Rowan Kaiser, ApScore: 7.1Īlong the way, you can unlock neat new stuff from ruler cosmetics to functional combat items, to challenge maps like a frozen wonderland ruled over by a Chronicles of Narnia-esque ice queen that I really liked. I have no doubt that the strength of the tactical combat will help find a strong niche, but for me, that just makes the relative weakness of the strategic side of gameplay all the more disappointing. Still, it's a fairly successful return for a game series and style that seemed undeservedly buried. The quest for the ultimate fantasy strategy game will continue for a while longer, as Age of Wonders III only partially fits the bill. The tendency lately to add them right after launch has put just about everyone on notice for me, but so far so good. At least in the review build, I didn't spot any sneaky microtransactions.

It's a great way to do account-level progression that doesn't feel forced, artificial, or over-monetized. And the way this encouraged me to think about a given run as a more digestible, if not exactly bite-sized, six- to twelve-hour sprint helps to build the sense of lasting investment in the progress of my pantheon. Rather than telling the story of many alternate earths or distant galaxies, starting over on a fresh map is baked into the story of Age of Wonders 4, where powerful Sorcerer Kings teleport between many different realms in their quest for power and glory. That's only the icing on top of a well-crafted fantasy strategy game with varied tactical battles and a near-perfect pace. And it's a big part of why I've been coming back to Age of Wonders 4, as the rulers I led to victory actually do ascend to a mighty pantheon and become a recurring cast for future adventures. Your Gandhi from a previous Civilization 6 campaign isn't going to come through a portal to save the day in a later one, with the scars of a nuclear war against Alexander the Great still marking his slender frame. In most 4X games, the achievements of your past civilizations only live on in animated discussions with friends over drinks later.

Ign age of wonders 3 review