Age of Empires III

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 778 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 529 out of 778
  2. Mixed: 190 out of 778
  3. Negative: 59 out of 778
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Isten
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    Top RTS: Red Alert, Star Craft 1, Age of Empires 3

    I know there are a lot of AOE2 fans out there who hate on this game....it is all misplaced hate. Villagers are still "weak points" that can be exploited and must be micro controlled. removing the Camp aspect of the game streamlines the whole system. The whole game is pushing you to pressure your enemy early and often in order disrupt    Top RTS: Red Alert, Star Craft 1, Age of Empires 3

    I know there are a lot of AOE2 fans out there who hate on this game....it is all misplaced hate.
    Villagers are still "weak points" that can be exploited and must be micro controlled. removing the Camp aspect of the game streamlines the whole system. The whole game is pushing you to pressure your enemy early and often in order disrupt their flows. It does make map control slightly less relevant, but it also means that troop positioning, flanks and tactical withdrawal makes a whole lot more sense. Establish forward troop production bases and enclaves.

    AoEIII is a streamlined, highly flexible RTS that can punish or reward tactics.
    Like all RTS it has "cookie cutter" flavor of the month builds and some empires are less balanced, but you should really enjoy most any game you play of AOEIII.

    Single player is weak, this is an online game to play with and against friends/foes.

    AI is very good overall.    … Expand
  2. joaopontesvaz
    May 12, 2015
    8
    Graphics: 8.5 Sound: 8.0 Gameplay: 8.0 Fun/Story: 8.0

    Solid and beautiful game. It lacks some innovation but still my favorite strategy game franchise.
  3. TheMasiMan1
    Nov 20, 2015
    8
    Age of Empires takes the franchise into a great finish for Ensemble Studious. Better graphics, better campaign and more maps. Bu the cons are that there is only 3 resources to gather, witch makes the game easier and the AI is really passive on Easy and Normal. Now they added in Sandbox difficulty setting in witch the AI does nothing, its like its taunting me by easy it is. But on theAge of Empires takes the franchise into a great finish for Ensemble Studious. Better graphics, better campaign and more maps. Bu the cons are that there is only 3 resources to gather, witch makes the game easier and the AI is really passive on Easy and Normal. Now they added in Sandbox difficulty setting in witch the AI does nothing, its like its taunting me by easy it is. But on the otherhand, the harder you go, it gets nearly impossible on the highest settings. The biggest complaint is that the maps are really small and theres only 2 teams. Why? Only 2 teams on small maps? Well... it is still worth buying.… Expand
  4. Fraj26
    Feb 9, 2016
    8
    I recently rediscovered this game, and it definitely is a fine successor to AoE III. Gameplay is somewhat different with the new card system but it kind of enhances the game. However, the online multiplayer system is full of people who know what they are doing and sometimes lack tolerance for noobs. Storyline is good but does not follow historical events in the same way AoE II did.I recently rediscovered this game, and it definitely is a fine successor to AoE III. Gameplay is somewhat different with the new card system but it kind of enhances the game. However, the online multiplayer system is full of people who know what they are doing and sometimes lack tolerance for noobs. Storyline is good but does not follow historical events in the same way AoE II did.
    Overall a good game with good graphics and dynamic gameplay in which you need to spend time and effort to be good versus other humans.    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. JustSomeGamer
    Jun 29, 2016
    8
    Great strategy game. The campaign as well as multiplayer are fun and well designed. Can be played casually or more hardcore, it's fun either way. This was one of my first if not my first pc game ever and i have some amazing memories playing this with my friend.
  7. Empyrea
    Jul 29, 2017
    10
    I think people are underrating this game. This is a very good game with awesome graphics (if you have a good computer). The story was good and you could choose among many different european nations.
  8. sirPetanek
    May 23, 2015
    8
    CZ:
    Fantastická real-time strategie ze staré školy. Nádherná grafika, fungující fyzika a celková myšlenka Age of Empires, která nikdy neomrzí. Dobové zasazení je perfektní, jako zbytečnost hodnotím systém domovských měst. Je také škoda, že ve hře je oproti druhému dílu menší možnost výběru ras.
  9. MichMart
    Mar 5, 2014
    6
    This is a good strategy game, but I have some problems with it: The online deathmatch is full of experts with level 100 and above, who are not kind to "noobs" (they judge you by the level you received (with one civilization of course)). The games can last a long time and after awhile it gets a bit booring.
    Nevertheless is Age of Empires III a good game to play with your friends and the    This is a good strategy game, but I have some problems with it: The online deathmatch is full of experts with level 100 and above, who are not kind to "noobs" (they judge you by the level you received (with one civilization of course)). The games can last a long time and after awhile it gets a bit booring.
    Nevertheless is Age of Empires III a good game to play with your friends and the campaign is also good.    … Expand
  10. Mahdiar
    Jul 6, 2016
    8
    Gameplay : 9
    Graphics : 8
    Story : 7
    Sound : 7
    **********************************************************************************
    Overall : 8
  11. DaEagle
    Oct 23, 2013
    8
    Even though it feels familiar, it is a good sequel. Disappointingly, it doesn't revolutionize nothing, but it's a visual flare and a fun strategy game. It's a nice conclusion to an amazing trilogy.
    It follow relatively the same gameplay as it's predecessor, adding an interesting Home City system. With an awesome timeline, it kept me enjoyed with it's smoothness on overall making strategy    Even though it feels familiar, it is a good sequel. Disappointingly, it doesn't revolutionize nothing, but it's a visual flare and a fun strategy game. It's a nice conclusion to an amazing trilogy.
    It follow relatively the same gameplay as it's predecessor, adding an interesting Home City system. With an awesome timeline, it kept me enjoyed with it's smoothness on overall making strategy and beautiful, just gorgeous visuals. It has you choosing the city and country you want to choose, making strategy and gathering resources with citizen and exploration. The flaw here is that it is rather too familiar to be anything revolutionary.
    However, the old AOE gameplay is fantastic and the visuals will blow you away. It's another great game of the series and it's remarkable. (Final Score: 8.77)    … Expand
  12. rpundurs
    Nov 13, 2014
    10
    I must be one of the only people on Earth who prefers AoE3 to its predecessor. 2 is heavy on micromanagement and the mechanics highly favor a defensive strategy, whereas 3 streamlines many elements to cut down on micro; in that regard, I find 3 to be more accommodating of a wider range of strategies, including more high-risk and aggressive options.

    AoE2 is for tactics lovers who want to    I must be one of the only people on Earth who prefers AoE3 to its predecessor. 2 is heavy on micromanagement and the mechanics highly favor a defensive strategy, whereas 3 streamlines many elements to cut down on micro; in that regard, I find 3 to be more accommodating of a wider range of strategies, including more high-risk and aggressive options.

    AoE2 is for tactics lovers who want to maneuver individual units in precise ways, exploiting the game's idiosyncrasies to their fullest. AoE3 can justifiably be criticized for offering fewer rewards for system mastery in this regard. However, I feel that this shortcoming is more than made up for by the new opportunities that are presented once the player's attention is no longer be focused on the minute details of individual soldiers' actions.

    On its own merits, AoE3 is a gorgeous depiction of Enlightenment warfare. The greatest highlight is the Home City system, which adds a great deal of character and uniqueness to each civilization in a way that rewards extended play. I don't know how many hours I spent mastering the Dutch and the Russians - each civilization is unique in play style to begin with, and the Home City adds an entirely new and rewarding layer of depth to strategic decision-making each session. It's perhaps a borrowed feature from the grand strategy or 4X genres, but it blends seamlessly with the established RTS mechanics.

    The second greatest talking point is the naval warfare system - the variety and utility of various ship classes is fantastic, as is the separate population pool for naval units. The only complaint I have is that there are few maps that really give the navy room to play a dominant role in earning the victory.

    Of course, the fundamental gameplay mechanics set down in previous editions remain as solid as ever.

    I must have spent hundreds of hours with this game in high school summers. Now that it's available on Steam, I may spend a few hundred more...

    P.S.: watching your infantry chuck Molotov cocktails and flaming trash at enemy buildings, which are incrementally blown to smithereens in a truly spectacular fashion, is a treat. :)    … Expand
  13. HaraldtheSkald
    Jan 7, 2014
    8
    Played it for days but the game isn't so attractive. Age of 2 and 1 was more attractive because these two games chosen more interesting topics like Medieval and Civilizations of First Age.
  14. Zpray
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Age of Empires III was such an amazing game, with fantastic graphics and a lot of new and cool features! And I know Age of Empires IV would be even better, I'll never stop believing!
  15. matrasman
    Mar 3, 2014
    5
    As an AoE II fan I loved how this game was graphically a huge step forward for the series. The game truly comes to life like it never did before. However, I have played this game only about 20 hours. Sometimes I ran the game again but everytime I quit before I even started a game. As soon as the thrill of playing what looks like a new prettier version of a good game wore off, it became aAs an AoE II fan I loved how this game was graphically a huge step forward for the series. The game truly comes to life like it never did before. However, I have played this game only about 20 hours. Sometimes I ran the game again but everytime I quit before I even started a game. As soon as the thrill of playing what looks like a new prettier version of a good game wore off, it became a huge disappointment.
    The campaign is now mostly a fantasy story, while one of the reasons I enjoyed Age of Kings so much was because the scenarios were (based on) actual historical events. Also, there are only 3 storylines in the original game, where AoK had 5 (including 1 tutorial).
    Another great disappointment was the map creator. In Age of Kings this feature alone added a few hundred hours of gameplay to my total. AoE III threw overboard the simple interface in the map creator. As a result, the map creating is so incomprehensible it is virtually impossible to create a map (let alone a scenario) without googling how to do basic things every other minute. And even after searching the web for answers, when I tried to change the map size to bigger than the initial tiny, I got an error message. Because the campaign wasn't that great either, this serious flaw pretty much destroyed any replay value this game had left.
    I was unimpressed by the (lack of) variety and nations as well. Age of Kings and the Conquerors together offered 18 civilisations to play with, whili AoE III and its two expansions together gave 14. True, some strategic elements are improved. Nations have more unique units and technologies, and the naval part is improved a lot. However, I never really played any AoE game for the strategic experience, I play it for fun. And as I find naval warfare not nearly as interesting as knights, soldiers and suicide bombers, those improvements really didn't do it for me. The same goes for the time. AoE III is set in the early modern period in the Americas, just after they're discovered. I was kind of bummed when I found out, because I love medieval strategy with castles and knights and kings. But the game captures the atmosphere nicely.
    Age of Empires III also added a kind of trading card game as a new gameplay element. I do have mixed feelings about that. It really adds a new layer of strategy to the game, and it's quite fun leveling up and upgrading your cards. But I think this doesn't really belong in an AoE game. Because as I said before, I don't play Age of Empires because I want in-depth strategy, I play it because I want to play an easily accessible game with countless different options for different games and just as much options for messing around.    … Expand
  16. Bedgypooks
    Jun 30, 2014
    8
    This is a really fun to play RTS, which was the most gorgeous at the time it came out and the water graphics today still surprise me for being made in 2005. The map design for random maps are decent, some are a little too low on food and sparse on trees so you feel like you are screwed if you spawn in certain locations. I'm reviewing basically the online portion, but I had played theThis is a really fun to play RTS, which was the most gorgeous at the time it came out and the water graphics today still surprise me for being made in 2005. The map design for random maps are decent, some are a little too low on food and sparse on trees so you feel like you are screwed if you spawn in certain locations. I'm reviewing basically the online portion, but I had played the campaign before and it was quite memorable with nice cutscenes as well. Other than French, all of the civilizations you get to choose from are quite even. I can play with Dutch, English or Russians and do just as good with different techniques. The unit design is good and the formations are quite easy to set up. I also like how you can toggle the amount of exp each player has online and if there are idle villagers. I wish that you had the ability to swap a medium/hard AI if someone dropped out of an online game because it happens a lot due to people with bad internet aswell.

    If you are looking for a really solid classic style RTS, that has updated the farms/mills and ability to not have your villagers run back to a storehouse or town center every time to drop stuff off, ala warcraft 3 and AOE 2, then you are in for a real treat. There are so many types of home city drop offs for each city, so you will be choosing new decks frequently for each map or type of opponent you are facing. The ability to change things in your home city is quite cool too. I'd give this game an 8.5/10 for graphics, gameplay and replayability but I can't so I'll give it an 8/10. Don't think it deserves a 9.    … Expand
  17. Renju
    Oct 12, 2015
    10
    If you're a fan of classic RTS games, this is definitely a must have because it is the best in the genre. It is a huge improvement over Age of Empires II with updated graphics and gameplay features. Even if you're not into playing games, this game is sure to entertain you for hours without a doubt. It also has good replay value.
  18. shatti
    Apr 20, 2019
    10
    timless classic rts
    still playing it these days and maybe for ever simbly because casual rts games are dead and we are left with these amazing legacy
  19. TheCaptainFordo
    Jan 14, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 9 out of 10, and only because i won't give any game a 10 unless it changes my life so drastically that i will play it forever, anyway, let's get right into it. This game is living up to it's legacy, in being innovative and fresh, even now, all this time passed, it still my most played RTS game apart from the original stronghold, but this game I still play, even this very day I played 3 games, sadly however some bugs never got sorted out and the connection in online multiplayer isn't always stable, let alone not being able to join, but this can be easily fixed and forgiven, when enough research is put into it, you gotta port-forward !
    The campaigns are immersive and, not like the former aoe's are fictional and follow a single family in an epic struggle against the circle (a bunch of templars and fanatics on the lookout for the fountain of youth)    … Expand
  20. Distrex
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    Great Game t say the least, amazing graphics improvements from prior Age of Empires Games and addition of other features such as Home cites and leveling systems is awesome, another great feature in which adds another element of strategy's the "cards" system in which allows different civilizations to have specialty cards in which can be called in during game, thus adding a whole new elementGreat Game t say the least, amazing graphics improvements from prior Age of Empires Games and addition of other features such as Home cites and leveling systems is awesome, another great feature in which adds another element of strategy's the "cards" system in which allows different civilizations to have specialty cards in which can be called in during game, thus adding a whole new element of flavor in this already flavorsome game. Whether playing LAN with Friends or online it always proves to be an interesting and action filled experience, where strategy is key, well done Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Games for producing a series in which delivers every time, definitely would recommend this game to any strategy enthusiast or person interested in the genre of strategy.… Expand
  21. Nel
    Dec 8, 2016
    8
    Really great game, Well designed and a lot of interesting units. I've played it for several hours just by myself, and also with friends. The game when it came out was just a really fun game. It was really easy to get lost in it.
  22. Idontplaygames
    Aug 24, 2015
    10
    Good game, nice graphics and will keep you playing for a long time. So if you like strategy games and war games you should definnitelly play this game.
  23. CheeseSteakJim
    Nov 14, 2015
    8
    Good solid RTS game. Very good, actually. However not up to par when compared with its predecessors. I would recommend Empire Earth 2 over this.
    Introduces some cool new concepts but as a whole it lets the amazing AOE series down.
  24. ariyandi
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I love thise game... no more wasting time on making buildings to get resources in faster. The cards add great new demension to the strategy of the game. The only thing that needs to be worked on is the hit points of buildings.. they go down a bit fast.

    TIYAS TRI ARIYANDI
  25. MetaCriticIdiot
    Mar 24, 2017
    10
    I love it.Although the graphics aren't great the aesthetics of the game are better than some modern rts titles,The only thing that I think needs a bit of an improvement is the balance...although the game isn't broken some things might need tweaking
  26. YusufBey1453
    Apr 17, 2018
    8
    the game is very nice but there are signs of the cross to the Ottoman ships. history lesson note of the people who maker game made 2% or they been intentional.
  27. RafaelBarrera
    Feb 21, 2019
    8
    Such a fun game, compared to the others Age of empires it feels less complex, but the addition of the metropolis was such a good idea (and suited the game hence it was the discovering of America). I feel that games were much shorter than in AoE II, AoM and AoE I for a standard player. It's much faster to pass to the next age and the metropolis made it easier...
    I had many good moments    Such a fun game, compared to the others Age of empires it feels less complex, but the addition of the metropolis was such a good idea (and suited the game hence it was the discovering of America). I feel that games were much shorter than in AoE II, AoM and AoE I for a standard player. It's much faster to pass to the next age and the metropolis made it easier...
    I had many good moments playing it so I give it a 8/10.    … Expand
  28. DeadTrack
    May 5, 2018
    10
    multiplayer has to be improved a little bit differently, different things have to be added optimize could be a little better strategy is fed into the game but the game is playing itself on the yini.
  29. BlackAkatosh
    Mar 7, 2013
    9
    The realistic graphics is the first thing a player notice in the game. But as the game goes on, you find yourself trapped in the huge number of different tasks your must complete in order to grow your village, collect as many resources as you can and build a considerable defense so you don't get caught off guard, and eventually attack. This is the definition of RTS and this game has theThe realistic graphics is the first thing a player notice in the game. But as the game goes on, you find yourself trapped in the huge number of different tasks your must complete in order to grow your village, collect as many resources as you can and build a considerable defense so you don't get caught off guard, and eventually attack. This is the definition of RTS and this game has the best of it. You don't get bored, because you don't stop commanding your citizens for a second, and you don't get tired of doing the same thing over and over. Different nations allow different tactics, units, buildings keeps you playing and the language npc's speak can be fun. Also the campaign is very interesting, although it's not the best I've seen.… Expand
  30. JonM
    Oct 26, 2009
    8
    I thought this game was a great improvement from AOE2 because of the superior graphics (To AOE2). I am a little annoyed at the card system it made (That's why its an 8 of 10). Instead of all countries BASICALLY having the same units, there is a main spread. Each country has its own strength and are equally powerful if you use them the right way (AOE2 the pawning factions were was I thought this game was a great improvement from AOE2 because of the superior graphics (To AOE2). I am a little annoyed at the card system it made (That's why its an 8 of 10). Instead of all countries BASICALLY having the same units, there is a main spread. Each country has its own strength and are equally powerful if you use them the right way (AOE2 the pawning factions were was just Vikings, Tuetonics, Mongols, and Huns). The AI did not improve, that's not so bad because the AI is smart. Should be recognized as AOE's series "last game" (That I know of, besides War Chiefs).… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PC Game of 2005
11
#11 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 52
  3. Negative: 0 out of 52
  1. GameSpot
    82
    Those looking for a complex and interesting real-time strategy game with fantastic good looks and some historical flavor will find just what they want in Age of Empires III.
    Read full review
  2. 1UP
    70
    Age of Empires III takes the conservative approach to the conundrum of how to craft a new experience that remains faithful to the original. While that ensures fans will immediately feel at home with an old friend, it's questionable whether it sets another standard, or merely follows its own.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    70
    Age of Empires III would be a damn fine RTS if it came out five years ago. Instead, it's some impressive modern technology and bold gameplay ideas unfortunately saddled by an outdated take on the genre.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »