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. Cmd_Shepard
    Aug 1, 2013
    7
    Age of Empires II: HD Edition is an upright and outstanding example of what strategy games used to be, and what they should be now. The original Age of Empires II had countless bugs, of which most are severe and do things like crash the game. The new HD Edition has barely any bugs and of which said bugs do nothing more than stop the game for a few seconds.

    The old multi-player for Age    Age of Empires II: HD Edition is an upright and outstanding example of what strategy games used to be, and what they should be now. The original Age of Empires II had countless bugs, of which most are severe and do things like crash the game. The new HD Edition has barely any bugs and of which said bugs do nothing more than stop the game for a few seconds.

    The old multi-player for Age of Empires II meant you had to have the IP address of participants to actually play a game, which means you could only get a game in with people once every few weeks (or for more if you're a budding AoE2 enthusiast); the new multi-player is brilliant; a list of lobbies to join, far more customisable features for the host to attract players and filters so the player find the game they want to play. What bugs me about this is that LAN has been completely stripped. Age of Empires II was probably one of the best games you could own for LAN parties. Although, no point beating the game up over LAN as you can simply just host a private game.

    Steam Workshop is an amazing way to get modifications and good maps as well as custom campaigns around. There's been many amazing maps and essential mods that have come out in less than a month from release; Steam Workshop has evidently been implemented perfectly.

    Although HD is good, there's more that could've made it better. The option to revert back to the original graphic quality at any time would've been great for when you want to mark a Battle of Nostalgia.

    Overall, abundant quality of the new features outweigh the lack of new features.    … Expand
  2. pinoybboy2004
    Oct 25, 2013
    4
    As much as I would love to give a positive rating I can't! I grew up playing this game and have logged several thousand hours over the years. When I saw that it was remade for steam as an HD game I figured that they would have made some other important changes and added more to it. It's simply a repackaged game with the SAME coding as the original. The only positives are that the onlineAs much as I would love to give a positive rating I can't! I grew up playing this game and have logged several thousand hours over the years. When I saw that it was remade for steam as an HD game I figured that they would have made some other important changes and added more to it. It's simply a repackaged game with the SAME coding as the original. The only positives are that the online matchmaking is simplified and that I can tab alt or play in windowed mode. Other than that this game is a slap in the face to anyone expecting changes. The multi-player engine still lags with that 1999 style (even with cable modem and quad core) and the game still freezes at wait screen before and during game. It also still goes out of sync...If you're a first time player I'd save your money for something else instead of paying for a repackaged game from 1999.… Expand
  3. proteuss2585
    Jan 6, 2014
    0
    Its exactly the same old Age of Empires, NOTHING new besides the horrible multiplayer with tons of bugs, lag (sometimes about 2 seconds of delay) and connection problems. A lot of people cant play because 10 seconds after the game starts, every player get disconnected because someone is "out of sinc".

    Dont buy it, just play the old Age of Empires with hamachi, there are not dedicated    Its exactly the same old Age of Empires, NOTHING new besides the horrible multiplayer with tons of bugs, lag (sometimes about 2 seconds of delay) and connection problems. A lot of people cant play because 10 seconds after the game starts, every player get disconnected because someone is "out of sinc".

    Dont buy it, just play the old Age of Empires with hamachi, there are not dedicated servers, so its really the same.    … Expand
  4. fzzzt
    Apr 24, 2013
    0
    The game doesn't work. Multi-player starts, then gets out of sync instantly. To me, this means it's defective. (Yes I have forwarded the ports.) Lame.
  5. MaxTolenaar
    Oct 10, 2013
    2
    Uh, I know... there will soon be Donkey Kong HD and Super Mario HD. Should those microsoft guys think about Age of Empires 4 instead of raising the dead?
  6. Cioby
    Dec 24, 2015
    0
    Overrated game, I barely liked it in the past, why would I like it now. They added HD to the name, which means they added slightly higher resolution textures which still look like **** Besides the fact that you can make unique units for every faction, I don't see anything good about this game. You want an actual strategy game where units aren't completely retarded, play Stronghold CrusaderOverrated game, I barely liked it in the past, why would I like it now. They added HD to the name, which means they added slightly higher resolution textures which still look like **** Besides the fact that you can make unique units for every faction, I don't see anything good about this game. You want an actual strategy game where units aren't completely retarded, play Stronghold Crusader for RTS and TotalWar series for RTS/actual empire/cities management.

    I really tried to like this game, but I couldn't. Seeing units run after enemy cavalry like idiots, just makes you wanna burn your PC or switch to consoles, to play idiotic games, on an idiotic platform.    … Expand
  7. bigman
    Jun 12, 2014
    0
    Just overrated game, there is nothing HD in this game, its purely hoax and a big lie. it only zooms out that you cant even see any units and call it HD
  8. cajun67
    Jan 2, 2015
    7
    There is nothing "HD" about this game. As far as I can tell, the only change that was made from the original was to make it widescreen, but the game still uses the same graphics it had in 1999. The game title is dishonest.

    That said, if you enjoy classic RTS gaming from the 90's (games like the originals of Starcraft, Warcraft, and Command & Conquer), then you will appreciate this game.    There is nothing "HD" about this game. As far as I can tell, the only change that was made from the original was to make it widescreen, but the game still uses the same graphics it had in 1999. The game title is dishonest.

    That said, if you enjoy classic RTS gaming from the 90's (games like the originals of Starcraft, Warcraft, and Command & Conquer), then you will appreciate this game. There is a lot of depth to this game, and most importantly, it uses most of the same hotkeys that have become standard in RTS gaming.

    I cannot recommend this game at full price, however. $20 for a 15 year old game, plus another $10 for the expansion? No, **** that. Wait for a Steam sale where you can pick them up as a bundle for $7.50.    … Expand
  9. ChoicestGames
    Sep 20, 2014
    7
    So is Age of Empires II HD worth getting? If you're a newcomer to RTSs and want to experience a classic or you're a returning fan that enjoys the single player aspect of the game but want a copy that works on modern operating systems, then yes I would recommend giving Age of Empires II HD a try. For those wanting to play the game mainly for multiplayer, mileage may vary since from mySo is Age of Empires II HD worth getting? If you're a newcomer to RTSs and want to experience a classic or you're a returning fan that enjoys the single player aspect of the game but want a copy that works on modern operating systems, then yes I would recommend giving Age of Empires II HD a try. For those wanting to play the game mainly for multiplayer, mileage may vary since from my experience, games can become pretty laggy - almost to the point of being unplayable.… Expand
  10. 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).
  11. Ramp
    Dec 24, 2013
    9
    Yes, when the game was first released, I'd say the $20 price point was absolutely not worth it. Now, the game has been updated a bit, and there are several reasons to buy the game when it comes on sale at the very least. One being the multiplayer support. Playing multiplayer matches where you can gain skill points or lose skill points based on wins/losses provides a much needed elementYes, when the game was first released, I'd say the $20 price point was absolutely not worth it. Now, the game has been updated a bit, and there are several reasons to buy the game when it comes on sale at the very least. One being the multiplayer support. Playing multiplayer matches where you can gain skill points or lose skill points based on wins/losses provides a much needed element to the game. Another reason to grab this game is the steam workshop support. There are many fantastic graphics mods that can be choosen, installed, and working flawlessly on any game mode, online or off. I bought the game on sale (its on sale all the time) for 4.99, and have already put 100 hours of gameplay into it. Online play is great fun.… Expand
  12. kykinson
    Dec 6, 2013
    6
    AOE2 HD is one great game and gives back the old school feelings. In april they gived us the same version of the game we had in 1999 but now buggy. In the last year they fixed almost all the bugs and glitches. This game is good but not the best.
  13. ArtanisDude
    May 31, 2013
    7
    Now not many games are rated 100/100. But I do enjoy me my RTS games. This is a fun game, just better graphics. Like I said, it's not perfect, but, if you like RTSs, this is a great game.
  14. Representer
    Dec 4, 2013
    5
    I'd like to give this game a 10, for nostalgic reasons. Back then this was a great game and probably the best RTS out there. Today it is lacking a lot. I am not talking about graphics, allthough for a Full HD Version which costs 20 bucks I expect more. It is the gameplay which, in comparision to Starcraft 2, feels boring and slow. It is also the story and presentation which in no way canI'd like to give this game a 10, for nostalgic reasons. Back then this was a great game and probably the best RTS out there. Today it is lacking a lot. I am not talking about graphics, allthough for a Full HD Version which costs 20 bucks I expect more. It is the gameplay which, in comparision to Starcraft 2, feels boring and slow. It is also the story and presentation which in no way can compete with todays standards.
    So for me AoE II: HD is a classic, but not one that works well compared to todays standards.    … Expand
  15. sirPetanek
    May 23, 2015
    6
    CZ:
    HD re-edice jedné z nejznámějších strategií všech dob nepřinesla prakticky žádné změny, kromě podpory platformy Steam a HD rozlišení. Ve výsledku je tak velmi těžké hru hodnotit, neboť hra jako taková přežila několik let a stále patří mezi špičky v rámci RTS žánru, na druhou stranu bych od vývojářů očekával trochu více snahy.
  16. smilzoboboz
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    AoE II is a 1999 2D isometric RTS game that marked an era on the RTS genre and this new version, luckily, just revamps it with widescreen/HD patches, a few bugfixes, reworked water/effects and steam workshop integration.

    While widescreen/HD graphic support was a must have and there was no actual need for water or effects reworks, steam workshop integration is what makes this new version    AoE II is a 1999 2D isometric RTS game that marked an era on the RTS genre and this new version, luckily, just revamps it with widescreen/HD patches, a few bugfixes, reworked water/effects and steam workshop integration.

    While widescreen/HD graphic support was a must have and there was no actual need for water or effects reworks, steam workshop integration is what makes this new version worth buying.
    On the workshop you're able to mod almost every part of the game, this increases even further the decennial longevity of this game. A few examples of currently available steam workshop items are: complete texture packs, water/coast mods, entire campaigns, extremely well made maps, ...

    So, game system is exactly how AoE II was, one of the best ones ever among RTS games, extremely balanced and quite various, with slight but substantial differences between civilizations.

    Graphic is good, not what you would expect from a 2013 game but strictly speaking about the HD port quality I couldn't think of any way it could have been done better.

    Music got some nice remixes, most of them made it sound more "medieval", which as far as I'm concerned it really nice.

    In the end I'd say that even at full price (which is maybe 30%~35% more than you may expect from an HD port of a 10+ year old game) I'd recommend buying this game, mostly because of steam workshop integration that really made (and still makes) the difference on my gameplay experience.    … Expand
  17. InfoGuy
    Jun 16, 2015
    7
    Just as I had guessed, there was very little change in the gameplay or visual appearance of the game, other than what would've been expected: higher definition display and support for 60 fps. I've always enjoyed the fair and balanced challenge that this game provided to players, whether new or old, and I was glad to see that the same gameplay still existed more than a decade later. ThereJust as I had guessed, there was very little change in the gameplay or visual appearance of the game, other than what would've been expected: higher definition display and support for 60 fps. I've always enjoyed the fair and balanced challenge that this game provided to players, whether new or old, and I was glad to see that the same gameplay still existed more than a decade later. There were, however, problems with this edition.

    I've had issues with frame rates dropping especially when starting up saved games with many units, which is rather disappointing, since my PC never had issues running more demanding games. At times, the frame rate never gets back up, rendering some maps virtually unplayable. Pathfinding wasn't great either, with units often times getting trapped and unable to find their way around lakes and rivers. For something that only offered a "revamped" version of graphics, it was surprisingly buggy, and I hope they plan to address these issues as soon as possible.    … Expand
  18. Andrewaps
    Dec 19, 2014
    9
    I have always loved Age of Empires as a series, and own 1, 2, and 3 on disc as well as having AoEII on Steam. And the Steam version only makes a classic masterpiece and improves upon it further! Never has it been easier to play multiplayer than now, and with The Forgotten Empires DLC included (in the bundle), there are new surprises awaiting. Steam Workshop is enabled for it, meaning thereI have always loved Age of Empires as a series, and own 1, 2, and 3 on disc as well as having AoEII on Steam. And the Steam version only makes a classic masterpiece and improves upon it further! Never has it been easier to play multiplayer than now, and with The Forgotten Empires DLC included (in the bundle), there are new surprises awaiting. Steam Workshop is enabled for it, meaning there is all sorts of awesome mods for the game now. If you are a fan of Age of Empires and are just itching to jump back in, or you're a lover of Strategy games, this is definitely for you.

    The 9 scoring is only because it definitely isn't for everyone, and for such an old game it is hard to compete with the newer games out there. But for me, AoE is one of my favorite franchises. Now... to find the best opportunity to get AoEIII!    … Expand
  19. 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.
  20. Migasuke
    Mar 6, 2017
    0
    Age of Empires 2: HD edition is very similar to previous AoE2, with several bonus features. Obviously one of the features is to play in HD, but only the pixels are managed, the graphics remains basically same like in the previous old AoE2.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. tikend
    Oct 29, 2020
    7
    Made the game better compatible with current systems but still buggy and not much added value.
  24. 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.
  25. iBroTuber
    May 17, 2014
    10
    I loved this game since I started playing it like 11 years ago.
    I used to play it online with friends and we had a lot of fun.
    Now it's easier than ever to play online + Workshop with endless stuff to add + HD Textures + New campaigns
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. Gracz-org
    Aug 8, 2017
    7
    Age of Empires II: HD Edition jest świetną okazją, żeby pokazać komuś, kto nigdy nie miał styczności z tą serią jak wyglądały kiedyś gry. Bowiem mimo możliwości ustawienia wysokich rozdzielczości gra wygląda dalej prawie tak jak w 1999 roku - co dla jednych może być zdecydowanym plusem, a dla innych z kolei dyskwalifikować nowego-starego AoE na całej linii. Osobiście grałem bardziej dlaAge of Empires II: HD Edition jest świetną okazją, żeby pokazać komuś, kto nigdy nie miał styczności z tą serią jak wyglądały kiedyś gry. Bowiem mimo możliwości ustawienia wysokich rozdzielczości gra wygląda dalej prawie tak jak w 1999 roku - co dla jednych może być zdecydowanym plusem, a dla innych z kolei dyskwalifikować nowego-starego AoE na całej linii. Osobiście grałem bardziej dla przypomnienia sobie „starych” czasów i muszę się przyznać, że pewne wspomnienia wróciły… w końcu gry z czasów dzieciństwa pamięta się przecież najlepiej. Trzeba jednak zdać sobie sprawę, że te czasy już nigdy nie wrócą, a próby „wskrzeszenia” tytułów z tamtego okresu nie zawsze muszą się dobrze skończyć. Czy zatem Age of Empires II: HD Edition warte jest uwagi? Ciężko mi jednoznacznie odpowiedzieć na to pytanie, ponieważ darzę serię wielką sympatią. Potraktował bym jednak grę bardziej w charakterze ciekawostki, która niekoniecznie musi kogoś zainteresować. W końcu nie wszyscy przepadają przecież za serią, a bardziej oddani fani sprawdzili już grę na wszystkie możliwe sposoby… Decyzję pozostawiam więc każdemu z osobna.

    Pełna recenzja dostępna jest na blogu Gracz.org    … 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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