For the player who comes from other AOE, the AOE-3 may seem easy in the first instance, because there is one less resource (there is no stone) and it is not necessary to deposit the resources, and the city of origin gives “free units”, however this does not mean that it is easier.
The animals most of the time move against your base and you have to be aware that the villagers shoot so that they “flee” to your urban center, because if you shoot them wrongly the animals will flee very far. I know that in other AOEs the animals also run, but here it is something that requires a little more micromanagement.
Trading posts (TP) replace relics and trade, which allow you to win by trade monopoly (if you control most of the TPs).
Native TPs have very interesting units and bonuses in many cases. Since they are local and specific to maps and regions, they make each map more special.
Wood becomes scarcer faster in this game, and although it can be produced by other means such as factories, shipping, etc., it is usually not enough. (although less is usually needed at endgame).
In this game, “gold” is renamed ‘currency’, and that allows the concept to be versatile. For example, you can build crops that generate income such as cotton plantations, you can obtain income from whale oil, copper mines, coal mines, salt mines, etc.
Treasures provide relevant bonuses in the very short term, but sometimes they can be decisive to take advantage over others.
Experience is an abstract, but important resource, and reflects the progress of your civilization beyond the economic and military. It is the resource that allows you to purchase shipments. Virtually all activities generate experience.Exactly what is experience?
Fishing is not infinite or renewable (hopefully this will change in the future), but there are whales and other similar sources of currency on maps with oceans. In addition, the villagers do not fish on the shores.
There are no dense, impassable forests like in the other AOEs, so walling against these forests is not recommended in most cases.
Hometown cards bring versatility and originality to every player’s playing style. There are many things that the default civilization could not achieve. Many times it unlocks units, buildings, bonuses and mechanics that you couldn’t get otherwise.
Mercenaries are generally stronger than average units, but they cost more population space and more coins.