And what a year 2011 is shaping up to be. Deus Ex 3, Mass Effect 3, Diablo 3, Total War: Shogun 2, the list of exciting releases goes on. There is one game off most radars which I feel is worth mentioning though. This intriguing title would be the upcoming Age of Empires instalment.
Age of Empires: Online takes the AoE series in a whole new direction in many ways, the art style being one of the more drastic changes. Being much more 'cartoony' in style, I (stupidly) cast the title aside, automatically assuming the worst. I recently visited a friend who managed to grab a space on the beta early on. 5 minutes in I was hooked.
This is shaping up to be a very strong entry in the series. The home town from AoE 3 returns, this time however it acts as a permanent base of operations. Income from the home town is gained even if the player is not playing, this income can then be used to increase productivity, customise the town or buy upgrades to aid in quests. The home town also supplies quests, challenges and ways to communicate with other players. Seamlessly connecting both single player and online play, the game allows you to ask for a friends help or challenge another player.
Everything from my presumptions about gameplay to views on the art style was wrong. The game is a delight to play and looks damn pretty too. Definitely worth signing up for the beta (link below) and if it stays on the right tracks, worth your money too.
Sign up for the beta at THIS address:
http://www.ageofempiresonline.com/beta/
No comments:
Post a Comment