The return of Age of Mythology: Retold marks a significant milestone for fans of real-time strategy (RTS) games. Originally released in 2002 by Ensemble Studios, the original Age of Mythology was a groundbreaking title that combined mythology and strategy in a way no game had before. Now, with Retold, the game is being reimagined for modern systems, promising enhanced visuals, refined gameplay, and an even deeper connection to its mythological roots.
In this article, we’ll dive into every aspect of Age of Mythology: Retold, revisit the legacy of the original game and its versions, and evaluate whether this remaster lives up to expectations.
A Brief History of Age of Mythology and Its Versions
Age of Mythology (2002)
The original Age of Mythology was developed by Ensemble Studios as a spin-off of their popular Age of Empires series. Unlike its historically grounded predecessors, Age of Mythology embraced the fantastical, weaving a narrative that combined ancient myths with strategic warfare. Players could choose between three civilizations—Greeks, Egyptians, and Norse—each with unique gods, myth units, and abilities. The campaign followed the heroic Arkantos of Atlantis, taking players through a rich mythological tapestry that spanned different cultures.
Age of Mythology: The Titans (2003)
This expansion introduced a new civilization, the Atlanteans, and a new campaign centered on the rise of Kronos, the leader of the Titans. The expansion added the titular Titan units—colossal beings capable of devastating destruction—changing the dynamics of gameplay significantly.
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition (2014)
The Extended Edition modernized the game for newer systems, offering HD graphics, improved lighting, and online integration through Steam. It bundled the base game with The Titans and introduced new features like Twitch integration.
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon (2016)
This DLC expanded the game further with the introduction of the Chinese civilization. It added new gods, myth units, and a campaign based on Chinese folklore. While ambitious, it received mixed reviews due to balancing and quality concerns.
Introduction to Age of Mythology: Retold
Announced in 2022 by World’s Edge, Age of Mythology: Retold aims to be more than just a remaster. It’s a reimagining of the classic, designed to bring the game to life for modern audiences while preserving its core identity. The game retains the core mechanics that made the original a success—base-building, resource management, and mythological warfare—while introducing significant upgrades to visuals, audio, and multiplayer features.
Fans of the series are particularly excited about how Retold will integrate modern technology to breathe new life into a beloved classic.
Core Gameplay Features
Age of Mythology: Retold stays true to its RTS roots, delivering a blend of strategic decision-making, mythological lore, and immersive storytelling.
Civilizations and Gods
Players can choose from four major civilizations: Greeks, Egyptians, Norse, and Atlanteans. Each civilization offers unique gameplay styles and gods:
- Greeks: Focus on powerful heroes and myth units, with major gods like Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades.
- Egyptians: Build slower but more powerful structures and summon gods like Ra, Isis, and Set.
- Norse: Emphasize mobility and aggressive raiding, with gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki.
- Atlanteans: Introduced in The Titans, they focus on versatility and myth units, worshipping gods like Kronos and Gaia.
God Powers
One of the most distinctive features of the game is the god powers. Each god grants a civilization a unique, one-time ability, such as summoning a tornado, unleashing a plague, or calling down lightning. These powers can turn the tide of battle when used strategically.
Myth Units and Heroes
Mythological creatures like minotaurs, hydras, and frost giants offer tactical advantages in combat, while heroes are essential for countering these powerful units. Each hero has unique abilities and plays a crucial role in the campaign.
Resource Management and Base-Building
Players must gather food, wood, gold, and favor (a unique resource tied to their civilization’s gods) to build structures, train units, and advance through four ages: Archaic, Classical, Heroic, and Mythic.
Storyline and Campaign
The campaign is a major highlight of Age of Mythology, offering a rich narrative that blends mythological storytelling with strategic gameplay.
The Original Campaign
The story follows Arkantos, an Atlantean admiral, as he journeys across the world to unravel a conspiracy involving gods and mortals. From the Trojan War to the depths of the underworld, the campaign is an epic adventure that showcases the myths of multiple civilizations.
The Titans Expansion Campaign
Set after the original story, this campaign follows Kastor, Arkantos’s son, as he grapples with the consequences of his father’s legacy. The introduction of the Titans adds a new layer of tension and spectacle to the narrative.
Potential Additions in Retold
While details are scarce, Retold is expected to include all original campaigns alongside new missions and scenarios that expand on the lore. Enhanced cutscenes and voiceovers will likely bring added depth to the storytelling.
Enhancements in Age of Mythology: Retold
Visual and Graphical Updates
The remaster features high-resolution textures, dynamic lighting, and enhanced animations. Mythological creatures, landscapes, and structures are brought to life with stunning detail, making the game visually competitive with modern RTS titles.
Audio Improvements
The soundtrack has been remastered, blending the original’s memorable themes with modern orchestration. Sound effects, from the clash of swords to the roar of mythical beasts, have been re-recorded for greater impact.
Quality-of-Life Enhancements
- A modernized user interface simplifies gameplay without sacrificing depth.
- Hotkey customization and smoother camera controls make for a more intuitive experience.
- Tutorials have been revamped to help new players quickly understand the game’s mechanics.
Multiplayer and Modding Support
Dedicated servers, improved matchmaking, and modding tools ensure a robust multiplayer experience. Players can create custom maps, campaigns, and even civilizations, extending the game’s longevity.
Multiplayer and Online Features
Multiplayer is a cornerstone of Age of Mythology, and Retold expands on this aspect significantly.
Matchmaking and Competitive Play
- Ranked matchmaking ensures balanced online battles.
- Leaderboards and tournaments foster a vibrant competitive scene.
Community Mods and Customization
The game’s support for community-created mods allows players to personalize their experience, from tweaking gameplay mechanics to designing entirely new content.
Reception and Expectations
The announcement of Retold was met with enthusiasm from long-time fans and curiosity from new players. Early previews have praised the remaster’s graphical fidelity and its respect for the original’s design. However, some concerns linger about balancing and how the game will address criticisms of previous iterations.
Game Details:
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- Release Date: September 4, 2024
- Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X/S
- Age Rating: Teen
- Modes: Single Player, Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
- Developer: World's Edge, Forgotten bEmpires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge, Virtuos Games
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Game Ratings:
Age of Mythology: Retold has received favorable reviews, with a Metacritic score of 83. Also, The game has been nominated for the Best Sim/Strategy Game at The Game Awards.
Pros:
- Enhanced Visuals: High-definition textures and improved animations breathe new life into the classic.
- Modernized Audio: A remastered soundtrack and re-recorded sound effects enhance immersion.
- Improved Multiplayer: Dedicated servers and modern matchmaking systems provide a seamless online experience.
- Modding Support: Robust tools allow for extensive customization and community-created content.
Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the complex mechanics challenging to master.
- Nostalgia-Driven Appeal: The game heavily relies on the original's fan base for its success.
Is It Worth Playing?
For enthusiasts of the RTS genre and mythology aficionados, Age of Mythology: Retold offers a compelling experience that blends classic gameplay with modern enhancements. The improved graphics and audio, along with refined mechanics, make it accessible to new players while preserving the depth that veterans appreciate. The robust multiplayer and modding support further extend its replayability. However, newcomers should be prepared for a learning curve inherent to complex strategy games. Overall, it stands as a worthy revival of a beloved classic.
Our Ratings:
- Gameplay: 9/10
- Graphics: 8.5/10
- Soundtrack: 9/10
- Replayability: 9.5/10
- Overall: 9/10
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 760 / AMD Radeon R7 260X
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 30 GB
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 580
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 30 GB
Final Verdict
Age of Mythology: Retold stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of blending mythology, strategy, and storytelling into a single, captivating experience. This remaster not only pays homage to the original masterpiece but elevates it with modern enhancements that bring its timeless charm to life for today’s players.
Whether you're a long-time fan yearning to relive cherished memories or a newcomer intrigued by the allure of mythical gods and epic battles, Retold delivers a rich, immersive journey that’s hard to resist. Its combination of strategic depth, stunning visuals, and nostalgic reverence ensures that this game is more than just a remaster—it’s a revival of a classic that deserves a place in every RTS lover’s library.
In a world where many remasters fail to strike the right balance between innovation and preservation, Age of Mythology: Retold sets a gold standard, proving that some legends truly never fade—they just grow stronger.