"Age of Mythology: Retold" played: Ancient, but well preserved
The remaster of the real-time strategy classic "Age of Mythology: Retold" spoils old and new fans alike with beautiful graphics and modern controls.
(Image: Microsoft)
Microsoft maintains the back catalog: Around 20 years after the release of the original, players can once again plunge into exciting battles for myths and gods of antiquity with "Age of Mythology:Retold". A whole five departments worked on the remaster for Microsoft. The result is an almost perfect nostalgia trip for real-time strategy fans.
Where "Age of Empires" focuses on almost realistic scenarios of world history, the quasi-successor "Age of Mythology" delves deep into the legendary world of antiquity. As Atlanteans, Egyptians, Greeks or Norsemen, players plunge into impressive battles for Troy & Co. Alongside archers, minotaurs, trolls and mummies fight for supremacy. Similar to current hero shooters, the armies are supported by legendary heroes with special abilities.
In terms of content, players can expect three campaigns with 50 missions, skirmish maps, multiplayer and an editor to create their own battles in "Age of Mythology: Retold". There is also a new Norse deity and the "Wonder Age", a new era with even more god power. The last official original game DLC "Tale of the Dragon", which is set in China, is not included. Instead, buyers of the Premium Edition can look forward to two further expansions.
Classically good
In terms of gameplay, the classic has lost none of its appeal. If you disregard the somewhat wooden storyline, players are offered exciting and fast-paced battles. If you want to take your time to hone your army, you will quickly end up on the losing side. The opponents are constantly attacking with pinpricks. Workers must therefore quickly collect resources such as wood, gold and food in order to send new soldiers to the front or improve technologies. As soon as the players have collected enough resources and fulfill certain conditions, the people advance to the next age. This offers new technologies and new gods.
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The races play differently. The Norsemen are slower to build, but their production costs are lower and their soldiers construct buildings themselves. Greeks pray at temples to summon divine assistance and Egyptians attack from afar with their priests, heal their troops and are particularly effective against mystical creatures.
Useful innovations
A special feature of the game is the use of divine powers. While they were still very limited in the original, players can now use them again and again – provided they have collected enough "favors" from the gods. These powers can be used to heal troops, shoot lightning bolts or boost domestic production for a short time. Also new: we can control the basic behavior of the workers at the touch of a button via the so-called "Villager Priority System". Once instructed to do so, they set off on their own in search of work.
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And this looks much more detailed than in the original. The graphics have been almost completely redesigned on the basis of the Bang Engine, which was already used in "Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition". The soundtrack has also been re-recorded and there is now a German voiceover. As the game is being released for the Xbox at the same time, cross-play should also be possible from release.
Interim conclusion
"Age of Mythology: Retold" is a successful remaster of the cult classic that still provides exciting hours in front of the screen today. An enormous scope, revised graphics and sensible new features make the title ready for modern times. However, nobody should expect a strategy game in the style of "Age of Empires 4" or "Total War". "Age of Mythology: Retold" aims for uncomplicated but fast-paced battles. This is as much fun today as it was 20 years ago.
"Age of Mythology: Retold" has been released for Windows and Xbox Series. It costs 30 to 50 euros. The game is included in the Gamepass. USK 12+. We played the Windows version for our hands-on.
(olb)
