Age of Empires 3 has been reviewed by Gamespot. An 8.2

[General Blaze]

http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/...ew.html?page=0

Apparently, it sounds like a fun chapter of the Age of Empires eries but doesn't really change too much from the formula. Those looking for something to revolutionise the genre will find AoE 3 dissapointing. Those who like Age of Empires to begin with will like it, although there are a few things that might alienate the fans. As for me, I liked the Age of Empires series to begin with so I'll be getting it one of these days.

[darkelf]

Now I'll just have to wait until the 18th was it? (I have some friends in the US who's gonna send it to me, so this isn't the european release date) European release is 4th of November. Read the review, and it looks good. (Except some small framerate issues)

[Slashco]

I've heard similar things from other sources. The game hasn't changed all that much except for the updated graphics, so it's AoE2, but shinier. I've never liked the formula myself (too many needless upgrades and econ micromanagement), so it's a pass for me.

[Salty]

I like the economy micromanagement. As a matter of fact, I've never been particularly militant in the AoE games. I have always been more of a hoarder and city builder.

I guess that's why I've lost every game against my brother since the original...

[jetfx]

Odd, for the build up it's just an expansion on the AOE2 concept without any newness. You'd think with such a big game, they could subject it to new ideas.

[General Blaze]

Most likely the devs are VERY afraid of pissing off the old AoE players.

[Salty]

I liked the mechanics of AoE II. I think the graphics just needed an update as well as moving it all forward one step.

[oneredpanther]

I found the gameplay boring, uninspired and less engaging than the previous AOE games.
The graphics, while nice, aren't nearly as good as the previews seemed to dictate. The sprawling cityscapes do NOT form active part of the game, merely the insipid "Home City" view...

Certainly wasn't worth the six hour wait in the queue at my local reputable electronics retailer.

[Soulblighter]

the gui was way to big, the gameplay was dull, the sound and voiceovers were not really inspired, and frankly watching a battle scene.. was nothing more then glorified stickmen on paper. definately not buying this one.

fyi it received an 8.8 from ign.

[severijn]

The maps are too small.

[TheLoneKnight]

I have never particularly enjoyed the AoE series. but even after playing the AoE3 Demo I could see that the earlier games were far more entertaining.

[Lone Canadian]

Bored, there are far better games out there... like DoW and its expansion WA.

- Runs away

[Aron_DeTomado]

You'd think with such a big game, they could subject it to new ideas.

Oh but AoEIII has lots of new stuff! Building-restrictions, unitrestrictions, boatrestrictions, indian(or Native American, if you will)restrictions and much more!

Really though, the homecity function is kinda nifty and the whole thing about training units in blocks is kinda cool. Most of the changes are eyecandy, though.

[Tiresias]

hme maybe I should buy it for research for my History of he Americas uni module

But the demo was uninspiring so I shall give i a liss unless I see a good deal on it. Also I nitpick at historical accuracy too much and the lack of genocide kinda seems to me to be giving it a sheen it doesn't need. A gritty look at the time may have been more inspiring in a historical way.

[boolybooly]

It was not quite my cup of tea either.

Though the US adult-buying-for-a-child market will probably go for it in a big way.

I am not going to say anything negative particularly because I think its more relevant to the American experience and is more distant from me for that, but will also impact on people for reasons of national pride, which is a delicate thing. Its a matter of taste in the end and there is at least a demo for people to find out how they like it which is a sign of integrity.

I think US citizens are the best qualified to decide to what degree this game is propagandist. :3d:

[Tiresias]

Call of Duty sold well from presening WW2 more grittily and showing how bad war was, although arguable not enough.

[Caesar]

You can't compare Dawn of War to Age of Empires ever. DoW is the opposite of AoE. Dow is simplified and dumbed down for an RTS.

I for one am looking forward to this game.

[General Blaze]

ceaser, at this point most of us didn't compare this game with DOW, so your argument is kinda moot. (And it was just one person who said it.)

But I'll give the game a whirl, since I'm an avid fan of the series.

[eor-l)arknes]

Eh, I like age of mythology more.

AoE3, the maps are just too small, and its really easy to win...

[Gyokuran]

I enjoyed the demo, I'll probably pick this up some time though theres a couple games I'm looking forward to more.

[Tails]

I'll wait a while after Battle for Middle Earth II comes out, and then I'll make a decision.

[eor-l)arknes]

No TAILS DON'T!

Battle for middle earth 2 IS A SHOVEL WARE PRODUCT MADE FROM EA!

[peer]

"Uhhh so it like turns out Sauron had another ring so he's not really dead and uhhhh yeah you have to fight him again. Yeah."

[Tails]

Uhhhh...no, Middle Earth is a really big fucking place and there's lots more to it than just Sauron, yeah.

About the shovelware claim: Notice I didn't say I would buy it upon its release. I said I would consider it, after waiting a while for a few reviews and patches. Then I will assess which RTS is worth buying.

I don't think it's a good idea to jump the gun and criticize BFME II for being shovelware or lame right away. If the first doesn't suit one's gaming tastes that's fine, but I think there's a distinct level of fanboyism which makes people attack games before even so much as a demo is released.

[Caesar]

Keep in mind the maps are small because it's a demo. Age of Empires III looks like it's going to be a great addition to the series.

[EarthBorn]

I'm not surprised.

[Maximus Decimus]

AoE III looks like AoE II with guns and bloom effects. It lost my attention early on when i realized the gameplay was gonna be basically the same thing. Another thing that really bugged me was combat in the game, its far too campy.

[offtopic]Caesar, apparently the rest of the world disagrees with you on AoE(76avg) in respect to DoW(86avg) if you go to gamerankings.com.[/offtopic]

[The Preacher]

Anyone know if the release version of AOE III has squads? After playing with squads in RON, HW2, and DOW, I have a hard time going back to controlling single units again.

[Ammon Ra]

The fact that the game lags when battles fold out worries me, and that the gamestyle is still similar to that from from AOE. the first one. I'll pass. Never was a big fan of the series anyway.

[No Surrender]

I hate the lack of options when setting up a skirmish game. Basically you can choose who to play against, the type of map and... well... yea, that's it. The gameplay itself isn't bad but I find it a bit cartoonish.

[Ammon Ra]

wern't they all cartoonish? :rolleye:

[n0z3k1ll3r]

I hate the lack of options when setting up a skirmish game. Basically you can choose who to play against, the type of map and... well... yea, that's it.

What else exactly is there to change? Unless you mean number of players, which CAN be changed, they've hidden it in the top right of the skirmish screen.

Apart from the horrible sound bug which I THINK I've fixed, and the "game keeps running in the background after I close it and chews up my pagefile" bug, I actually really like this game. It's set in my favourite period of history. And it's got PIRATES! Who bury treasure and everything!