Reviewed by: MhORe
Developer: Ensemble Studios
Publisher: Microsoft

Age of Empires III offers exactly what you would expect – the same as the previous release in the series but with better graphics and a few new features. No doubt the product will continue to evolve in this way, as it has quite some following and is therefore a commercially successful series. Of course, this is actually a very good thing if you are a fan of the series or indeed new to it. Fans get more of what they like, hopefully better in many ways and newcomers get a highly polished product.

AoE III is set in the New World as the civilisations of the time seek to conquer new lands and establish colonies to add to their Empires and as they battle for domination. The Single Player campaign sets a struggle over three Acts and involves some 24 scenarios, with a consistent plot involving one key character and his descendants who are left with no choice but to confront various sinister types all devoted to the cause of ‘The Circle’. No great originality in the plot but engaging enough with likeable characters. Cut scenes offer up the plot and launch you into the next scenario. These are generally well put together and serve as an incentive to forge through the challenges you face.

Each scenario presents you with various objectives, bringing some added interest to the gameplay. Further to this, numerous treasures are located over the map, offering a resource of some kind but are often guarded by some beast or man. Some of these treasures are particularly nicely done, a favourite being one where a Native American scout is stuck up a tree and is surrounded by wolves! Naturally if you rescue him, he joins your cause!

At the core of AoE III is the strategy of developing a strong economy by gathering resources, enabling the construction of buildings, the training of troops, and weapons of war. All elements can be upgraded as you move through the five different ages; ‘Discovery’, ‘Colonial’, ‘Fortress’, ‘Industrial’ and finally ‘Imperial’. In addition each age heralds distinct advantages such as the ability to produce military units, cannon and fortresses or plantations and factories.

Military units are based on the rock, scissors, paper template and there are no new tricks here other than the inclusion of the ‘Explorer’ character you start with, who although tougher than the average unit, offers no such development, significance or interest as with heroes in Warcraft III. It’s difficult to not think that the Explorer is just a badly done, half-hearted attempt at a very good idea. Granted AoE is more focused on realism than the fantastic and the magical but throughout history we have had inspirational leaders and heroic characters that have been able to turn the tide in many a battle.

Perhaps the simplicity of the Explorer is a more considered move, as another new aspect of the game offers a little more in terms of development and ‘abilities’. This is via the inclusion of a ‘Home City’ component. Your Home City can be levelled up allowing you access to an increasing number of cards from which you choose a limited number to build a deck. Generally you can earn a new level for your Home City if you have a long game (about an hour or more) to generate experience points and you win. Some cards require that you have achieved a certain age within the game and bring specific benefits; resources, military and upgrades. During a game you earn access to a card as you win experience points from gathering resources, discovering treasures and defeating foes. You can then opt to play a card from your deck, which will then, after a short time, ship the benefit to you from your Home City. Calling on a card to get a half dozen Musketeers sent to you could certainly make the difference in a battle, a battle that could ultimately decide whether or not victory is yours!

As with all RTS games, micro management is the key to success and no where is this more apparent than in Multiplayer. It is essential to not waste a moment in gathering a strong economic base and getting to the second age quickly so you can create military units. Lethargy in the first 5 minutes or so and your town centre could very will be overrun, your peasants murdered and you’ll be viewing the ‘postgame’ statistics before you know it (the postgame screen is very detailed in each aspect of the game and provides useful analysis). Of course, throughout the game you have to be on top of every element to give yourself the best chance of victory.

The in game browser is functional, with a quick search feature with various filters, which works well enough. The Home City levelling element brings some reward via kudos and in game benefits from the cards. Therefore the Multiplayer is easily accessible and has some longevity to it, certainly if you plan on mastering the eight civilisations you have to choose from!

The graphics are well detailed, from the environments and creatures therein, to the buildings and units you create and destroy – the animations of both are very well done. The splintering of wood from cannon fire is most satisfying, as is the volley of musket fire felling the oncoming cavalry. However there never seems time to feed the ducks you find bobbing around in a lake or admire the flora in the valley beyond.

Presentation	8
Visually pleasing. Sounds good enough too with decent voice acting.
Gameplay	8
Traditional RTS stuff, with a few new tricks. No denying its addictive stuff!
Value	9
A substantial Single Player campaign and potentially hours and hours of Multiplayer means that this title certainly offers great value from money.
Benchmark	7
A more in depth offering than some rivals. Can hold its head high.
Score	8
More of the same can be just the ticket!