Age of Empires II: HD Edition

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 688 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 495 out of 688
  2. Mixed: 120 out of 688
  3. Negative: 73 out of 688

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  1. Harthik69
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    Nice Game. Would love to play again in future. Good Graphics and mechanics!!!
  2. DanielGG91
    Nov 14, 2022
    8
    Es el juego por excelencia de este estilo que más he jugado y disfrutado en partidas con colegas.
  3. heisenberg_88
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    Good game , i enjoy playing this RTS with friends .
    I'm just playing this for nostalgia !
    btw , each and every moment is enjoyable in this game and i love all AoE2 editions :old, HD , DE . all are amazing
  4. johnny__a
    Nov 22, 2021
    8
    Some of the gameplay mechanics give away the game's age, but when it comes to RTS games, AoE II is still my favourite. I have come to prefer the definitive edition, but I did have a lot of fun with this "HD edition".
  5. Corefitz
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    The original AoE2 should be considered the grandfather of all RTS games.

    This one is no different.
    Grapihcally overhauled, minor bugs were fixed (finally), gotten mod support and Steam intergration, QoL changed made its way into the game and you're looking at a complete AoE2 experience.. BUT BETTER!
  6. 1Shorzz
    Jul 12, 2021
    9
    SHORZZ / AoE2(HD): I can say it is the best strategy game you can play. A strategy game that can be played with classic and straight logic. After learning the types, the rest is up to your logic.
  7. Cesar3
    Sep 27, 2020
    9
    La saga de estrategia por excelencia, muy divertido y te engancha, eso si algunas misiones son ultra difíciles, te va a costar lo tuyo, además aprendes historia jugando
  8. KonstantinPayne
    Aug 29, 2020
    8
    Общепризнанная классика РТС. В игре прекрасно выточен (почти) каждый стратегический и тактический моменты.
  9. XxAlbertoBuzzxX
    Jun 3, 2020
    8
    Age of Empires II: HD Edition
    .......................................................
  10. Baltifru
    Apr 19, 2020
    9
    The reference of RTS, purely and simply. All the mechanics of the game are well thought, every unit and every structure you can build has its role and none is useless. The game is demanding in macro and micro management skills, even when you play against the IA (assuming you're like me, not yet an RTS expert). The balance between different civilisations seems quite good: the choice of theThe reference of RTS, purely and simply. All the mechanics of the game are well thought, every unit and every structure you can build has its role and none is useless. The game is demanding in macro and micro management skills, even when you play against the IA (assuming you're like me, not yet an RTS expert). The balance between different civilisations seems quite good: the choice of the civilisation influences your strategy, but none seems too "powerful". Some like the Mayas seem a bit weak though... But in spite of my game time I have yet to learn many things about this game, so it might be I don't understand how to play the Mayas just yet.

    The solo campaigns are quite nice. On top of teaching some history, the experience they offer is significantly different from the standard game while still relying on the same mechanics: they propose some escort challenges, "hold your ground' style missions, or missions with a different pace that will definitely keep you entertained.

    If you're looking for a competitive RTS, I believe AOE II is a good choice, although much less popular (at the time I am writing these lines) than SC 2, but the community is still quite large.

    Cult game, must have in your Steam library (unless you don't like strategy games).    … Expand
  11. Maxjey
    Mar 11, 2020
    8
    This classic RTS-game seems to live forever. The HD-version might not be as complex as the DE-version which got better graphics and more civilizations but HD got more charm, it starts faster and the sounds are (for now) better. The downsides are that the lobby is ancient and the matchmaking is aweful. It still is one of the best RTS.games ever made but I would recommend buying theThis classic RTS-game seems to live forever. The HD-version might not be as complex as the DE-version which got better graphics and more civilizations but HD got more charm, it starts faster and the sounds are (for now) better. The downsides are that the lobby is ancient and the matchmaking is aweful. It still is one of the best RTS.games ever made but I would recommend buying the DE-version over this version.… Expand
  12. fireman142
    Feb 29, 2020
    9
    Awesome game remade with HD components. I didnt have time to play it long time. But when i tried it, i didnt see as many changes as i would expect from the reviews. The old game i loved bit more 10/10. But good job to make it work on new computers and steam...
  13. Ayiurah
    Oct 3, 2019
    10
    Very very nice game. Play it on Voobly though for a better network experience. The exensions have added a lot of value. Looking forward to AOE2 DE.
  14. OlexeyHmelove
    Sep 22, 2019
    8
    What do you want from this game?That HD edition and not remaster.That 2 different things.Only problem in this game that FPS low and don't normal stability
  15. barefixxe
    Aug 2, 2019
    10
    Bir şey söylemeye gerek yok. metacritic 75 karakterden az olmasın diye lafı uzatmamı istiyor. Ama uzatmaya gerek yok amk.
  16. UncleEd
    Jul 1, 2019
    9
    Note: This is a review of Age of Empires 2: HD Edition single player campaigns. I am aware that the multiplayer is where Age of Empires is at its strongest and this review does not cover the multiplayer experience.

    Age of Empires II HD: The Age of Kings (Difficulty: Moderate) Age of Empires was released at a time when RTS genre was considered one of the most popular ones. From    Note: This is a review of Age of Empires 2: HD Edition single player campaigns. I am aware that the multiplayer is where Age of Empires is at its strongest and this review does not cover the multiplayer experience.

    Age of Empires II HD: The Age of Kings (Difficulty: Moderate)

    Age of Empires was released at a time when RTS genre was considered one of the most popular ones. From Command and Conquer to Starcraft, from Dune to Warcraft, there was fierce competition. It was not hard for Age of Empires to build a fan base with major selling points such as bringing real history with real heroes into our PCs and a ton of nations to play with.

    The Age of Kings have campaigns that could make someone who has any interest in history salivate: William Wallace, Joan of Arc, Saladin, Ghenghis Khan and Barbarossa. William Wallace serves as a tutorial campaign and each campaign offers a pretty unique experience with a standalone storyline and units particular to that nation. The game requires good micromanagement skills with its more sophisticated economy system, at least compared to other games of that era. In the Age of Kings, you don’t harvest just one resource e.g. spice, tiberium, crystal… You need to make sure to harvest wood, food, stone and gold in a balanced fashion in order to succeed. Food comes from various sources. You can fish from the lakes, you can farm, hunt animals, collect fruits etc. Hunting animals would give you a food boost, but you will soon run out of animals. Farming could give you a steadier income of food, but you will have to spend wood to build farms. Each strategic decision has consequences. This applies to the whole game, whether it is economy, expanding your base, building armies or waging wars. Keeping in mind every nation / faction has their own strengths and weaknesses, on top of the more sophisticated economy and requirement to micromanage, it is safe to say that the Age of Kings is more on the difficult side, especially when compared to other popular real time strategy series of that time. On the other hand, micromanaging in Age of Kings for some reason (whether it is the music or the color palette) is often relaxing rather than stressful.

    The campaigns never get boring and there is even educational value with all the historically accurate information in your missions or cutscenes. My main criticism to the Age of Kings campaigns, however, is being too formulaic. My experience with the majority of the campaigns was the following. I start a campaign. Build my base (unless the hints suggest otherwise), enemy attacks my base, I lose the game. I restart, this time knowing when, from which direction and with which units the enemy will launch their attack and I prepare myself accordingly. More often than not, this involves collecting enough stones and building a castle to the other side of a crossing and walling up the other areas to my base. The sense of playing a linear formulaic experience was much stronger when I played the Age of Kings campaign, in comparison to titles such as C&C or Starcraft.

    That being said, my only major criticism is something that only applies to the single player campaign. Playing against a friend with more or less even skills, is where the Age of Kings shines. As a more complex RTS, Age of Kings in multiplayer would undeniably be one of the best RTS games ever made, assuming you do indeed have a suitable opponent who matches your skills.

    8.5/10

    Age of Empires II HD: The Conquerors (Difficulty: Moderate)

    This expansion is everything the original game wanted to be. As opposed to the formulaic and somewhat tedious campaigns of Age of Kings, each campaign mission is carefully designed in AoE II: The Conquerors. The narrative is better, missions offer enough variety, everything feels more balanced and the difficulty is just right. Age of Kings was a great game for its time. The Conquerors, on the other hand, escalates Age of Empires to a masterpiece level and can easily be considered a timeless classic.

    9.5/10    … Expand
  17. JorgenPallesen
    May 7, 2019
    8
    The pathfinding is FAR worse than in the original AoE2, so it at times impossible to move your big mass of units past chokepoints.
  18. fastbot
    Dec 5, 2018
    10
    Best rts 10/10 Age of Empires II HD is a fantastic game.Nice HD version of one of the best games ever.
  19. IperLogan
    Nov 22, 2018
    10
    Age of Empires 2 is probably the most famous real-strategy game. It has been remastered and rebalanced during the time, with three new expansions, which add more civilizations and more units to the game.
    It is also a long-lasting game: although it is quite simple, you can play it for years again and again, trying different strategies, without getting bored.
  20. Jelv
    Oct 15, 2018
    10
    I never really played AoE2 much in the '90. After the re-release on Steam I noticed a friend had the game and purchased it to challange him. So did my brothers and other friends. Many LAN party's and online plays later I can say the game is still well balanced and with many new civ's maps and an active modding community. I've got 600+ hours on Steam, but that will climb rapidly in theI never really played AoE2 much in the '90. After the re-release on Steam I noticed a friend had the game and purchased it to challange him. So did my brothers and other friends. Many LAN party's and online plays later I can say the game is still well balanced and with many new civ's maps and an active modding community. I've got 600+ hours on Steam, but that will climb rapidly in the years to come. AoE2HD revived the classic from 16 years ago (1998!) and gives it a home on Steam for decades to come.… Expand
  21. IceDude01
    Jul 19, 2018
    10
    The best game of its kind remastered in HD. Hours and hours of fun await you with this incredible game
  22. Elsinrostro
    Jun 18, 2018
    10
    Very few video games age in such a good way. The original AoE2 marked a clear milestone in its genre.
    Its archetype made it not only into it's successors, it even reached the pop culture in a lot of countries. Being able to play it again in a modern PC is a very pleasant experience.
  23. DoberDude
    Jul 6, 2017
    10
    I grew up playing this game and when they announced that it was being remastered I was filled with joy. This is hands down one of my favorite games and I'm so thankful they stayed true to the original game in almost every aspect of it. This is a nostalgic game for those who loved the Age of Kings/ Conquerors expansion, if you don't or you don't like RTS's in general, don't even bother.I grew up playing this game and when they announced that it was being remastered I was filled with joy. This is hands down one of my favorite games and I'm so thankful they stayed true to the original game in almost every aspect of it. This is a nostalgic game for those who loved the Age of Kings/ Conquerors expansion, if you don't or you don't like RTS's in general, don't even bother. This game along with the 3 expansions are amazing and, to my humble opinion, the best RTS there is.… Expand
  24. MegaCok1900
    Feb 15, 2017
    10
    Awesome remake, very HD graphics but very similar to original game. But much worth the money + DLC's, Awesome fun with friends yes yes yes yes yes yes yes urgasm.
  25. Wolf_hack_kill
    Jan 25, 2017
    8
    One of the best historical real time strategy. Age of Empires II: HD is good old classic game with added new some nations. Unfortunately, in functionality there are no new novation. As result, we have the same old game.
  26. JaapStam
    Dec 26, 2016
    9
    With some mistakes in his departure, undoubtedly one of the immortal games and for me, one of the best role-playing games in history. Reasonably priced on Steam and still with recent content. A game that is worth having.
  27. Mandala
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    AoE II HD is a remaster of the original game, which itself is possibly the greatest RTS made, still to this day.

    My initial review of AoE II HD gave the remaster a middling score, and was critical of some horrendous artwork that replaced the better original artwork, but those things have mostly been long-since restored by the 2nd developer to work on AoE II HD, after the original    AoE II HD is a remaster of the original game, which itself is possibly the greatest RTS made, still to this day.

    My initial review of AoE II HD gave the remaster a middling score, and was critical of some horrendous artwork that replaced the better original artwork, but those things have mostly been long-since restored by the 2nd developer to work on AoE II HD, after the original developer moved on to other projects.

    AoE II HD has received dedicated updating since its release, and has come a very long way in improvements to its functionality and presentation. As it currently stands, AoE II HD is a remaster worthy of a king.

    As for the game itself, beyond the remaster's quality, AoE II (AoK) is an expansive game with gorgeous humongous (or tiny, if preferred) environments, sprawling tech trees, long and numerous story-driver single-player campaigns in addition to an excellent random map-generator. There are many civilizations to choose to play as, each with unique traits and special tech or units. There is a significant focus on city-building, and resource gathering.    … Expand
  28. GutiOut
    Nov 2, 2016
    8
    Aoe2 was my favourite game for many years, the hd edition is a poor work and the on-line SUCKS. However is a great game to play in single player or multiplayer without using steam.
  29. Wilbur
    Oct 19, 2016
    10
    The best RTS ever made. I don't even play that much multiplayer games in general but AoE2HD has won me over. The learning curve in multiplayer is quite steep since there are a lot of really good player but it's definitely worth it. If multiplayer is not your thing the single player campaigns are solid too and offer a reasonable challenge (you can also pick a difficulty level).
  30. EdgarAllanOoo
    Oct 11, 2016
    10
    Most of the user reviews that are negative are ranting about not seeing any major improvements or changes from the original game. That is not why I bought this game. I bought this game because it had updated graphics and smoother gameplay with the same great campaigns and online play that I enjoyed so much back in the day. IF you like the Age of Empires franchise then this game isMost of the user reviews that are negative are ranting about not seeing any major improvements or changes from the original game. That is not why I bought this game. I bought this game because it had updated graphics and smoother gameplay with the same great campaigns and online play that I enjoyed so much back in the day. IF you like the Age of Empires franchise then this game is definitely for you! Great to buy it on sale on Steam for… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
25
#25 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Jun 5, 2013
    65
    Mixed emotions, overall. On the one hand we have the same graphics, not at all improved. On the other, Steam offers functional multiplayer and workshop support, that breathe life into an old game. [May 2013]
  2. CD-Action
    May 13, 2013
    55
    Let me make a list of all the changes introduced in the HD version of Age of Empires II - higher resolution. [CD-Action 06/2013, p.77]
  3. Gamer.nl
    May 5, 2013
    60
    Unfortunately Age of Empires II HD isn't a very impressive update. It disappoints graphically and not much has been done to improve or modernize it. The gameplay is still strong though, and Age of Empires II still shows how balanced and detailed strategy games can be. With the addition of the Steam Workshop there's enough potential here for the game to be given a new look. Too bad this is left up to the players though.
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