Reading this new interview, It seems that AOE5 could be in development
" So, of course, given this is the final game in the older Age Of franchise to remake, and, well, how they’re making new expansions for it… Surely? Surely, right? Age of Empires V is just sitting there, in the ether, unmade. “It does sound a lot like you’re in a position where you kind of want to make something new?” I asked, my voice going ridiculously high at the end as I try to goad them into an answer I know they won’t give. I came closer than I thought!
“So…” began Yuen. “I…” he continued. “We…” he added. “I would love…” he so temptingly continued. And then catching himself went back to the clearly rehearsed line of, “So, we are launching the game on September 4, our goal is this will be a game that will continue to be updated and nurtured and…” Just imagine me turning down the volume at this point. So I tried again.
“I know you don’t want to answer this, but you must be tempted #### # ##### new one! You’ve got everything in place, right? Teams in place, all these experts…”
“Yes,” says Yuen, gently cutting me off. “We do have a lot of people that are very interesting in building more Age.” Come on, come on. “And that is definitely something that we need to…” YES?!"
My only Hope as i said in many posts Is a new next generation AOE set in the ancient times with a really graphic update with all modern graphic features.
Also, new gameplay mode like “dinamic Campaign” (similar to COH3) would be amazing and something fresh for AOE.
I don’t see it. They’re gonna be supporting AoM for a while, and then if they start working on AoE5, that’s gonna take another 4-5 years, because I don’t imagine they’re gonna build a 2030s game in AoE3’s engine. But I don’t see it. It’s such an investment, and AoE4 is finally getting better and at a point the investment can finally pay off by cashing in on DLC.
I’d rather predict a spin-off title, less central, and with some gimmick similar to AoE3’s shipments. And that COULD be made in AoE3’s engine, which they’re already familiar with.
They want to make the English Civilization again for a new game rather than DLCs for existing games that requires venturing outside their comfort zone.
Well they lack a more “standard” AOE game centered on the early modern period. Like they maybe really want to bring resource dropoff back. Then maybe implement a simplified deck system like AOE4’s Ottomans.
It could also borrow a lot of AOE3’s features.
I’d be curious how they could find a good balance.
I agree that the “deposit resource” mechanic needs to “come back”, and that the card system needs to be reworked to be more balanced and less unpredictable for the opposing player. (assuming such a game can be developed).
Make it so that cards are chosen as you play, rather than building a deck before the game. Something similar to how you unlock upgrades for African civilizations, AOM age passes, or like the state cards for Mexico and the United States.
I hope there is no card system in a possible age 5. As for the period of the game it could be a return to the time of ancient history or to the period from 1500 to 1800.
In any case, i would prefer a greater investment in age 4 than an age 5 now.
It doesn’t have to be an exact copy of what it is in AOE-3. AOE people outside of AOE-3 don’t seem too familiar with progression systems, but there are plenty of RTSs that have them and they provide a lot of replayability. Just look at SC-2’s co-op mode or campaign mode to know what I’m talking about.
Cards aside, there are multiple detailed mechanics that are important to this setting but AOE3 still lacked because the game is too established to have its basic mechanisms overhauled. Most are only added to the game as unique traits of a small number of units, but they should be universal
Cavalry charge, of course
Pike formations like in AOE4
Better implementations of “heavy ranged cavalry” like the harquebusier in AOE3 (which is very common in this time period)
Structured defensive buildings. It can be extended from AOE4’s stone wall building system. This period is the peak of complicated defenses, contrary to AOE3’s depiction where defense buildings are weak.
Upgrade of unit equipments. It was a thing in AOM but AOE3 didn’t implement it, so 17th musketeers have bayonets which is odd. This could be improved, like musketeers gaining bayonets, cavalry gaining pistols, etc.
Clearer roles for melee infantry. They should not all be cavalry counters and have a hard time competing with musketeers.
Better designed navy. Treat the guns as separate weapon platforms like in AOE4, so that they can attack both sides at the same time, and broadsides could be better represented.
A more detailed defense system than ranged/melee resistance. Armor and armor breaking is still important in this period. Firearms could have higher armor piercing as you advance in technology.
Skills or formations that could portray ranked fire, volley fire, etc.
“would all units have guns?”
Short answer no.
1500-1800 time period was very transitionary. Knights had full plate harness although heavy cavalry did transition to a thicker cuirass and helmet to defend against better gunpowder weapons.
Pikes and Arquebuses dominated the battlefield. Until the bayonet and musket replaced pikes.
The use of field artillery became more common as cannons became easier to produce.
Empires like the Aztecs and Inca didn’t have gunpowder at all.
The Chinese started to lag behind Europe in gunpowder weapon innovation.
Settlers to the Americas commonly used swords and wore armor. They often lagged behind Europe technologically. The indigenous people often had better guns than the English settlers due to their trade with the French, but they still used weapons they developed on their own as well.
Age of Empires I Retold would be the best choice now because none of the versions of AoE I are that great.
The second best choice would be Age of Empires III Retold with so much going on during the timeline of that game and it would need a Napoleon campaign added to the base game. Also have the historic battles from AoE III DE also be part of the base game too.
Age of Empires 5 is really supposed to be set in the Ancient Age.
The Ancient Age has never been properly re-introduced.
It lacks many units that were not re-introduced in AoE1, as well as some civilizations and variants that never saw the light of day. An example of new units and civilization variants is seen in the TOTAL WAR series.
Some people think that the Ancient Age would be boring because they compare it to AoE1. But there has never been a decent AoE with great content, variety of units, civilizations and variants, that focused on the Ancient Age.
As long as AoE5 does not get in the way of future AoE4 DLC, it is certainly a good addition to the future of the series.