Age of Empires 4 (AOE 4) is officially launching on October 28, 2021. Microsoft announced this during their Xbox game showcase at E3 2021, which took place earlier today. This release ends nearly 16 years of waiting for fans of the legendary RTS series since Age of Empires 3 came out (not counting graphic remasters).
Microsoft also dropped a trailer giving a close-up look at the game’s vibrant, cartoon-style graphics.
Unlike previous versions, AOE 4 is no longer developed by Ensemble Studios. Instead, Microsoft handed the reins to Relic Entertainment, a well-known studio famous for strategy hits like Homeworld, Warhammer 40K Dawn of War, and Company of Heroes.
Relic started working on AOE 4 back in 2017. The game focuses on medieval-era battles between different civilizations.
The game will feature four story-driven campaign modes, including the Norman conquest of England. Players will step into the shoes of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, leading his forces against the Norman army commanded by William the Conqueror.
Relic revealed there will be 8 civilizations from Europe and Asia to choose from. Five have been confirmed so far: England, France, the Mongols, China, and the Delhi Sultanate (India). Each civilization has unique strengths, weaknesses, unit types, and special abilities.
For example, the Mongols can “relocate” their base anytime by packing up and moving like true nomads. You can build military outposts right outside enemy bases to constantly harass them or evacuate quickly when enemy forces gather.
Players can also perform stealth ambushes, hiding units from enemies unless scouts detect them first. Defenders can fight attackers from walls using defensive weapons, while attackers can deploy siege weapons to crush defenses.
AOE 4 is now available for pre-order on Steam, priced at $59.99 for the standard edition and $79.99 for the Deluxe Edition.
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