sandals, and brandish your sword, it’s time to return to the ancient world. From developer Forgotten Empires, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is easily considered one of the precursors to the modern real-time strategy genre. Originally launching back in 1997, this was one of the most beloved games of the time which spawned both sequels and spin-offs as players controlled ancient civilizations, building up their settlements through the ages in a battle for supremacy. Resource management, fog of war, and constant vigilance of your people were and still are p...