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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. JohnF.
    May 27, 2004
    10
    The best real-time strategy game ever!
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!!!!!!
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    10
    A classic. Amazing game.
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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
See all critic reviews »