Age of Empires
1932784
224793071
2008-07-10T13:03:09Z
Andrejj
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[[sl:Age of Empires]]
{{otheruse |this=the Age of Empires video game series |use1=the first game of the series |page1=Age of Empires (video game)}}
[[Image:Aoe fuchs.png|thumb|The ''Age of Empires'' series logo]]
'''''Age of Empires''''' is a series of [[personal computer game|computer]] [[video game]]s developed by [[Ensemble Studios]] and published by [[Microsoft Game Studios]]. The first title of the series was ''[[Age of Empires (video game)|Age of Empires]]'', released in 1997. Since then, seven titles and three spin-offs have been released. The titles are historical [[real-time strategy]] games, and their gameplay revolves around two main game modes: [[random map]] and [[campaign (gaming)|campaign]].
The games are set amidst historical events. The first two games focused on events in [[Europe]] and [[Asia Minor]], spanning from the [[Stone Age]] to the [[Classical antiquity|Classical period]]; one game explored the formation and expansion of the [[Roman Empire]]. The next two games were also set in the [[Middle Ages]] and the [[Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire|Spanish conquest of Mexico]]. The subsequent three games explored the [[early modern period]], when [[European colonization of the Americas|Europe was colonizing the Americas]] and several [[Asia]]n nations were on the rise. A [[spin-off]] game, ''[[Age of Mythology]]'', was set in the same period as the original ''Age of Empires'', but focused on fictional elements of [[Greek mythology|Greek]], [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptian]], and [[Norse mythology]].
The ''Age of Empires'' series has been a commercial success, selling over 15 million copies. The popularity and quality of the games has earned Ensemble Studios a strong reputation in real-time strategy gaming. Ensemble collaborated with [[Big Huge Games]] on ''[[Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties]]''. Critics have credited part of the success of the series to its [[history|historical]] theme and fair play; the [[artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence (AI)]] players fight with less "cheating" than in many of the series' competitors.<ref name=Dave>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/behind_dave.htm |title=Dave Pottinger|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref>
==Common gameplay elements==
[[Image:Age of empires.jpg|thumb|An [[iron age]] civilization (in red) under attack in a beta version of the original ''Age of Empires''. The screenshot shows dead enemy units (in blue) and buildings on fire as a result of battle damage. A [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] [[Phalanx formation|phalanx]] has been selected, and its unit data is visible in the bottom left corner.]]
The ''Age of Empires'' games belong to the [[real-time strategy]] genre, with the exception of the [[turn-based strategy|turn-based]] ''[[Age of Empires: The Age of Kings]]'' for the [[Nintendo DS]]. The series features two recurring modes of play: "[[random map]]," and "[[campaign (gaming)|campaign]]." "Random map" is described by lead designer Greg Street as a "hallmark" of the series.<ref name=3DG /> In this mode, the player selects a civilization and plays on a randomly created map, most of which are based, at least loosely, on a real-world geographic area.<ref name=3DG>{{cite web|url=http://www.3dgamers.com/articles/more/124/ |title=Age of Empires III Q&A|publisher=3D gamers|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060212012644/http://www.3dgamers.com/sp/articles/more/124/ |archivedate=2006-02-12 |date=[[July 26]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> A variation on random map is "death match," where players begin with large amounts of resources and fight until only one side remains. A "campaign" is a series of interrelated missions with a specific storyline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/083/083131p1.html |title=Age of Empires II: The Conquerors, Attila the Hun Campaign|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=[[August 4]] [[2000]]|accessdate=2008-06-17|quote=The fourth campaign is a collection of individual battles from the medieval period}}</ref> Earlier games in the series included several campaigns; however, ''[[Age of Mythology]]'' was an exception to this trend, with one campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ensemblestudios.com/Games/AgeOfMythology/Default.aspx |title=Age of Mythology|publisher=[[Ensemble Studios]]|accessdate=2008-04-20}}</ref> Games in the series also offered [[multiplayer]] game options, via [[LAN]] and [[modem]] connection. ''Age of Empires'',''The Age of Kings'', and their expansions, also offered online play via the [[Microsoft Gaming Zone]] (the Zone), though this ended on [[June 19]] [[2006]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zone.msn.com/en/general/article/genbeyondthezone.htm |title=Beyond the Zone – MSN Games Looks to the Future|publisher=[[Microsoft Gaming Zone]]|date=[[June 19]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref> ''Age of Mythology'', ''Age of Empires III'', and their expansions, offered online gameplay via [[Ensemble Studios|Ensemble Studios Online (ESO)]], a system similar to the Zone and [[Blizzard Entertainment]]'s [[Battle.net]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/523/523907p1.html |title=Play Age of Mythology: The Titans for Cash|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Juan Castro|date=[[June 16]] [[2004]]|accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/721644/page_4.html |title=Age of Empires III Guide (PC) - Cards|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2008-06-20}}</ref>
The missions in a campaign generally follow a historical setting and focus, yet do not strive for absolute historical accuracy.<ref name=AltHist /> For example, while [[Germany]] in the early modern period — when ''Age of Empires III'' was set — was largely [[Protestant]], the design of the German church building is [[Catholic]].<ref name=AltHist /> However, in ''The WarChiefs'', the design team did take great care to ensure they portrayed [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] as accurately as possible, and relied on expert historians for assistance.<ref name=AltHist /> ''Age of Empires'' games use historical figures and units that are relatively well-known, but also include several "strange or exotic military unit[s]," to make the games more interesting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ign.com/MS_AgeOfEmpires/2007/09/20/66808/ |title= A History Lesson|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Andrew Auseon |date=[[September 20]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The series' sporadic faithfulness to history has earned it criticism; critics have generally panned the notion of unhistorical skirmishes such as "Japanese vs. Vikings and Franks vs. Persians," none of whom ever fought.<ref name=PS2prev />
==Games==
The games in the series focus on historical events throughout time. ''[[Age of Empires (video game)|Age of Empires]]'' covers the events between the [[Stone Age]] and the [[Classical antiquity|Classical period]], in [[Europe]] and [[Asia Minor]]. Its expansion, ''[[Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome|The Rise of Rome]]'', follows the formation and rise of the [[Roman Empire]]. ''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|The Age of Kings]]'' and its [[Age of Empires: The Age of Kings|Nintendo DS spin-off]] follow Europe and Asia through the [[Middle Ages]]. ''The Age of Kings''{{'}} expansion pack, ''[[Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|The Conquerors]]'', is set during the same period, but also includes scenarios about the [[Spain|Spanish]] conquest of [[Mexico]]. ''[[Age of Empires III]]'' and its first expansion, ''[[Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs|The WarChiefs]]'', take place during the [[European colonization of the Americas]]. Its second expansion, ''[[Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties|The Asian Dynasties]]'', follows the rise of [[Asia]] in the same period. The series' spin-off, ''[[Age of Mythology]]'', and its expansion pack, ''[[Age of Mythology: The Titans|The Titans]]'', are set during the Classical period, but focus on [[mythology]] as their themes, rather than history.
===Main series===
{{main|Age of Empires (video game)|Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome|Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|Age of Empires III|Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs|Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties }}
''Age of Empires'', released on [[October 26]], [[1997]], was the first game in the series, as well as the first major release from [[Ensemble Studios]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempires/news.html?sid=2554687 |title=Age of Empires Preview: Microsoft takes a stab at the golden age of wargaming|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Jeff Sengstack|date=[[February 14]] [[1997]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> It was one of the first history-based real-time strategy games made,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ensemblestudios.com/blogs/bshelley/archive/2007/04/09/play-age-of-empires-study-history-in-college.aspx |title=Play Age of Empires - Study History in College|publisher=[[Ensemble Studios]]|author=[[Bruce Shelley]]|date=[[April 9]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2008-04-21}}</ref> utilizing the [[Genie (game engine)|Genie]] [[game engine]]. [[GameSpot]] described it as a mix of ''[[Civilization (computer game)|Civilization]]'' and ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans|Warcraft]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempires/review.html?sid=2537895 |title=Age of Empires Review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=2008-06-17|author=T. Liam McDonald|date=[[1997-10-27]]}}</ref> The game gives players a choice of 12 civilizations to develop from the Stone Age to the [[Iron Age]]. The expansion pack, ''The Rise of Rome'', published by [[Microsoft]] on [[October 31]], [[1998]], introduced new features and civilizations, such as the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. Although the two games had contained many [[software bug]]s, [[patch (computing)|patches]] resolved many of the problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pcgames.gwn.com/reviews/gamereview.php/id/21/p/0/title/Age_of_Empires.html |title=Age of Empires |publisher=PC Gameworld|accessdate=2008-01-14|author=James Holland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/downloads.htm |title=Age of Empires Downloads|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|accessdate=2008-02-28}}</ref>
''Age of Empires'' was generally well received, despite some highly negative reviews. [[GameSpot]] criticized a confused design, while ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' praised the game as strong in single and multiplayer.<ref name=AoE1MC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires |title=Age of Empires (pc: 1997)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] named ''Age of Empires'' the 1998 "Computer Strategy Game of the Year."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=1998&cat=199817#199817 |title=Computer Strategy Game of the Year|publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=2008-01-19}}</ref> For several years, the game remained high on the sales charts, with over three million units sold by 2000.<ref name=AoESales>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20000307/pritchard_pfv.htm |title=Postmortem: Ensemble Studios’ Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings |publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|author= Matt Pritchard |date=[[2000-03-07]]|accessdate=2008-02-01}}</ref> ''The Rise of Rome'' was not as popular: it had only sold one million units in 2000,<ref name=AoESales /> and attained 80% as an [[:Category:Video game review aggregators|aggregate]] score from [[Game Rankings]].<ref name=RoRGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/66971.asp |title=Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
''Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings'', released on [[September 30]], [[1999]], used the Genie game engine, and had gameplay similar to its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/gdcarchive/2000/terrano.doc |title=The Art of Empires|format=[[.doc]]|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> ''Age of Kings'' is set in the Middle Ages, from the [[Dark Ages]] to the [[Renaissance|Imperial Age]]. It allows players to choose one of 13 civilizations, from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/age2/civilizations.htm |title=Civilizations|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|accessdate=2008-01-17}}</ref> Microsoft published the expansion, ''The Conquerors'', on [[August 24]], [[2000]]. It added new units and five new civilizations, including two [[Mesoamerica]]n civilizations; the [[Maya civilization|Maya]] and the [[Aztec]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempires2thece/news.html?sid=2588234 |title=Age II: The Conquerors - The Mayans Showcase|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Elliott Chin|date=[[2000-06-14]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The expansion also introduced the concept of technologies that were only available to certain civilizations. ''The Age of Kings'' was a bigger critical success than the first two games, with Game Rankings and [[Metacritic]] scores of 92%.<ref name=AoKGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/63605.asp |title=Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17 }}</ref><ref name=AoKMC>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires2theageofkings |title=Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (pc: 1999)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Microsoft shipped out more than two million copies to retailers, and the game received numerous awards and accolades.<ref name=AoKSales>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2000/Jan00/CrownedPR.mspx |title="Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings" Crowned No. 1 On Holiday Sales Charts Around the World|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|accessdate=2008-01-17|date=[[2000-01-27]]}}</ref> Critics agreed that ''The Conquerors'' expanded well on ''The Age of Kings'', though issues of unbalanced gameplay were raised.<ref name=AoCMC>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires2conquerers |title=Age of Empires II: The Conquerors (pc: 2000)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> ''The Age of Kings'' and ''The Conquerors'' won the 2000 and 2001 "Computer Strategy Game of the Year" awards from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2000&cat=200020#200020 |title=Computer Strategy Game of the Year|publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=2008-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2001&cat=200119#200119 |title=PC Strategy|publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]]|accessdate=2008-01-19}}</ref>
''Age of Empires III'', released on [[October 18]], [[2005]], was built on an improved version of the ''Age of Mythology'' game engine with the most significant changes being the updated graphics engine and the inclusion of the [[Havok (software)|Havok physics]] [[middleware]] engine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/594/594629p1.html |title=Age of Empires III|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Steve Butts|date=2005-03-09|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/601/601488p1.html |title=Havok in Age of Empires|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=David Adams|date=[[April 4]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The game is set in the period between [[Early modern period|1421 and 1850]], and players can choose one of eight European nations. The game introduced a large number of features, such as [[Age of Empires III#Home cities|home cities]]. Described by Ensemble Studios as "an important support system to your efforts in the New World," home cities helped provide the player with resources, equipment, troops, and upgrades. They could be used across multiple games, and upgraded after each battle; it was compared to a [[role-playing game]] character by Ensemble Studios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ageofempires3.com/age3/GameFeatures/HomeCity.aspx |title=Home City|publisher=[[Ensemble Studios]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref> The first expansion to ''Age of Empires III'', ''The WarChiefs'', was released [[October 17]], [[2006]]. Most gameplay changes in the expansion pack were small, but it introduced three new civilizations, with a focus on [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/696/696777p1.html |title=Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs: Ensemble's lead designer Sandy Peterson answers our questions|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Steve Butts|date=[[2006-03-17]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Most notable was the introduction of the [[Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs#WarChiefs|WarChief]] unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/age-of-empires-iii-expansion-pack/724116p1.html |title=Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (PC) Preview|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=2008-06-17|author=Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch|date=[[2006-08-08]]}}</ref> The second expansion, ''The Asian Dynasties'', went on sale [[October 23]], [[2007]]. It was a jointly developed product; [[Big Huge Games]] helped Ensemble Studios develop the game, with [[Brian Reynolds]] joining [[Bruce Shelley]] as lead designer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agecommunity.com/press.aspx?PressReleaseID=173 |title="Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties" Gets Ready to Expand Into the Eastern World, Goes Gold|publisher=Age Community|work=[[Ensemble Studios]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref> The game expanded the ''Age of Empires III'' universe into Asia, and introduced three new civilizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties/788618p2.html |title=Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (PC) interview|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|author=Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch|date=[[2007-05-23]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Reception towards ''Age of Empires III'' was mixed; [[Game Revolution]] described it as "about as much fun" as a history textbook, while [[GameZone]] argued it was "one of the best looking games, much less an RTS game, that is out on the market currently".<ref name=Age3MC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires3 |title=Age of Empires III (pc: 2005)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> It sold more than two million copies, and won the [[GameSpy]] "real-time strategy game of the year" award.<ref name=AoE3sales>{{cite web|url=http://www.agecommunity.com/press.aspx?PressReleaseID=161 |title="Age of Empires III" Expands Into the Eastern World This Fall|publisher=Age Community|work=[[Ensemble Studios]]|date=[[2007-05-18]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/pc/index15.html |title=PC Real-Time Strategy Game of the Year|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=2008-01-19}}</ref> ''The WarChiefs'' failed to equal the success of its predecessor; it had a lower score on both Game Rankings and Metacritic — ''The Asian Dynasties'' lower still — with 80%.<ref name=TWCGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/932253.asp |title= Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs |publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name=TWCMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires3thewarchiefs |title=Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs (pc: 2006)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name=TADGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/939516.asp |title= Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties - PC|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name=TADMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofempires3theasiandynasties |title=Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (pc: 2007)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref>
Several [[special edition|collectors' editions]] of ''Age of Empires III'' included a [[hardcover]] [[artbook]]. The last page of the artbook has a pictorial depiction of the series; the [[Roman numeral]]s below each panel range from I to V, indicating the series would include an ''Age of Empires IV'' and ''Age of Empires V''. Ensemble Studios employee Sandy Peterson said the image "was total speculation on [their] part."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aoe3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=st&fn=1&tn=25506&st=181#post182 |title= Age 4 and 5?!?|publisher=HeavenGames|work=Age of Empires III Heaven|author=Botolf|date=[[2006-05-03]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
===Spin-off games===
{{main|Age of Mythology|Age of Mythology: The Titans|Age of Empires: The Age of Kings}}
''Age of Mythology'' focused on mythology rather than history. It shared several elements of gameplay with the main series,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofmythology/review.html |title=Age of Mythology review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Greg Kasavin|accessdate=2008-06-17|date=[[2002-11-01]]}}</ref> and was considered a part of the series, despite its different focus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/age_of_mytholog.html |title=Age of Mythology|publisher=''[[PC Gamer]]''|author=William Harms|accessdate=2008-04-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200301/R03.0806.1753.50018.htm |title=Microsoft Age of Mythology|publisher=''[[Game Informer]]''|author=Kristian Brogger|accessdate=2008-04-22}}</ref> The campaign in ''Age of Mythology'' tells the story of an [[Atlantis|Atlantean]], [[Arkantos]], and his quest to find why his people are out of favor with [[Poseidon]] and the Greek gods.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=4138|title= Age of Mythology review|accessdate=2008-01-14|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|author=Rob Fahey|date=[[2002-12-10]]}}</ref> Microsoft published the game on [[October 30]], [[2002]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/age-of-mythology/release-info |title=Age of Mythology Info|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> and its expansion, ''The Titans'', on [[October 21]], [[2003]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/age-of-mythology-the-titans |title=Age of Mythology: The Titans Info|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> ''The Titans'' featured the Atlanteans as a new civilization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914617.asp|title=Age of Mythology:The Titans|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> Its campaign is shorter than previous expansions, and centers on [[Kastor]], son of Arkantos, who falls for the lies of the [[titan (mythology)|titans]] and frees them from [[Tartarus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=53550 |title= Age of Mythology: The Titans review|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=[[2003-10-21]]|author=Tom Bramwell|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> ''Age of Mythology'' sold more than one million units in four months.<ref name=AoMSales>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2003/mar03/03-11platinummythologypr.mspx |title="Age of Mythology" Goes Platinum With More Than 1 Million Units Sold|publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=PressPass|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> It scored 89% on Game Rankings and Metacritic.<ref name=AoMGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/476277.asp |title=Age of Mythology Reviews|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref name=AoMMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofmythology |title=Age of Mythology (pc: 2002): Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> ''The Titans'' failed to equal the sales success of ''Age of Mythology'', although critics rated it highly.<ref name=TTGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914617.asp|title=Age of Mythology: The Titans - PC|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref name=TTMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ageofmythologythetitans/ |title=Age of Mythology: The Titans (pc: 2003): Reviews|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
[[Backbone Entertainment]] developed a version of ''Age of Empires: The Age of Kings'' as a [[turn-based strategy|turn-based]] game for the [[Nintendo DS]]. [[Majesco]] published the game on [[February 14]], [[2006]]. It is similar to other turn-based games, such as ''[[Advance Wars]]'', but with a gameplay based on its [[Personal computer|PC]] [[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings|counterpart]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobiletechreview.com/games/DS/Age-of-Empires-DS.htm |title=Age of Empires: Age of Kings|publisher=Mobile Tech Review|author=Edwin Kee|date=February 2007|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref> It supported multiplayer games over the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. ''Age of Empires: The Age of Kings'' scored 80% on Game Rankings and Metacritic.<ref name=AoKDSGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/927039.asp |title=Age of Empires: The Age of Kings - DS|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref name=AoKDSMC>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ds/ageofempirestheageofkings |title=Age of Empires: The Age of Kings (ds: 2006)|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> [[Konami]] brought a game of the same title to the [[PlayStation 2]] at around the same time as the DS version, but the game had little promotion, and sold poorly.<ref name=PS2prev>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/strategy/ageofempires2theaok/news.html?sid=2670906 |title= Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings preview|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Chris Kirchgasler|date=[[January 4]] [[2001]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
==Development==
===Historical elements===
The [[game development|development]] phases of the ''Age of Empires'' games were similar in several ways. Due to the games being based on historical events, the team often had to do large amounts of research.<ref name=BehindBruce /> However, the research was not in depth; it "was not ... a good idea for most entertainment products" according to ''Age of Empires'' designer [[Bruce Shelley]].<ref name=BehindBruce /> Shelley also said that Ensemble Studios took most of the reference material from children's sections at [[library|libraries]]. He pointed out the goal was for the players of the game to have fun, "not [its] designers or researchers."<ref name=BehindBruce>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/behind_bruce.htm |title=Bruce Shelley|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|accessdate=2008-01-22}}</ref> At the [[Games Convention#International Games Convention Developers Conference|Games Convention Developers Conference]] in 2007, Shelley continued with this thought and explained that the success of the series laid in "making a game which appealed to both the casual and hardcore gamer."<ref name=GC07 /> Shelley also remarked the ''Age of Empires'' games were not about history in itself, but rather "about the human experience;"<ref name=GC07 /> they focused not simply on what humans had done but on what they could do in the future such as "going into space."<ref name=GC07>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempires2theaok/news.html?sid=6177108&mode=news |title=GC '07: Don't ignore casual gamers, says Age of Empires panel|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Emma Boyes|date=[[2007-08-22]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Ensemble Studios developed ''Age of Mythology'' in a different way than the previous two games. The team had worried they "couldn't get away" with a third historical-based game, and chose mythology as the setting after they had discussed several options.<ref name=CVGRoA>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=78972 |title=Interview: Rock of Ages|publisher=''[[Computer and Video Games]]''|date=[[2002-08-19]]|author=Stuart Bishop|accessdate=2008-01-23}}</ref>
===Artificial intelligence===
The [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) used in the ''Age of Empires'' series has been developed and improved regularly by designers. AI specialist Dave Pottinger noted the development team gave the AI in the original game a very high priority, and spent over a year working on it. He said the AI in the game relies on tactics and strategies to win, instead of "cheating" by giving bonus resources to itself, or tweaking its units to be stronger than normal.<ref name=Dave/> Pottinger later noted that the ''Age of Empires'' series team took great pride in their AI playing a "fair game".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempiresiii/news.html?sid=6120033 |title=Age of Empires III Q&A - Technology Overview|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=[[2005-03-09]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> They also gave the AI for ''The Conquerors'' a high priority, the result being the "smart villager" feature, which was highly popular in subsequent games of the series. After building a structure that stores or produces resources, smart villagers would proceed to collect resources related to the structure, such as crops from farms or [[ore]] from stones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/ageofempires2thece/news.html?sid=2568929 |title=Age of Empires II: The Conquerors - First Impression|publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=[[2000-05-31]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> ''The Titans'' lets players use an AI [[debugger]] when creating custom scenarios; players can change the settings of computer players and make them act according to certain patterns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/491/491045p2.html |title=Age of Mythology: The Titans -- Volume 1|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|work=Dev Diaries|author= Rob Fermier|date=[[2003-08-25]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> More basic changes to the AI had previously been available in the series' first two games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://planetageofempires.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Other.Detail&id=63 |title=AI Tools|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=[[2005-10-26]]}}</ref>
===Music===
Stephen Rippy has been the series' music director since the first game. He has had occasional help from his brother, David Rippy, as well as Kevin McMullan.<ref name=m4g>{{cite web|url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=64 |title=Interview with Age of Empires III lead composer Stephen Rippy|publisher=[[Music4Games]]|date=[[2006-02-01]]|accessdate=2008-01-23}}</ref> He created the original music in ''Age of Empires'' with sounds of instruments from the periods in the game.<ref name=AoEH /> These sounds came from actual instruments, and their [[Sampler (musical instrument)|digital samples]].<ref name=AoEH /> The tunes were the result of extensive research on the cultures, styles, and instruments used.<ref name=AoEH>{{cite web|url=http://aoe.heavengames.com/town/esteam/chat1.shtml |title=Ensemble Studios Chat 16Oct97|publisher=HeavenGames|work=Age of Empires Heaven|date=[[1997-10-16]]|accessdate=2008-01-24}}</ref> Rippy said sound development on ''The Age of Kings'' was easier, since there was knowledge of the instruments used in the Middle Ages. Therefore, they were able to reproduce the tunes for the soundtrack of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmscoremonthly.com/articles/2001/02_May---Soundtracks_on_CDROM_Suciu.asp |title=Soundtracks on CD-ROM: Stirring Music That Accompanies the Interactive |publisher=''[[Film Score Monthly]]''|author=Peter Suciu|date=[[2001-04-30]]|accessdate=2008-01-23}}</ref> In ''Age of Mythology'', an orchestral instrumentation was used, instead. According to McMullan, the team also collected large numbers of audio recordings from [[zoo]]s, and created "a massive sound library of [their] own material."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/370/370283p1.html |title=Age of Music|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Steve Butts|date=[[2002-09-06]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> The music of ''Age of Empires III'' was similar to ''The Age of Kings'', in which the team used more historical instruments; Rippy noted the team used instruments such as "[[bagpipes]] and field [[drum]]s" to give it a realistic feel.<ref name=m4g />
===Collaboration===
Ensemble Studios worked together with Big Huge Games to develop ''The Asian Dynasties'', ''Age of Empires III''{{'}}s second expansion. This was the first joint venture for both teams. The reason for them doing so was compatible schedules: Ensemble Studios was busy with other projects, — particularly ''[[Halo Wars]]'' — while Big Huge Games' real-time strategy team had few projects at that time. Big Huge Games did most of the work, but Ensemble Studios designers Greg Street and Sandy Petersen joined in the [[brainstorming]], and had control over the final product.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/age-of-empires-iii-the-asian-dynasties/788618p1.html |title=Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (PC)|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|author= Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch|date=[[2007-05-23]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Both studios had roles in testing the game before its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aoe3.heavengames.com/interviews/TAD/breynolds |title=Brian Reynolds Interview - Part 1 - July 2007|publisher=HeavenGames|work=Age of Empires III Heaven|accessdate=2008-01-23}}</ref>
==Reception and legacy==
<div style="font-size: 90%;float:right;border-left:1em solid white">
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Aggregate review scores'''<br /><small>''As of [[June 17]] [[2008]].''</small>
!Game
![[Game Rankings]]
![[Metacritic]]
|-
|''[[Age of Empires (video game)|Age of Empires]]''
|style="text-align:center"|87%<ref name=AoE1GR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/90380.asp |title=Age of Empires|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center"|83%<ref name=AoE1MC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome|The Rise of Rome]]''
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=RoRGR />
|style="text-align:center"| –
|-
|''[[Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings]]''
|style="text-align:center"|92%<ref name=AoKGR />
|style="text-align:center"|92%<ref name=AoKMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|The Conquerors]]''
|style="text-align:center"|88%<ref name=AoCGR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/914421.asp |title=Age of Empires II: The Conquerors|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17 }}</ref>
|style="text-align:center"|88%<ref name=AoCMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires III]]''
|style="text-align:center"|82%<ref name=Age3GR>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/925735.asp |title=Age of Empires III|publisher=[[Game Rankings]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center"|81%<ref name=Age3MC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs|The WarChiefs]]''
|style="text-align:center"|81%<ref name=TWCGR />
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=TWCMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties|The Asian Dynasties]]''
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=TADGR />
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=TADMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Mythology]]''
|style="text-align:center"|89%<ref name=AoMGR />
|style="text-align:center"|89%<ref name=AoMMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Mythology: The Titans|The Titans]]''
|style="text-align:center"|84%<ref name=TTGR />
|style="text-align:center"|84%<ref name=TTMC />
|-
|''[[Age of Empires: The Age of Kings]]''
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=AoKDSGR />
|style="text-align:center"|80%<ref name=AoKDSMC />
|}
</div>
The ''Age of Empires'' series has been a commercial success. As of 2008, five of its games have each sold more than one million copies. According to [[Gamasutra]], ''Age of Empires'' had sold more than three million copies, and ''The Rise of Rome'' sold one million copies as of 2000.<ref name=AoESales /> Around the same time, Microsoft announced that they shipped over two million copies of ''The Age of Kings''.<ref name=AoKSales /> In 2003, Microsoft announced the sales of one million copies for ''Age of Mythology''.<ref name=AoMSales /> By 2004—prior to the release of ''Age of Empires III'' — the ''Age of Empires'' franchise had sold over 15 million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/press/default.aspx?no=titans_20040507001 |title=Best-Selling Age Franchise Tops 15 Million Mark|date=[[2004-05-07]]|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|work=Games for Windows|accessdate=2008-01-14}}</ref> On [[May 18]], [[2007]], Ensemble Studios announced that two million copies of ''Age of Empires III'' had been sold.<ref name=AoE3sales />
Games in the series have consistently scored highly on video game review [[aggregator]] websites [[Game Rankings]] and [[Metacritic]], which collect data from numerous review websites. As noted in the table to the right, the highest rating game is ''Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings'', receiving a 92% score from both sites.<ref name=AoKGR /><ref name=AoKMC />
Critics have credited ''Age of Empires'' for influencing real-time strategy (RTS) games such as ''[[Rise of Nations]]'', ''[[Empire Earth]]'', and ''[[Cossacks: European Wars|Cossacks]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/riseofnations/review.html |title=Rise of Nations for PC review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Elliott Chin |date=[[May 21]], [[2003]] |accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/previews/december01/cossacks/ |title=Cossacks: The Art of War (PC)|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|author=Peter "Dirg" Suciu |accessdate=2008-04-22}}</ref> ''[[Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds]]'' was also influenced by the series: it utilized the [[genie (game engine)|Genie]] [[game engine]], as ''Age of Empires'' and ''Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings'' had, and was considered by critics to be a very close replica to the games. [[IGN]] began their review with the statement "I love ''Age of Star Wars'', I mean ''Star Empires''. Whatever it's called, I dig it."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/165/165959p1.html |title=Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds Review|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=[[2001-11-19]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> and [[GameSpot]] wrote that "fundamentals of the ''Age of Empires II'' engine are so intact in ''Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds'' that veterans of that game can jump right in."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/starwarsgalacticb/review.html?mode=gsreview |title=Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds for PC Review|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|author=Tom Chick|date=[[2001-11-20]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> In October 2005, Shelley commented on the impact of the series. In a [[GameSpy]] interview, he explained that parents would "tell [Ensemble Studios] that their kid is reading books about ancient Greece because they enjoy playing with the [[trireme]]s so much, or that they want to check out books about medieval history because [the] game taught them what a [[trebuchet]] was."<ref name=AltHist>{{cite web|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/age-of-empires-iii/658725p1.html |title=Art & Design: The Alternate History of Age of Empires III|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|author=Allen 'Delsyn' Rausch|date=[[October 14]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref>
Shelley has said the key to the success of the games was its innovation, rather than imitation of its peers. He also claimed the unique elements in the games "helped establish the reputation of Ensemble Studios as masters of the real-time strategy genre."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/gdcarchive/2001/shelley.doc |title=Guidelines for Developing Successful Games|format=DOC|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|author=[[Bruce Shelley]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Mark Bozon of IGN wrote in his review of ''The Age of Kings'', "The ''Age of Empires'' series has been one of the most innovative real-time strategy games for PC in the last decade or so."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/687/687988p1.html |title=The Age of Kings is truly upon us...|publisher=[[IGN]]|author=Mark Bozon|date=[[February 10]] [[2006]]|accessdate=2008-06-17}}</ref> Gamenikki called Ensemble Studios "the developer that started it all" when they talked about how much ''Age of Empires III'' had done to advance the real-time strategy genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamenikki.com/g3/reviews/pc/Display.php?id=1 |title=Age of Empires III|publisher=Gamenikki|author=David Driscoll|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref> Shelley has acknowledged the success and innovation of ''Age of Empires'' helped to ensure Ensemble survive its early periods since startup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_73/419-From-Borg-to-Boss |title=From Borg to Boss|author=Russ Pitts|publisher=''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''|date=[[2006-11-28]]|accessdate=2008-02-02}}</ref> In 2005, Shelley complained of critics holding an "innovation bias" against the series; citing the 60% score from ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', he said that despite ''Age of Empires III'' being "perhaps the best selling PC game in the world," reviewers expected "something really new," and rated it harshly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=131731 |title=Shelley decries 'innovation bias'|publisher=[[ComputerAndVideoGames.com]]|author=John Houlihan|date=[[22 December]] [[2005]]|accessdate=2008-04-03}}</ref>
[[Bungie Studios]] chose Ensemble Studios to develop ''[[Halo Wars]]'', which is an RTS game in their [[Halo (series)|''Halo'' series]]. They said one of the reasons they chose to work with Ensemble was because of the "awesometastic" ''Age of Empires'' series.<ref name="bungie">{{cite web|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=bwusept29osix |title=Bungie Weekly Update|author=KPaul|date=[[2006-09-29]]|accessdate=2008-02-02|publisher=[[Bungie]]}}</ref> They also noted that Ensemble was the perfect choice "to realize the original vision of ''Halo''," which started life as an RTS.<ref name="bungie" />
==Notes==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Video games|Gamepad.svg}}
{{Spoken Wikipedia|Age_of_Empires.ogg|2008-06-20}}
* [http://www.microsoft.com/games Microsoft Games]
* [http://www.ensemblestudios.com/default.aspx Ensemble Studios]
* {{moby game|id=-group/age-of-empires-series|name=''Age of Empires'' series}}
{{Age of Empires series}}
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