There was a recent survey regarding the future of the franchise (although they do not directly say that it is for new games, it is deductible). That is why I will open a topic talking about what they believe can be rescued or discarded from past games to have an AOE that truly pleases the vast majority.
My favorite game in the franchise is AOE-3, but I will not propose anything about it in the initial publication so as not to influence the opinion of others, so I will give free rein to everything I want to talk about, from the appearance of the game , until the time of setting and gameplay.
I already talked about similar things in other topics, but I think that with the very interesting survey that was done recently, it is a good time to talk about it again.
Taking the best qualities from each game to make a “Perfect” AoE would look something like this for me:
AoE2:
AoE2 has objectively the best campaigns in the series IMO. Different ways to complete x mission and multiple side objectives make for an engaging experience. Non-Linear. No hand-holding.
AoE3:
Graphical detail, animations, and physics. This is the singleplayer in me talking but I love the immersion. The maps feel alive with well over a hundred different kinds of fauna. Pure eye candy like turtles resting on fallen trees in the water to swans swimming around and vultures high up in the trees.
Multiple species of fish, sharks, and whales are all visible helping make the oceans and lakes feel alive as well. Setting up a water-based economy in AoE3 is fun.
AoE3 oozes personality. I love the AI banter.
The artillery is a blast to use and very rewarding. This is tantamount to me no matter what timeframe the game is set in.
AoEIV:
Masteries are a great addition to the AoE franchise and I wish they’d make their way to the DEs. It incentivizes players to play and learn the civs and while the rewards for unlocking them could be better I think it sets a great foundation.
If AoE2s civ design is the basis for future games then AoEIV has done a good job incorporating elements of AoM and AoE3 quite seamlessly. Landmarks are more interesting than those in TAD.
One last thing: Innovate.
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