I Really Hope This Game Replaces AOE2: It's Just Better

[ArrivedLeader22]

It has been a problem since AOM. Campaigns feel more like extended tutorials than an important part of the game.

One thing from AOE1/2 campaigns I particularly miss

To me the campaign design of older AOEs is actually more appealing than their gameplay. The reason I still open AOE2 (even 1) occasionally is the campaigns. For example, there are multiple scenarios where you are faced with a large map and multiple factions. You’re allowed to not only find different routes to complete the campaign objective, but also change your relations with them, by diplomatic switches or event triggers. That makes scenarios way more replayable. I feel that design is kinda …

In short:

1. Smaller map and fewer factions to interact with.
2. Maps are pretty restricted. In some scenarios the majority of the map is inaccessible. Exploring the map is not very rewarding.
3. The missions are linear. It’s like someone is “guiding” you through a pre-determined path. Most of the time it’s defend this or attack this. Biggest flexibilities are limited to allying/attacking one of three villages by your choice.

But AOM and AOE3 at least have a clear fictional storyline that stands out. With the documentary style of AOE4 it becomes less impressive. There is little I remember after finishing it.

Narrative is not the main problem imo. Each AOE gane has a different scope and a storytelling style. It’s more on scenario designs. For example AOE1 is closer to AOE4 (no main character or story, jumping from one event to another). But there are scenarios like Rise of Rome 1 where it depicts the entire 500BC central Italy with 5 or 6 different factions. You can find many ways to win. There was no good trigger or objective design in AOE1 due to technical limitations, but the scope itself grants great flexibility already. If it is done in AOE4’s way you’ll have maybe 4 smaller battles facing one enemy (with one base) in each one.

Or a more direct comparison: AOE2 Genghis Khan campaign has unification of the tribes and invading China as two huge scenarios. You can have many ways to win. Your opponents all have different objectives. In AOE4 these are again broken down to a series of smaller scenarios.

I was thinking AOE4 could actually utilize its documentary narratives to make even grander scenarios. But they end up being more linear than AOE3 and AOM.