Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1409 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,278 out of 1409
  2. Mixed: 98 out of 1409
  3. Negative: 33 out of 1409
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  1. ZuffuluZT.
    May 1, 2008
    10
    Best RTS game of all time. Period. ;) Seriously this game has everything you ever wanted in an RTS game. The graphics may not be up to date anymore but since it's 2D it doesn't grow old as fast as 3D titles do. (look at 3D games of that time and you know what I mean ...) The gameplay is just awesome, because it has such a great balance between economy and warfare, which allows Best RTS game of all time. Period. ;) Seriously this game has everything you ever wanted in an RTS game. The graphics may not be up to date anymore but since it's 2D it doesn't grow old as fast as 3D titles do. (look at 3D games of that time and you know what I mean ...) The gameplay is just awesome, because it has such a great balance between economy and warfare, which allows you to build huge cities and train enormous armies to besiege them. Besides that there is just an endless amount of stuff to do in this game, because there are so many different factions, units, strategies, campaigns, scenarios and probably the most easy to use map editor of all time. It is already 9 years old and I am still playing it every now and then, because it just has so much more to offer than all the other RTS games that were released since then, especially AOE3, which was really disappointing to me. There has never been such an addicting RTS game out there, so if you still don't own it, buy it! It is more than worth it. And if you already have it, go and play it again! It is really so much more enjoying than all the modern RTS games with fancy graphics but no substance.… Expand
  2. SimonF
    Sep 9, 2008
    10
    This is a masterpiece. Not only are the singleplayer missions fun and historically correct, it has lots to offer to new RTS players, as well as old RTS players, and is the most well-balanced game I have ever played. It is also a lot of fun, especially when you play multiplayer. The AI could use an additional difficulty mode, because the hardest mode isn't hard enough for real RTS This is a masterpiece. Not only are the singleplayer missions fun and historically correct, it has lots to offer to new RTS players, as well as old RTS players, and is the most well-balanced game I have ever played. It is also a lot of fun, especially when you play multiplayer. The AI could use an additional difficulty mode, because the hardest mode isn't hard enough for real RTS veterans. I have to highlight the multiplayer again, because it is absolutely fantastic. You can have the most amazing and epic battles with sieges from multiple sides on your opponents castle et cetera. Playing with eight players is an amazing experience because of the importance of alliances, that can be really fragile, especially if you turn on the last man standing mode. This is a wonderful game, and an absolute classic.… Expand
  3. IG44
    Aug 21, 2012
    10
    This is definitely the best RTS of all time! Great graphics,excellent gameplay,great balance between the factions and it's historicly correct! Too bad the sequels were crappy...Age of Empires III was good,but Age of Empires Online is very,very bad... What were they thinking?!
  4. davinci2
    Jun 20, 2012
    10
    The best strategy game of all time. Graphics are telling of 1990's but the RTS element in this game is second to none. Several campaigns, especially with the expansion pack. Delivers one of the best single player experiences I have ever had along with a stellar multiplayer. The ultimate RTS classic and an inspiration to the genre. R.I.P. Ensemble Studios.
  5. zerodecibels
    Dec 30, 2012
    10
    This game is perfectly-balanced tactical game that i kept playing for almost 13 years.. There's only a few other RTS that simple and fun. Although its graphics are obsolete, units still can be differentiated from one another unlike many of modern strategy games. It's a milestone in RTS World. If it were served in a higher resolution like 19200x1200 i could be still playing it today..
  6. Prozilla
    Jul 4, 2013
    9
    first computer game I ever played, at the time my parents computer could barely handle it. picked it up at Wall-Mart for 10 bucks a while back just for some good memories. STILL love this game, the bad graphics and music/sound affects was exactly what I was looking for. think in 10 years I could play it and still be thrilled. not a bad pick up for the money if you want a classic RTS, easyfirst computer game I ever played, at the time my parents computer could barely handle it. picked it up at Wall-Mart for 10 bucks a while back just for some good memories. STILL love this game, the bad graphics and music/sound affects was exactly what I was looking for. think in 10 years I could play it and still be thrilled. not a bad pick up for the money if you want a classic RTS, easy to play and you will be able to dump hours and hours into gameplay. WARNING!! if you have trouble playing with windows 7 look it up on Google or whatever because its a real easy fix. happy gaming… Expand
  7. CA1994
    Nov 3, 2013
    10
    One of the best RTS games ever made. Historical campaigns and lots of battles. This game was the first time I was really exposed to history and I am now a history major at college. With the release of Age of Empires II HD Edition definitely worth going back to.
  8. SchroederRock
    Feb 11, 2014
    10
    More than a decade after it launched, I still enjoy a game of AoE 2. There's just something so incredibly gratifying about it. I wound up purchasing the reissued version on Steam, but truth be told it wasn't all that great of an update. If MGS and Ensemble would have just rebuilt it from the ground up with improved graphics and a rebirthed matchmaking system, I'd be much more likely toMore than a decade after it launched, I still enjoy a game of AoE 2. There's just something so incredibly gratifying about it. I wound up purchasing the reissued version on Steam, but truth be told it wasn't all that great of an update. If MGS and Ensemble would have just rebuilt it from the ground up with improved graphics and a rebirthed matchmaking system, I'd be much more likely to play JUST AoE2. This game is truly a classic.… Expand
  9. Cubixreviews
    May 11, 2012
    9
    Hours of fun? Yes. Masterpiece? Yes. Age of Empires 2 is a RTS that rocks, in many ways. The game haves a really great strategy, and the graphics are great. It is classic, and extremely fun. A great sequel and a masterpiece. (9.9)
  10. Keen
    May 20, 2012
    10
    There are things you never forget and this game, at least for me, is one of those. Outstanding graphics, which are pleasure to look at even today, perfect game play, great campaigns and lovable units. I am proud to have Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings and its expansion Conquerors between my TOP3 RTS games together with first Stronghold and Starcraft.
  11. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    10
    A classic. Amazing game.
  12. Deaddog
    Jul 22, 2012
    10
    best rts game eVER!!!!!!!!!. I start play this game 2000 and i still play this game with my friends. i dont are pro in this game but i dont are still full noob =). i play today with Conquerors expansion it better.sorry very bad english
  13. MeCritic
    Apr 1, 2013
    8
    I kinda feel like a pessimist, giving this an 8/10 while everyone else gave it 9 and 10, but I don't think it's that great. I like it. It has a good feel. And The Conquerors expansion is a great addition. The only problems I have with this game are the singleplayer campaign and the sound. The singleplayer campaign just isn't that interesting, I found. I prefer going on a randomly generatedI kinda feel like a pessimist, giving this an 8/10 while everyone else gave it 9 and 10, but I don't think it's that great. I like it. It has a good feel. And The Conquerors expansion is a great addition. The only problems I have with this game are the singleplayer campaign and the sound. The singleplayer campaign just isn't that interesting, I found. I prefer going on a randomly generated map and fighting bots. And as for the sound, well, the music is great. But the rest of the audio really isn't something I would expect from a game released in 1999. Another thing that brings this game down, for me, is that I'm not a very big RTS fan. Now, don't get me wrong. I really do like this game. And if it wasn't an RTS it would not work AT ALL. But if you like classic PC games, you need this.… Expand
  14. LittleMat
    Mar 21, 2013
    10
    Great game. I got this game last year and it is just soo fun. The graphics are nothing special but the gameplay is very good. If you get the conquerors expansion it just gets better. They are making Age of Empires 2 HD for steam so you should get it when it comes out. It will revive the awesome multiplayer
  15. cryhardhumor
    Jul 19, 2015
    9
    It's a simple but at the same time sophisticated and intelligent game. The wide variety of different modes and scenarios you can choose from ensure that it never gets old of tired. Even though it was released almost 20 years ago, I still dust it off and pop it in for a few hours of fun on a rainy day. It really is timeless
  16. DominikCZE
    Nov 9, 2013
    10
    What is there to say about this one? Hands down the best game I have ever played. Fantastic atmosphere, great campaign, superb gameplay. Everything just clicked in this game. I was too young when it came out to explore the online part of the game, but the historical single player was something that would be impossible to find in today's RTS games. The nostalgia and happy childhood memoriesWhat is there to say about this one? Hands down the best game I have ever played. Fantastic atmosphere, great campaign, superb gameplay. Everything just clicked in this game. I was too young when it came out to explore the online part of the game, but the historical single player was something that would be impossible to find in today's RTS games. The nostalgia and happy childhood memories I get every time I think of this game is like nothing else.… Expand
  17. ben_waldner
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    The best strategy computer game all over. And played since ages after beeing published! But multiplayer connection lacked a lots of time, but maybe you can't compare 1997 with 2014. I am very happy that this game exists and played it maybe more than 300 or 400 hours. Thanks!
  18. CedricParker
    Mar 17, 2014
    10
    A classic RTS, they improved from Age of Empires and just made it soo much better. I totally recommend this game to anybody. It's simple yet difficult but always extremely fun.
  19. Wolfie1987
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    It's just so goood. I enjoy playing this much more than any other RTS game, because it has more heart and soul and charm. Do you need fancy graphics to enjoy chess? Maybe if the pieces were ultra realistic statues that could move like in that Harry Potter movie. The AOE2 gameplay is perfect, love this game.
  20. CallOfGaming
    May 3, 2014
    9
    This game is one of the best RTSs ever to exist. It has multiple factions from which you can choose from, and each one has its own technology and strategy. The campaign is a bit lame for my taste, so I kinda just play with my friends on Skirmish mode. It has multiple buildings and troops you can create and improve. Even though it's from '99, it has resisted time well, and a fullfilingThis game is one of the best RTSs ever to exist. It has multiple factions from which you can choose from, and each one has its own technology and strategy. The campaign is a bit lame for my taste, so I kinda just play with my friends on Skirmish mode. It has multiple buildings and troops you can create and improve. Even though it's from '99, it has resisted time well, and a fullfiling experience lies in here. Go and play it then!… Expand
  21. Rewaider
    May 11, 2014
    10
    Well, to start: I don't believe how this game got less than some CoD ones, and less than those all crappy games that have only graphics.
    Age of empires II is one of the most creative games I've ever seen (suffered thousands of plagiarism after being released). It is basically two games in one! The scenario editor, a powerful editor which allows you to create your own world, your own game    Well, to start: I don't believe how this game got less than some CoD ones, and less than those all crappy games that have only graphics.
    Age of empires II is one of the most creative games I've ever seen (suffered thousands of plagiarism after being released). It is basically two games in one! The scenario editor, a powerful editor which allows you to create your own world, your own game in any style (RPG, B&D, and whatever), and have the awesome multiplayer, in which you can load your own scenario, or play one of the several modes it have!
    It deserves a lot more than 9.0 (in my opinion should be awarded by a 9.5-9.8, because it's (if not the best) one of the best games ever! To summarize, I will write the positive and negative points bellow:

    POSITIVE POINTS
    - Awesome gameplay, and perfectly balanced;
    - Scenario editor with thousands of possibilities, letting you make anything!;
    - It doens't takes that much money from you (like those recent games, which any item costs around 10 Dollars);
    - Is the first one to have this theme (and well-succeeded);
    - Great graphics (for its time), overcoming many games made two or three years past it!;
    - Almost no annoying bug, just helpful bugs (like invisible unit trick, invisible tile trick, heal unit trick, etc);
    - It can be a noob game, for relax, or can be a fuqin hardcore game (depending the way you play it!);
    - Quite good ES campaigns;
    - Many sound effects of good quality.
    - Good voice actors;

    NEGATIVE POINTS
    - Some annoying pathfinding bugs;
    - Repetitive combat sounds;
    - Shadows aren't very realistic;
    - Water sucks;
    - ES campaigns are too lengthy, and sometimes boring to play;
    - Some not well done objects (such as Flowers 1,2,3,4, cracks, etc);
    - Too dumb AI (However you can design your own);
    - Stupid Villagers, that walks in a disorganized way and sometimes can slow your economy down;
    - Some bugs could be solved down before releasing.

    So those are all I think about AOK. Despite having some bugs, it still awesome and (IMO) the best game ever! (Better than those all recent overrated games).
    Play it by a whole before judging it just by the multiplayer/random map. One half of the game is in the scenario editor, DO NOT MISS IT!    … Expand
  22. joaopontesvaz
    May 12, 2015
    9
    Graphics: 9.2 Sound: 9.5 Gameplay: 9.0 Fun/Story: 9.0

    My favorite strategy game of all time. Nice graphics, nice online and LAN multiplayer. A must have RTS.
  23. dinosauryoshi
    Jun 30, 2014
    9
    I spent many, many hours playing this as a kid and still go back to it to this day. I love the amount of civilizations (especially with the conquerors expansion), units, buildings and maps available and of course the addictive, easy to pick up and yet difficult to master gameplay. I'll always remember this game for its great soundtrack too. My only gripes were the population limit and howI spent many, many hours playing this as a kid and still go back to it to this day. I love the amount of civilizations (especially with the conquerors expansion), units, buildings and maps available and of course the addictive, easy to pick up and yet difficult to master gameplay. I'll always remember this game for its great soundtrack too. My only gripes were the population limit and how you had to manually get each farmer to start a new farm once it had expired (although this was fixed with the expansion). Regardless of these minor flaws this is one of those games I'll never forget. The visuals were great for the time, and the gameplay thoroughly addictive and fun. A classic, no doubt about it. I remember playing a lot of Red Alert and Total Annihilation but this is the game that always sticks out as the best.… Expand
  24. Komi
    Jul 1, 2014
    10
    One of the best games so far, with much respect from me personally. It affected the RTS genre much and as can be seen from the huge community which still plays it, it is time-affection-less. In other words, AOE2 is one of the games you could enjoy in 2004,2014,2024 just as fair. In some aspects it of course got old compared to the new stuff, yet it doesn't push you away. Adding my ownOne of the best games so far, with much respect from me personally. It affected the RTS genre much and as can be seen from the huge community which still plays it, it is time-affection-less. In other words, AOE2 is one of the games you could enjoy in 2004,2014,2024 just as fair. In some aspects it of course got old compared to the new stuff, yet it doesn't push you away. Adding my own sense - AOE2 graphics are pleasing the eye more than AOE3 and most of the new games! :)… Expand
  25. derek10
    Mar 1, 2015
    10
    It's a classic that must NOT die, even if its graphics are clearly outdated, it's fun and its AI is very intelligent (especially in Conquerors and Forgotten) though sometimes it's bugging and my enemies begin to build towers non-stop lol and sometimes they don't build artillery units but seems to be fixed in Forgotten.
  26. Gregon
    Nov 20, 2014
    9
    This game is the gold standard for historical real time strategy (RTS) games. I best remember it for its competitive multiplayer and elaborate defenses/sieges. Well-balanced, fun, and colorful.
  27. sambeme
    Feb 4, 2017
    10
    Great game. Would recommend to any beginner RTS fans...........................................................................................................................................
  28. kloplos
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    This is the game that defined its genre. Even now a decade and a half later, it is still among the best RTS games available. If you're a fan of RTS games, then this is a definite must-have.
  29. Kurtz
    Dec 22, 2011
    10
    The fact that I still play it today with friends and still have an awesome time shows how amazing this game is. And yes I got it in 1999 for my birthday. Every area of the game is superb. Lots of campaigns, map editor, easy LAN play. It is much better with the Conquerors expansion of course but is still one of the best games I have ever played.
  30. TheJusta
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    This has to be the most complete game ever made. It's entertainment factor is off the charts, it's educational, it's historically accurate, appropriate for all ages and still perfect for anyone to play. It's old, but who cares, it's great. We can't count the entertainment life of this game in hours, it has to be counted in years. I've been playing this game for over 10 years, on and offThis has to be the most complete game ever made. It's entertainment factor is off the charts, it's educational, it's historically accurate, appropriate for all ages and still perfect for anyone to play. It's old, but who cares, it's great. We can't count the entertainment life of this game in hours, it has to be counted in years. I've been playing this game for over 10 years, on and off through other games but I never get bored. It's also not very demanding and cheap so it's essentially available to anyone. Honestly this is the only game that deserves a perfect note because everything is perfect about it: Single Player, Multiplayer, Map editor, Entertainment factor, Game life, Educational values, Soundtrack and A.I.

    Buy it, hell buy 3 copies of it only to encourage its wonderful producers.    … Expand
  31. CommandoDude
    Apr 10, 2011
    10
    Probably the best designed RTS in the history of gaming. Age of Empires was good, Age of Kings is a vast improvement. The campaign in of itself is awesome and perfectly cinematic. But the real beauty is the map editor, which is so simple to use, even a novice can create their own maps. The modding community has created some of the most breathtaking campaign stories I've ever seen in all ofProbably the best designed RTS in the history of gaming. Age of Empires was good, Age of Kings is a vast improvement. The campaign in of itself is awesome and perfectly cinematic. But the real beauty is the map editor, which is so simple to use, even a novice can create their own maps. The modding community has created some of the most breathtaking campaign stories I've ever seen in all of gaming, hell, they've made RPGs out of this game's engine. Even a decade later the community is still strong, hundreds of players are online every day for matches.… Expand
  32. sgtandrew1799
    Sep 13, 2011
    10
    This has to be the best age of empires. I am able to build walls around half the map,(i have done it),the graphics may be sloppy. but game play is AMAZING!!!!!!
  33. gm101
    Oct 11, 2010
    10
    One of the best PC games ever! It's fun, historical, and the music is epic! I always play it whenever I have the chance these days to forget about that awful Age of Empires III game.
  34. Mikester7
    Dec 22, 2010
    10
    The greatest RTS game ever made, by far. The game play is excellent and it fails to make me bored of it. This is a game that must be played by anyone who enjoys RTS games. Graphics do not mean anything in a game, however for its time the graphics are nice and are fine even for this day and age. If the random map games get boring for some strange reason, there is also a very large amount ofThe greatest RTS game ever made, by far. The game play is excellent and it fails to make me bored of it. This is a game that must be played by anyone who enjoys RTS games. Graphics do not mean anything in a game, however for its time the graphics are nice and are fine even for this day and age. If the random map games get boring for some strange reason, there is also a very large amount of campaigns between AoK and the expansion to keep you occupied.… Expand
  35. stu_collier
    Mar 3, 2011
    10
    This is one of the best games you will ever play. It is fun, addictive and even historically accurate! Its got unique historical civilistations all with their own unique unit and civ bonus the map editor give the potential to wages seiges against castles and make your own fun maps. The graphics ever though they are older don't let the game down in anyway. A very balanced game the cityThis is one of the best games you will ever play. It is fun, addictive and even historically accurate! Its got unique historical civilistations all with their own unique unit and civ bonus the map editor give the potential to wages seiges against castles and make your own fun maps. The graphics ever though they are older don't let the game down in anyway. A very balanced game the city building and civilasation evolotuion is just as important as burning you enemy to the ground. This game is a must buy forget age of empires 3 thats good but this is better! when i say this i a must buy i mean it go on amazon now and buy it! i comand you!… Expand
  36. thebrock
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    This game is a classic. Even though its one of the older games in the series I still think it is the best. Absolute gem of a game. There have been many games of this type brought out since its release and very few have come close, even with todays superior graphics not much has touched this game in this genre. If you havent played this go and get it now.
  37. Schlafanzug
    Aug 27, 2011
    10
    Probably one of the best RTS games of all time. First it is very stable and had fairly good graphics for its time. Age of empires 2 has plenty of cultures to choose from and the many different options for Armies. It has the 5 Campaigns which are highly historically accurate and Fun. The Great Map editor that comes with it, makes customization easy. Great game.
  38. HwoDragon
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    Easily the best RTS game in history. Easy to get the hang of, impossible to completely master. Great gameplay balance, wide variety of gameplay options, lots of strategy involved, excellent campaigns based on real life events (I actually learned some cool stuff while playing this!) great graphics, especially considering the face that this thing is 14 years old, surprisingly good AI, and aEasily the best RTS game in history. Easy to get the hang of, impossible to completely master. Great gameplay balance, wide variety of gameplay options, lots of strategy involved, excellent campaigns based on real life events (I actually learned some cool stuff while playing this!) great graphics, especially considering the face that this thing is 14 years old, surprisingly good AI, and a very easy to use map editor for creating custom campaigns and scenarios. Combine all this with a devoted fanbase and a huge list of great mods to try out, and AOE II is a perfect game.… Expand
  39. dejandeki
    Apr 6, 2012
    10
    This is a great game made by Ensamble Studios and Microsoft Company.Graphic was perfect in time when it had been released.I've spent hours and hours playing campaigns and custom scenarios.Good web site for this game is www.aokheaven.com where you can find a tons of mods,custom scenarios and custom campaigns.Game campaigns are made by real history persons and happenings but on mentioned webThis is a great game made by Ensamble Studios and Microsoft Company.Graphic was perfect in time when it had been released.I've spent hours and hours playing campaigns and custom scenarios.Good web site for this game is www.aokheaven.com where you can find a tons of mods,custom scenarios and custom campaigns.Game campaigns are made by real history persons and happenings but on mentioned web site you will find some custom campaigns which had been made by etc. Britain so it says that Sir John Fastolf won all of his battles against Joan of Arc but in real history he died in first of his comanding his cavarly and in Age of Empires II : The Age of Kings , in Joan of Arc's campaign that is in 3rd scenario which is very very hard.… Expand
  40. OarSmaN
    Apr 27, 2012
    10
    One of the best of all times! I still want to play even now. Multiplayer experience was unbelievable. It will never be forgotten. %100 well balanced gameplay.
  41. Calciferus
    May 18, 2012
    10
    10 years have passed since I lead Japanese nation towards victory against the Vikings and the Persian. I decided to play this game after so many years have passed. It reminds me how this game could make hours of my weekend vanished. Nothing could expressed my admiration to this game. Best RTS game of all time? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.
  42. GameReviews
    Aug 13, 2012
    10
    An amazing strategic game, that will grow on you. It's just perfect, because it doesn't have a single problem, and It's fun, really fun. Both, single player and multiplayer are amazing. And I had fun in Map Editor, making your own mission is awesome. 100 out of 100.
  43. ColombiaGames
    Jan 20, 2013
    10
    This is the first strategy game i've and let me tell you it is also the best. Creating your own army and destroying other cities gives you a great pleasure and becoming stronger and stronger till you dominate the world!
  44. RobertN
    Jul 15, 2013
    9
    Years and years later and this is still the best RTS out there! If you're looking at buying the HD edition do it. Let's just say this game is so good that a community for it exists years and years later, and there was enough outcry that they remade it.
  45. KelvinL.
    Apr 17, 2006
    10
    This is the king of RTS and I am still playing it 5years after release. This is because the multiplayer experiance changes every time. The graphics are not anything special, but the gameplay is excellent, which is what really matters.
  46. DaEagle
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    An ultimate masterpiece, that totally revolutionized the genre and putted the game in mainstream attention. Not only did it amaze me with it's possibilities of making strategy, but it addicted me with it's great progression of gameplay.
    This game can get complicated when you have full control of your army and your resources progression, but it feels immersive, because you feel like a    An ultimate masterpiece, that totally revolutionized the genre and putted the game in mainstream attention. Not only did it amaze me with it's possibilities of making strategy, but it addicted me with it's great progression of gameplay.
    This game can get complicated when you have full control of your army and your resources progression, but it feels immersive, because you feel like a powerful strategist. It never felt in a game so rewarding preparing your army for battle, upgrading your buildings and progression, and, of course, performing the strategy that you planned.
    So, the core gameplay is like this: you choose what people you want, you collect your resources, you progress through ages providing you with new important upgrades for combat and ecomony, you build your army and then when the plan comes together, you attack. To do this, you need precise intelligence skills and great patience.
    Age of Empires II is the best strategy game ever made, that will definitely entertain you. (10.00)    … Expand
  47. DanC.
    May 8, 2007
    9
    Brilliant game. Hot graphics, and an amazing level of depth to the strategy.
  48. SrikanttM.
    Apr 10, 2008
    10
    One of the finest RTS Games ever. Has a great replay value and endless scope,making it a great game. Even after the advent of so many new games, this game stands out for its unique gameplay and strategy.
  49. Kevin
    Mar 28, 2004
    10
    One of my favorite games of all time. Completely enjoyable and playable over and over again. Easy to learn, but deep in information and challenges.
  50. JohnF.
    May 27, 2004
    10
    The best real-time strategy game ever!
  51. WalterR.
    Apr 19, 2006
    9
    Simply the best game I have ever played for the PC...hands down. Only Cossacks comes close.
  52. mikebare
    Dec 13, 2008
    10
    This game had me spending a lot of hours on it when i was in middle and high school (when the game was even 5 years old). It was purely addicting, and playing online was a blast even when i got my a$$ handed to me often. if you've never played it and don't mind playing aged games, give this a try for sure.
  53. CedricT.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    It's pointless to hate this game, because at first look your realize the work put into this. The Cathedral alone is example enough to display its excellence in graphics. The gameplay is moderate to control, the campaigns can be challenging, overall it was the best game in its time and still needs be recognized a classic. I still catch myself installing it to play a couple missions. It's pointless to hate this game, because at first look your realize the work put into this. The Cathedral alone is example enough to display its excellence in graphics. The gameplay is moderate to control, the campaigns can be challenging, overall it was the best game in its time and still needs be recognized a classic. I still catch myself installing it to play a couple missions. Masterpiece.… Expand
  54. DesmondLo
    Jun 18, 2009
    9
    I think this game is "best of 2D RTS game all time" not best RTS all time, is nearly prefect. I found a fewer bugs and it's graphics is prefect expect dead and decay graphics (framrate problem). I recommended to play this RTS game, a historical RTS. (Today, I am still play it). -2009
  55. Avenger
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    The civilizations and tecnology trees for each are dynamic, there are so many different stratergies for victory that I'm still finding new ones 7 years on. LONG LIVE AOEII!
  56. SpartanS.
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    This game rules!!! I just can't stop playing it. It's addictive and a good choosing strategy game. After a while it gets boring, but once you get back on, you'll have the energy to play more! The best part of this game is multiplayer mode. Then I take on my friends to see who's better.
  57. PabloS.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    Easily one of the greatest RTS of all time in my opinion even better than starcraft, everything in the game is great the graphs the GAMEPLAY the story lines of campains ... just a revolution on RTS Genre.
  58. CameronM.
    Mar 25, 2007
    10
    This is by far the most balanced game I have ever played. I still (it is 2008) play this game with my friends via lan. I cried when it left the zone and the zone was disbanded. The civs have plenty of diversity and the random map generator is far better than premade maps (see warcraft, starcraft etc). I personally consider this the best video game ever made.
  59. KevinB.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    One of the best RTS's of all time, if not the best. Absolutely perfect. Extremely replayable (I still play a couple hours a week almost 10 years later), very addictive. The only downside is that Microsoft no longer provides online services, and I can never seem to get one of the new clients (such as IGZones) to work, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is an amazing game.
  60. FredB.
    Dec 11, 2006
    10
    This is one of the greatest games of all time. The gameplay is highly enjoyable, the graphics are beautiful, and the user friendly scenario editor adds a substantial modifiabiliy factor that has maintained this game's popularity through the years.
  61. Fikthenig
    Sep 22, 2017
    9
    I can agree with the rest of the reviewers that it is not only a great game but arguably one of the best games of all time. I found some parts to be extremely ingenious and other parts to be worked on. I loved the voice actors but the tutorial had LOTS of room for improvement. Graphics are ok for the 1990s but is not the main focus of the game. Gameplay can be challenging but this rivalsI can agree with the rest of the reviewers that it is not only a great game but arguably one of the best games of all time. I found some parts to be extremely ingenious and other parts to be worked on. I loved the voice actors but the tutorial had LOTS of room for improvement. Graphics are ok for the 1990s but is not the main focus of the game. Gameplay can be challenging but this rivals many other civilization games like Civilization or Tropico. The difference is its simple yet effective way of battling with other cities and decisions made in battle could cost you the war. Overall, I expect great things from Microsoft and its future updates on age of empires… Expand
  62. Plasmaneedle
    Oct 20, 2013
    8
    It isn't the most strategic or immersive RTS out there, but it is simple, addictive and a lot of fun to play. It may not be the best RTS but it does come close.
  63. Lokidos
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    one of the top 10 BEST EVER GAMES CREATED! I cant say anything else just fulfilling to upload it...None of the games that are being released nowadays will ever reach the mastery of this piece of art. (creating ur own campaign??? in which other game!?!?)
  64. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    8
    Hikaye = 0
    Oynanış = 9
    Grafikler = 7
    Sesler = 9
    Keyif = 9
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 6
  65. Austria
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    It's an RTS classic. I still enjoy this game, and that's why I will always continue with this franchise.
  66. UkaAku
    Apr 25, 2018
    9
    From now on I still play this game sometimes, it is one of the best rts games ever made imo, played it also alot in my childhood.
  67. royaltyyyyy
    Jun 13, 2018
    10
    Everyone who has played the game since childhood realizes exactly how good this game is, as well as the community that plays it.

    Best game for its age.
  68. TalonTheInsane
    Sep 4, 2018
    9
    This game has kept me for many hours in front of the computer and it was totally worth it. If you are a fan of strategy games you have to play this masterpiece!
  69. plusRichman
    May 19, 2021
    10
    I've spend so many hours in this game as a child and I think it totally worth it. Top gameplay with numerous factions, great campaigns and a map editor that you may lose track of time in. One of the best real time strategy games ever.
  70. tikend
    Oct 29, 2020
    8
    Very fun singleplayer and multiplayer, but as I've started with the expansion, the "basic" game limitations are degrading my experience.
  71. Aeryx
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    A game that made ancient history truly awesome. I have never anything that allowed me to have so much fun, but at the same time, also served as references for our history class assignments and projects back in highschool. Back then, we didn't have the internet and we relied on these things called "encyclopedias"! The skirmishes were very fun and I remember making insane fortress porns outA game that made ancient history truly awesome. I have never anything that allowed me to have so much fun, but at the same time, also served as references for our history class assignments and projects back in highschool. Back then, we didn't have the internet and we relied on these things called "encyclopedias"! The skirmishes were very fun and I remember making insane fortress porns out of my bases. It's regretful that we don't make games this good anymore.… Expand
  72. iseeall
    Dec 10, 2015
    9
    One of the best RTS games with great multiplayer, excellent 2D graphics and a huge online community until it was sadly closed by Microsoft. By today's standards, it lacks automation and explanations. E.g. you won't easily find tips that pikemen are best against cavalry. And to create production queues for units you'd need to click the same button wildly many times. But for at least 7 yearsOne of the best RTS games with great multiplayer, excellent 2D graphics and a huge online community until it was sadly closed by Microsoft. By today's standards, it lacks automation and explanations. E.g. you won't easily find tips that pikemen are best against cavalry. And to create production queues for units you'd need to click the same button wildly many times. But for at least 7 years (somewhere between 1998 and 2006) it was one of the most played RTS games in LAN parties. If anything, you should check it out for historical/research purposes. And its graphics are drawn with so much care and detail, that if not the low resolution the game would appeal even to today's gamers.… Expand
  73. gracjanski
    Nov 6, 2018
    8
    The original Aoe was surely one of the best game in his time and yes I played it then. But today I dont have so much fun with it: The mission in the campaign are very difficult, they changed it a bit in the addon fortunately. The missions are very long, so that it feels like work and not fun. Somehow the game feels very slow. In addition it is frustrating, that the AI not gives up in theThe original Aoe was surely one of the best game in his time and yes I played it then. But today I dont have so much fun with it: The mission in the campaign are very difficult, they changed it a bit in the addon fortunately. The missions are very long, so that it feels like work and not fun. Somehow the game feels very slow. In addition it is frustrating, that the AI not gives up in the base game, although the AI has no chance to come back. In the addon it was changed also.
    The units are bothering you with bad pathfinding.
    The graphics is old of course, but anyway I like it still and it is detailed. There is only a problem, when you control to many units, because there is no overview and you cant zoom to distinguish the units. So it is a chaos.

    Of course there are some positive things: You play some historic characters and learn history. The storytelling of the campaign is interesting. The sound is good and the music fits. you can download the forgotten empire mod, that implement new people and improve the resolution.

    Result: I recommend this game for hardcore gamer to know, how old good games were. The addon improves the game a lot, but Rise of Nations und Age of Mythology are better in my view.    … Expand
  74. TheMasiMan1
    Nov 19, 2015
    9
    Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, well has an average storyline, but you shouldnt buy it for the storyline, buy it for the awesome customised battles. Theres a few problems though: Its hard to record gameplay out of AoE 2, since OBS cant record it and Fraps FPS counter glitches and makes the game slow down, theres 3 different screen resolutions, one of the works, the other two go off myAge of Empires II: The Age of Kings, well has an average storyline, but you shouldnt buy it for the storyline, buy it for the awesome customised battles. Theres a few problems though: Its hard to record gameplay out of AoE 2, since OBS cant record it and Fraps FPS counter glitches and makes the game slow down, theres 3 different screen resolutions, one of the works, the other two go off my screen, but its from 1999 so its excusable. I will still give it a 10/10, because its so old, and were still playing it. Should you buy it? No. Buy the HD edition, it fixes all the problems above.… Expand
  75. CineAutoctono
    Jul 24, 2017
    9
    "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings" was an excellent game, I did not think I would play it but I played it and I liked it, empires, maps and campaigns and graphics were very good, and the music and The dialogues were spectacular.
  76. Wiebe
    Feb 26, 2020
    9
    Father of all RTS games? It is the game I played a lot as a kid, everyone I knew was playing it, it was the game of the time.
  77. CheeseSteakJim
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    One of the greatest video game codes ever created. An undisputed God of computer games, and therefore gaming history. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  78. marcantoineg
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    I would say it is the best rts ever created with the only real competition being starcraft 2. Need proof? New civs are still being made as I write this in september 2019. Game came out in september 1999.
  79. jeffciv
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    One of the absolute best PC games of all time, top 10!

    The gameplay is outstanding and balanced. Multiplayer and single player, as well as campaign.... all are near-perfect. The modding capability, the AI scripting possibilities, the sound, and even the 2-D graphics. Superb. With the recent updates to allow it to run on modern hardware, and new expansions, makes it unique in the    One of the absolute best PC games of all time, top 10!

    The gameplay is outstanding and balanced. Multiplayer and single player, as well as campaign.... all are near-perfect. The modding capability, the AI scripting possibilities, the sound, and even the 2-D graphics. Superb.

    With the recent updates to allow it to run on modern hardware, and new expansions, makes it unique in the annals of PC gaming history.    … Expand
  80. ursynhu
    Mar 10, 2016
    10
    Este jogo é incrível! Eu recebi e ainda não posso parar de jogar. Os gráficos são tão detalhadas para um game e é desafiador, mas divertido e terá que jogar por horas! A história é complexa e profundamente pensado. O melhor jogo que eu já joguei de forma
  81. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    9
    One of the classic PC games. Endless hours have been spent on this game and with an HD remaster out now, endless more could be spent on it again. A must play game.
  82. Fighter
    May 29, 2016
    10
    Age of Empires 2 is a very good game overall. Basically, it's a fun game a lot, but Age of Empires I like most is the Age of Empires 2: The Conquerors Expansion. Age of Empires has good graphics for the time, and is one of the best strategy games in real world time. Its gameplay is excellent, and Ensenble Studios did work in both. In the game you have to lead a village to become an empire,Age of Empires 2 is a very good game overall. Basically, it's a fun game a lot, but Age of Empires I like most is the Age of Empires 2: The Conquerors Expansion. Age of Empires has good graphics for the time, and is one of the best strategy games in real world time. Its gameplay is excellent, and Ensenble Studios did work in both. In the game you have to lead a village to become an empire, have to make an army to attack your enemies and finish them. This is a type of game that calls me a lot my attention. I highly recommend this game, it is one of the games that will never get out of your head, and you will love forever. It will give hours of gameplay a game, and you will very difficult challenges to meet you, and this is a unique game.… Expand
  83. MIke_Levin
    Aug 22, 2016
    10
    It's based on the Age of Empire Games from the 1997 & 1998. While they contain many materials, content, and strategies that is just like those in the past, this one has addition buttons/tools to use that was absent before and that it would make your work a lot easier to do. They're smart and helpful.

    But, the biggest bonus about this game is the effects: it looks more beautiful than Age    It's based on the Age of Empire Games from the 1997 & 1998. While they contain many materials, content, and strategies that is just like those in the past, this one has addition buttons/tools to use that was absent before and that it would make your work a lot easier to do. They're smart and helpful.

    But, the biggest bonus about this game is the effects: it looks more beautiful than Age of Empires or Age of Empires: Rise of Rome. I love the way they look. The dialogue or character talks was also a bonus that the previous games didn't include much.

    The content, strategy mode, and A.I. intelligence level is in the same style as the previous games. But, the game is more easier and more interesting than before.    … Expand
  84. ori123
    Oct 19, 2016
    10
    possibly my favorite game of all time and not even slightly due to sentimental value. When i first started playing it i absolutely loved it, even though i absolutely sucked (literally everyone beat me) only after playing for a while did i get competent. And i didn't start playing it till like a decade after it came out even still i found it an amazing game. It's just the way in which thepossibly my favorite game of all time and not even slightly due to sentimental value. When i first started playing it i absolutely loved it, even though i absolutely sucked (literally everyone beat me) only after playing for a while did i get competent. And i didn't start playing it till like a decade after it came out even still i found it an amazing game. It's just the way in which the different civilizations are balanced out and the awesome real time strategy.. its really just amazing. Realize though that if your just playing single player things could get highly repetitive to fully appreciate the game you really need atleast 6 people playing.… Expand
  85. angelss_13
    Apr 12, 2017
    8
    Un clásico de la estrategia en tiempo real. Excelente jugabilidad, buenos gráficos, buen apartado artístico, variabilidad de civilizaciones y un nivel estratégico modesto, pero adictivo. El único defecto serio que le encuentro es la IA (que en dificultad máxima se reduce a enviarte hordas de enemigos con un elemento estratégico del todo ausente) pero en su época era más que aceptable.
  86. NZAnimeManga
    Apr 13, 2017
    9
    Brilliant RTS, and to my amazement, it is still being played. This game was my second childhood leap into PC gaming (after AoE 1), and boy, did this blow my little mind! Stellar game!
  87. GeriGeriGaming
    Jul 31, 2017
    10
    It's just a good game in general. I have nothing else to say. I especially liked the campaign the best.And i have actually learned something from a game this time.
    :)
  88. dlcatalin
    Jul 12, 2020
    9
    I played this game over and over for years. Replayed the campaigns so many times, made my own scenarios. Loved it
  89. UncleEd
    Jul 1, 2019
    9
    Note: This is a review of Age of Empires 2 Age of Kings single player campaign. 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 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    Note: This is a review of Age of Empires 2 Age of Kings single player campaign. 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 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    … Expand
  90. RafaelBarrera
    Feb 21, 2019
    10
    The best RTS ever made, it was mad then, it is mad nowadays, what are you waiting for !?
  91. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 10, 2020
    10
    This is easily one of the best RTS I have ever seen. I have played it since my childhood all the way until the remasters came out. It is well-balanced and the history campaigns are fun, diverse and historically correct.
  92. Amorph0us
    Dec 9, 2021
    10
    I remember this being the reason to buy my first pc. It was always for me the reference point for strategy games.
  93. SilverOrlov
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    At the time of it's release, and a few years after - this game was my standard of real time strategy. And the surroundings, and game-play and the setting of the Middle Ages were excellently made and interesting in walk-through.
  94. sebastianali
    Jul 21, 2019
    8
    Un juego bastante divertido, adictivo y posiblemente el mejor juego de estrategia de todos. Me encanta también la música y el hecho de que puedas aprender un poco de historia también. Sin embargo, no me gusta para nada los tutoriales y la curva de dificultad especialmente al hablar del modo campaña
  95. MikaMikes
    Feb 5, 2019
    9
    It might not be the ultra competitive slugfest that some RTS games are, but it is easily the most fun and playable one around. After well over a decade, I still find myself coming back to this near masterpiece. The voices and soundbites are iconic to this day.
  96. Zeratex
    Feb 11, 2019
    8
    One of the great RTS games, its a bit outdated but i say its still fun to play, the campaign mode is a nice historical education and motivated me to learn more about the history of the world, the strategy is deep and fun as well, the graphics are outdated but they are enough to enjoy the game.

    Its the best AoE game, give it a try if you are a fan of strategy games.

    8.5/10
  97. Tiago_Voltaire
    Sep 29, 2019
    8
    Junto com Europa Universalis III, AoE II foi parte do dourado ano de 2010. Amante desde novinho de História, foi também amor à primeira vista poder jogar um RTS baseado na Idade Média, com personagens históricas cujas vidas eu conhecia, até então, apenas pelos livros que li. Por que não dou dez? Bom, por causa da minha experiência à época: o jogo carecia de tradução para português e asJunto com Europa Universalis III, AoE II foi parte do dourado ano de 2010. Amante desde novinho de História, foi também amor à primeira vista poder jogar um RTS baseado na Idade Média, com personagens históricas cujas vidas eu conhecia, até então, apenas pelos livros que li. Por que não dou dez? Bom, por causa da minha experiência à época: o jogo carecia de tradução para português e as campanhas não eram tão boas para mim. Os gráficos podem parecer datados hoje, mas em 2010 me pareciam muito bonitos, além da nostalgia dos anos 1990. Sim, um clássico eterno!… Expand
  98. kiterio21
    Oct 6, 2019
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos de estrategia de la historia. Aunque pasen los años siempre cae alguna partida.
  99. joel_tdl
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    La siguiete reseña fue publicada originalmente en 3djuegos:

    El "Antes", y el "Después" JUGABILIDAD: Uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado en mi vida, el mejor RTS, y al videojuego que le he puesto más horas. Lo llevo jugando 14 años y sé que lo seguiré haciendo, pues no es posible parar una vez que se empieza. Una buena variedad de civilizaciones (que se ampliaron año tras año    La siguiete reseña fue publicada originalmente en 3djuegos:

    El "Antes", y el "Después"

    JUGABILIDAD:
    Uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado en mi vida, el mejor RTS, y al videojuego que le he puesto más horas. Lo llevo jugando 14 años y sé que lo seguiré haciendo, pues no es posible parar una vez que se empieza.

    Una buena variedad de civilizaciones (que se ampliaron año tras año con los DLC), una gran cantidad de edificios, una abrumadora cantidad de unidades. Todo englobado en un equilibro perfecto para evitar que una civilización destruya fácilmente a otra.

    Varios modos de juego, y varios modos de Historia que, con su gran narrativa, no te dejan indiferente,. La recolección de recursos y la administración de los mismos es excelente, y las batallas son memorables.

    Fue un Must-Play hace 20 años. Es un Must-Play ahora. Será un Must-Play en otros 20.

    GRÁFICOS:
    En este tipo de juegos los gráficos no juegan un papel importante, puesto que no pretende lucir realista. Empero, la verdad el diseño de los edificios y unidades está muy bien logrado.

    SONIDO:
    Épico.
    No solo el soundtrack tan memorable sino los efectos especiales, así como el doblaje.

    INNOVACIÓN:
    AoE2 fue una pieza clave en dividir lo que eran los RTS y en lo que se convertirían los RTS. Aquel que piense lo contrario está muy cegado.    … Expand
  100. Bloodnes
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    Лучшая и образцовая игра среди стратегий, игра, которая внесла свою лепту почти во все игры данного жанра. Играть и наслаждаться классикой всем! 10/10 Шедевр!
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 1999
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. GameZone
    81
    Simply an awesome game - great in historical imagery, solid in sound and game play, and a lot of fun to play. The Age of Kings deserves its title.
    Read full review
  2. Game Over Online
    87
    It’s not a significant improvement as far as gameplay and graphics, but it does help further the claim of AOE as a solid gaming title and a quality multiplayer game. The originality may be gone, but the idea lives on.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    90
    I never got into the original game, yet I find AoE II enchanting. The sheer depth of the technology tree and evolution of the civilisation are always a surprise. I particularly like the intuitive logic that makes battles more tactical.
    Read full review
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