Summary
The original 2002Age of Mythologycame out during the golden age of strategy games.Age of Empires 2released just three years before it, as didHomeworld.Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2released two years prior alongsideEuropa Universalis. And even licensed games were jumping on the strategy bandwagon, with titles likeStar Trek: Armada 2andStar Wars: Galactic Battlegroundsboth releasing in 2001.
Now, over two decades later,Age of Mythology: Retoldhas been released amid a new golden age for the strategy genre. Series likeCivilization,Frostpunk,Crusader Kings,Hearts of Iron, andAge of Empiresare all leading the charge for the modern strategy genre, and the sheer quality behind those recent releases has ushered in a strategy game renaissance. But while it’s arguably the best time to be a strategy game, all the competition means that it’s a bit harder to stand out. ButAge of Mythology: Retoldhas the same powerful trick up its sleeve as its 2002 counterpart.
Age of Mythology: Retold’s Theme Immediately Sets It Apart From The Competition
The Strategy Market Is More Diverse Than Ever Before
The strategy genrehas remained consistently popular for a good few decades now, though the genre doesn’t quite reach the monumental heights of multiplayer shooters or big-budget third-person action-adventure games. But that popularity is strong enough to bring about a new era of innovative, original strategy titles, and if a modern strategy game wants to succeed, it needs to make sure it sets itself apart from the crowd.
The best strategy games in recent years have done this by fully embracing some kind of unique overarching theme that impacts all of the game’s components, including its gameplay, narrative, art style, and sound design. For instance,Frostpunkis a dystopian city-builder that sees players attempt to keep their colony alive during a new ice age. This theming can be seen in every inch ofFrostpunk’s gameplay and presentation, from its difficult moral choice system to small details like its eerie, snow-covered menus.
Frostpunkis only the tip of the iceberg. Every great modern strategy game embraces a theme and keeps it at the forefront of the experience, fromCrusader Kings' strive for historical authenticity, toCivilization’s lighter approach to history through the ages, toTropico’s satirical take on capitalism, communism, and political control.
Age of Mythology: Retold Fully Embraces Its Core Theme
As its name implies,Age of Mythology: Retoldis a game all about mythology, and it embraces this theme at every turn. From the get-go, players are given four distinct pantheons to choose from:Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean, which takes inspiration from a few different European mythologies. Each of these four pantheons has three Major Gods for the player to pick from as their in-game avatar, each of which comes equipped with their own unique God Power and set of advantageous traits. These Major Gods are all household names, such as Hades, Thor, Ra, and Kronos.
Once in a match, players will then have access to a bevy of mythology-themed units that are unique to each pantheon. Each time they enter a new age, players will also be able to choose a Minor God to recruit, many of whom are also household names, such as Aphrodite, Atlas, Heimdall, and Anubis. These Minor Gods also grant the player special Myth Units, themselves being iconic creatures like the Cyclops, Sphinx, and Nidhogg.
While mythology is still a popular part of the gaming landscape thanks togames likeGod of WarandHades, it’s not something the strategy genre sees all too often.Age of Mythology: Retold’s choice to fully embrace not just one, but four distinct mythologies immediately sets it apart from its competition.
Age of Mythology: Retold
WHERE TO PLAY
From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Combining the best elements of the beloved Age of Mythology with modern real-time strategy design and visuals, Retold is an epic and innovative experience for old and new players alike. Secure your domain, command legendary monsters, and call upon the power of the gods to crush your enemies.Will you become Mythic?Call Upon the GodsChoose your gods from the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean pantheons. Devastate your enemies by summoning powerful lightning storms, earth-shattering quakes, and even the famed Nidhogg dragon. Or call upon nourishing rains and protective Dryads to help your people grow & prosper.Unleash the MonstersUnleash Centaurs, Trolls, Mummies, and more. From bejeweled crocodiles who harness the power of the sun to the mighty one-eyed Cyclops, you will command diverse units inspired by the world’s great mythologies.An Epic Mythological UniverseEmbark on multiple campaigns spanning 50-missions that take you across a vast, mythical world: besiege the mighty walls of Troy, battle Giants in the frozen wastes of Midgard, and discover the mysteries of Osiris in the shifting sands of Egypt. Become a hero of myth—or even a god.Better with FriendsPlay with your friends, either head-to-head or against the advanced AI on dozens of randomly generated maps and scenarios for limitless re-playability.
