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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Strategy
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
LAN PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
LAN Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Includes level editor
Family Sharing

42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king.

Developers: World's Edge Forgotten Empires Tantalus Media Wicked Witch CaptureAge World's Edge
Publishers: Xbox Game Studios
Release Date: Nov 14, 2019
Price (USD): $12.24
Current Players: 14k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(95%)
lasting appeal
rich strategic depth
historical campaigns
modern updates
vibrant community
new civilizations
quality-of-life improvements
nostalgia
recent updates
bugs
DLC structure
steep learning curve
complex controls
The general sentiment from the reviews is overwhelmingly positive, celebrating Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition as a masterpiece of the RTS genre. The game is lauded for its rich strategic depth, historical educational value, and lasting replayability. While there is some criticism of the DLC structure and recent updates, the enduring community and nostalgia factor reinforce its classic status. However, some players express discontent with bugs and changes they feel compromise the game's original identity. Despite these points, the game remains highly regarded and continues to engage both long-time fans and new players.

Positive Points

  • The game maintains a strong player base even after 25 years, indicating its lasting appeal.
  • The Definitive Edition is praised for its modern updates, including crisp 4K visuals, a remastered soundtrack, and a cleaner UI.
  • Players appreciate the historical content, with campaigns that teach history and provide a rich narrative experience.
  • The game is noted for its strategic depth and replay value, with over 45 civilizations, numerous campaigns, and regular updates keeping the game fresh.
  • The community around the game is vibrant, with a strong multiplayer scene and an active pro scene.

    • Negative Points

  • Some players feel that recent updates have diminished the game's identity, adding unnecessary elements like poaching for profit.
  • There are complaints about bugs, such as pathfinding issues and frequent crashes.
  • Some users are frustrated with the DLC structure and pricing.
  • A few players noted that the game's steep learning curve and complex control schemes can be daunting for newcomers.

    • Mixed Points

  • The regular addition of new civilizations is seen as both a fresh and innovative feature and a source of imbalance in the game.
  • Quality-of-life improvements, such as smarter villager behavior, are praised but noted as sometimes insufficient when compared to modern RTS standards.
  • The nostalgia factor is a significant draw, though some feel the new updates stray too far from the original.

    • Common Themes

  • Nostalgia is a powerful aspect of the game's appeal, drawing players back to the game since childhood.
  • The game is often referred to as a masterpiece in the RTS genre, with many considering it as the best or among the best RTS games ever made.
  • Players appreciate the game's balance and depth, providing a challenging and engaging experience that has stood the test of time.
    • Updated 8/19/2025, 12:01:53 AM UTC
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