Age of Empires IV

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 473 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 339 out of 473
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 473
  3. Negative: 76 out of 473
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  1. santinc98
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Nice way of telling how the battles of history changes the way that we live, good gameplay, it could improve on graphics
  2. PiterBrony
    Nov 15, 2021
    6
    On realise game felt like there a beta test as they dont wana test it itself
    - AI and campaign is awful
    - no ranked
    - no balance
    - many bugs
    +Interesting nation difference
  3. CRCMismatch
    Feb 12, 2022
    4
    Beginning with the good parts:
    - They've brought back the good old "medieval" timeset.
    - The investment in historical research is noticeable, and the story-telling aspect is the best ever seen. - Game seems overall balanced, while being fun at the same time - good for newcomers to Age of Empires. For the bad parts: - It shouldn't be called Age of Empires, as it departs completely    Beginning with the good parts:
    - They've brought back the good old "medieval" timeset.
    - The investment in historical research is noticeable, and the story-telling aspect is the best ever seen.
    - Game seems overall balanced, while being fun at the same time - good for newcomers to Age of Empires.

    For the bad parts:
    - It shouldn't be called Age of Empires, as it departs completely from the series main mechanics.
    - The "astounding" new graphics are on par with Stronghold 2, literally Age of Empires 3 (original one, not even DE) had better graphics.
    - If you're an avid AoE series fan, used to micromanagement and low-level field strategies, this is not the game for you (it's basically only combat-chain, you can't even dodge projectiles...)
    - The overall UI and hotkeys are a complete backstep, more akin to Company of Heroes than Age of Empires.    … Expand
  4. theirrelephants
    Mar 26, 2022
    4
    Over a decade of waiting for another title inferior to Age of Empires 2. Hell, age of empires 3 had BETTER graphics than this.

    Bravo, Microsoft.
  5. S1l3ntr1v3r
    Mar 6, 2022
    0
    this game hasn't a soul, there is no atmosphere what makes it **** boring the games of ensemble studios were/are much more fun
  6. mateu_vdl
    Nov 3, 2021
    6
    First of all, sorry for my English.

    I've been playing strategy games since I was little. It has always been my favorite genre and the one that I have enjoyed the most games. Among the video games I have played (and mostly completed) you can find Empire Earth, Praetorians, Crusaders, Total War, Tzar, Ground Control, LOTR: The Battle for the middle earth, Starcraft 2, etc. And I am in    First of all, sorry for my English.

    I've been playing strategy games since I was little. It has always been my favorite genre and the one that I have enjoyed the most games.

    Among the video games I have played (and mostly completed) you can find Empire Earth, Praetorians, Crusaders, Total War, Tzar, Ground Control, LOTR: The Battle for the middle earth, Starcraft 2, etc. And I am in these comments because in its day, I played AoE, and its 2nd and 3rd, and the magnificent Age of Mythology.

    Some time ago I found out that this installment would come out and 2 days ago I started playing wanting to be surprised and get excited about these games again. After these days, I find myself a lazy game, with few civilizations and a difference between the units and their upgrades. We will all remember the units from AoE 2, I think all of them were recognizable, along with the buildings and some of their animations and this is one of the things that the game does not achieve. It also has few multiplayer options and few possible strategies, since after all, we all usually play in a very similar way.

    For my taste, they have not struck a good balance between units, factions or buildings. It does not manage to create different games, or exciting battles.

    I think that the people who defend this game the most, do not remember much what other games offered, which for my taste, were superior in many characteristics. For my part, I still feel that no one can match what American Conquest did in his day in gameplay, tactics, civilizations, units, even use of resources.

    I just hope they keep improving and completing this game. Still, enjoy.    … Expand
  7. GutiOut
    May 3, 2022
    3
    (+) graphics and performance.
    (-) micro, FOV, hotkeys, number of civilizations and campaigns.

    It is a 2021 game and this has to be considered. Just talking about the multiplayer, it's not that bad, but far from being an improvement to the saga. The II: DE is still the best option by far.
    AOE I (1997) : 6/10
    AOE II (1999) : 10/10
    AOE III (2005): 3/10
    AOE IV (2021): 4/10
  8. whalepudding
    Nov 5, 2021
    6
    Not a bad game. It might help bring a new generation of players to AoE, but for returning players, It's a massive disappointment. There's nothing here to cause players to move over from AoE2, which is still a far superior game. AoE2 has way more features, civs, and better game mechanics. They played it way too safe, and they really needed to do more. Just feels outdated at this point,Not a bad game. It might help bring a new generation of players to AoE, but for returning players, It's a massive disappointment. There's nothing here to cause players to move over from AoE2, which is still a far superior game. AoE2 has way more features, civs, and better game mechanics. They played it way too safe, and they really needed to do more. Just feels outdated at this point, definitely not worth the 60 dollar price tag. 16 years for this??… Expand
  9. agent13
    Dec 2, 2021
    2
    this is the first age of empires game i have ever played, as a fan of rts genre i hate the gameplay of this game, it's boring and unimpressive and the graphics are a shame for a 2021 game the charachters are as big as building and they look stupid and slow and too unrealistic I miss the great rts games like warcraft and older stronghold games
  10. lachlangilbert9
    Nov 15, 2021
    4
    I would not actively buy this game, but its ok if you get it on gamepass It feels like a generic dumbed down version of age of empires 2. Very generic units and very few nations to choose from, there is little soul to this game and the combat looks like poorly animated blobs with no significant strategic option's except ro have more units
    The graphics are a bit dull and reminiscent of a    I would not actively buy this game, but its ok if you get it on gamepass It feels like a generic dumbed down version of age of empires 2. Very generic units and very few nations to choose from, there is little soul to this game and the combat looks like poorly animated blobs with no significant strategic option's except ro have more units
    The graphics are a bit dull and reminiscent of a mid 2000s rts, similar to battle for middle earth but not as good physics. The only new positive factor is the historical documentaries it plays betwern missions    … Expand
  11. Doite
    Nov 7, 2021
    2
    The alarm bells went off when I heard they had decided to not include blood and expected the modders to do it for them. But I didn't expect it to be this lacking.

    I only play AOE in multiplayer, so that's what I'm reviewing: 50 gbs, 2021... and the graphics are mediocre. There's no save or pause. There are 6 civilisations to choose from as opposed to AOE2's 35. AOE2 was made    The alarm bells went off when I heard they had decided to not include blood and expected the modders to do it for them. But I didn't expect it to be this lacking.

    I only play AOE in multiplayer, so that's what I'm reviewing:

    50 gbs, 2021... and the graphics are mediocre.

    There's no save or pause.

    There are 6 civilisations to choose from as opposed to AOE2's 35. AOE2 was made in 1999.

    No randomizing options. No random maps. No random races.

    You don't choose your colours.

    The AI aren't named. They're all just called AI. They don't have personalities.

    No auto scout.

    It feels like you have a really boring history teacher, instead of the way AOE had of making history fun.

    This game feels unfinished.

    I've noticed game developers are struggling with resurrecting old franchises. So here, I'll help:

    Step 1: Use the most loved model.

    Step 2: Work out what people thought needed improvement in the old model.

    Step 3: Fix those areas and add extra content + improved graphics.

    Step 4: Make anything contentious an option

    Step 5: Profit

    If you have to take important features away from a game old enough to graduate college, leave it alone and move on. Make something new. Radical, I know.

    What you don't do is release a half done game. Or maybe you do. My generation is pretty gullible. They'll throw money at anything with a name.

    So, if you're a gamer reading this and wondering if you should buy this game, here's some questions?

    Do you own AOE2, does it work on your machine, and are the old graphics just fine?

    If yes, then this game isn't worth it. If no, then you might want this game.

    Do you play mp and sometimes have to eat, cook, take a leak, sleep, take care of a baby/child, work, or do anything other than play the exact same game without break for several hours?

    If yes, this game may not be for you.

    Are aesthetics a big deal for you?

    You might want this. The graphics are lacking for the time but they are better than AOE2. Do you intend to only play single player? Then maybe, some annoyances are not relevant to sp. Do you desperately need a modern game to indulge in nostalgia so bad you're shaking, and just playing the old game isn't getting you there? Then yes, this might help your sad condition. Condolences. This is probably the closest we're getting to a new AOE that doesn't feel like it's playing itself. So I see the appeal. In another year they might even add all the features they've stripped back. But their comments about letting modders fix their failings is not a good sign and without a time machine I will rate what I see now. You tried, you half succeeded. But you don't get a C grade because the places you disappointed were key to making this something I can play.    … Expand
  12. TomasLacerda
    Nov 6, 2021
    4
    - outdated graphics
    - UI feels lazy, old and clunky
    - unit cap again, like the old habits
    - feels like a copy of Age of Empires and not a step up from AoE 2
    - lack of unit options (patrols, formations, etc)
    - no really primitive age feeling like AoE 2
    - no WASD camera controls possible even with rebinding

    + tutorial is well made for newcomers
  13. DOB11
    Nov 23, 2021
    1
    It's hard to believe this is an AOE game released in 2021! The graphics are horrendous, just as if they stole the models from Stronghold 2 and put some lousy textures on them! Not only that but the AI is absolutely pathetic, most units would start spinning like a bunch of headless chickens when engaged in fighting and the single player is beyond boring. The only good thing about it is theIt's hard to believe this is an AOE game released in 2021! The graphics are horrendous, just as if they stole the models from Stronghold 2 and put some lousy textures on them! Not only that but the AI is absolutely pathetic, most units would start spinning like a bunch of headless chickens when engaged in fighting and the single player is beyond boring. The only good thing about it is the name, which unfortunately the actual game doesn't live up to, even in the slightest. A hastily made piece of trash, more suitable to be a free mobile game.… Expand
  14. Alper412
    Oct 31, 2021
    3
    Age of Empires III released in 2005 and this game released in 2021 but it looks like released in 2008 That's all my comment.
  15. BreizhPilou
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    We can feel the legacy of AOE II in AOE IV, and it feels good. The campaign is awesome and the documentaries are very well made. A few performance issues remain at launch but nothing too hard.
  16. dgolubets
    Nov 1, 2021
    9
    Exactly what I expected of the game.
    If you like multiplayer RTS but tired of SC2 - definitely try AoE4.
  17. Haim_Miller
    Nov 6, 2021
    0
    I can recommend this game for sure.
    I've played AoE since it was released in 1997 and can say for sure that this game is well made, with roots elements from the AoE I-II titles.
    The gameplay is similar to the original AoE's, excellent! in one ward. Full disclosure- I played only through the Campaign and have not yet tested the Multiplayer and the Skirmish. The Campaign is fantastic    I can recommend this game for sure.
    I've played AoE since it was released in 1997 and can say for sure that this game is well made, with roots elements from the AoE I-II titles.
    The gameplay is similar to the original AoE's, excellent! in one ward.

    Full disclosure- I played only through the Campaign and have not yet tested the Multiplayer and the Skirmish.

    The Campaign is fantastic explained, with 4K video arts based on real battles in the eyes of today's locations (including cities, regions, castles, and counties). The moderator is excellently pleased to the ears.

    One pron for me is that the developers want to keep the old-school graphic, and I think it is not acceptable for the 2021 title.    … Expand
  18. pion
    Jan 7, 2022
    0
    This game has the worst graphics of all the games I've played. The worst AOE of all time.
  19. Voyagerx
    Jul 24, 2022
    10
    Great skill based game! Only your skill matters here. Instead of developing a character in an RPG by leveling up YOU develop yourself from time to time. There is always a good reason why you lost the last game. Learn from every lost game, don't repeat the mistakes you made and you will be a high elo player very soon.

    Don't believe what others say, game is balanced as it is. You need to    Great skill based game! Only your skill matters here. Instead of developing a character in an RPG by leveling up YOU develop yourself from time to time. There is always a good reason why you lost the last game. Learn from every lost game, don't repeat the mistakes you made and you will be a high elo player very soon.

    Don't believe what others say, game is balanced as it is. You need to be at least Top 1% to notice balance issues. Like I said, only your skill depends.

    A former Master SC2 player    … Expand
  20. TSTINKERS
    Dec 10, 2021
    3
    This game is poorly done. Graphics Suck. Game response slow. I am playing and not addicted. I'd rather play candy crush. AOE 2 and AOE 3 were great and I could play for hours. This one not so. I think the main problem is the units don't respond how you expect... like if you grab a treasure chest of 100 gold it's not like you walk over it and just get it. You have to click aThis game is poorly done. Graphics Suck. Game response slow. I am playing and not addicted. I'd rather play candy crush. AOE 2 and AOE 3 were great and I could play for hours. This one not so. I think the main problem is the units don't respond how you expect... like if you grab a treasure chest of 100 gold it's not like you walk over it and just get it. You have to click a certain way... it's frustrating.

    I didn't give is 0 because the history lessons in between the limited campaigns i did play are good.    … Expand
  21. Voodoo123
    Dec 11, 2022
    8
    Solid classic RTS with a fascinating documentary wrapped into the campaign interwoven as each new mission starts. The gameplay is addictive if a little repetitive over longer sessions of play.
  22. rezo_21
    Nov 9, 2021
    7
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 71 IIIIIIIIII====================
  23. chrij
    Dec 17, 2021
    8
    It's a great game because it's similar to the good old AoE 2, the Age of Kings. The developers did a good job in the art design, the UI, the sound-design and also the fractions. It looks good even on my 7 year old gaming PC. Only in 4 vs 4 games I have to go on low settings.
    The campaign is also very good. I like also the history videos. Great stuff.
    There is some content to come with    It's a great game because it's similar to the good old AoE 2, the Age of Kings. The developers did a good job in the art design, the UI, the sound-design and also the fractions. It looks good even on my 7 year old gaming PC. Only in 4 vs 4 games I have to go on low settings.
    The campaign is also very good. I like also the history videos. Great stuff.
    There is some content to come with AoE 4 and I really think it has the potential to become played for years. We just have to build up a strong community and playerbase.
    8/10 is just for one reason: There is no option to buy a DVD or BlueRay (just Download) and if ordered in a box it is just some cheap paper without any love for detail. To be said: Better having a cheap box for a good game than a good box for a cheap game.    … Expand
  24. fruittwist
    Jan 24, 2022
    3
    Просто натянули модельки на AoE II, для меня откровенная загадка как четвертая часть умудряется выглядеть хуже чем 3, специально только скачал 3 Def edition, графика ЛУЧШЕ, реально лучше. Как же нелепо выглядит когда 100 лучников подходит к дому и начинают се синхронно стрелять в центр здания, просто отвратительно, не понимаю за что такая хорошая оценка, видимо это тот случай когда наПросто натянули модельки на AoE II, для меня откровенная загадка как четвертая часть умудряется выглядеть хуже чем 3, специально только скачал 3 Def edition, графика ЛУЧШЕ, реально лучше. Как же нелепо выглядит когда 100 лучников подходит к дому и начинают се синхронно стрелять в центр здания, просто отвратительно, не понимаю за что такая хорошая оценка, видимо это тот случай когда на безрыбье и AoE 4 нормальная стратегия. Имхо неиграбельно, лучше предыдущие части. Ах да, еще очень интересное разделение по цивилизациям, русские орки в четвертой эпохе даже пушек не имеют, только требушеты строят, и когда английский флот приплывает на огромных кораблях с пушками, у нас лодки как в викингов и лучники.… Expand
  25. Tomo314
    Nov 11, 2021
    10
    Yes, the game runs on 1 core.
    Yes, the game requires dx12.
    Yes, there are many jambs in the game (hotkeys, statters, no ranked at the start of the game). BUT It's !New! part of one of the most popular RTS series. Which RTS series is still alive? WC3? Hello Blizard with their Reforged. SC2? Blizard again, and given the current state of the studio, they are unlikely to be able to    Yes, the game runs on 1 core.
    Yes, the game requires dx12.
    Yes, there are many jambs in the game (hotkeys, statters, no ranked at the start of the game).

    BUT

    It's !New! part of one of the most popular RTS series.
    Which RTS series is still alive?
    WC3? Hello Blizard with their Reforged.
    SC2? Blizard again, and given the current state of the studio, they are unlikely to be able to revive, even if they want to.
    C&C? Hi EA with their policy of burying the original series and unwillingness to properly support the developers (RiP Visceral Games). Be happy with the remaster of the first part with a bunch of bugs on top (on the already clumsy engine of the original).
    There is little hope for Company of Heroes 3. Either it will be a clone of the 1st part with bows, or it will repeat the fate of the 2nd.
    Stronghold? Warlords from FireFly Studios showed that nothing good can be ugly developed by developers.
    The Dow series, Supreme Commander, Cossacks, Rise of Nations and other less well-known RTS are also dead.
    Attempts by indie developers to do something serious turn out to be a failure (Iron Harvest could have shown something in theory, but the balance and variety of mechanics is close to 0).

    Given that AoE4 has a well thought out gameplay, it is interesting and varied - the game will live on and, hopefully, evolve. The rest can be finished without serious injections of man-hours.

    P.s. And there is also hope for AoM2 :)    … Expand
  26. brayerlucas
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    I play to the AOEs mainly for the campaigns and in this one they are amazing so I am completely satisfied : I like art direction, the gameplay is still great and changes are welcome. Great job Relic!
  27. Gpasternak
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Excellent gameplay. Good successor to AOE3. Video content also good. Recommend!
  28. Cthunluck
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Best value in gaming history - being able to play a new release for 1$ with the xbox live trial. If you're on the fence about trying this game out, use that option to play it for a month before buying on steam or w/e, super fun game.
  29. Paul_M_Dema
    Oct 30, 2021
    3
    I am more solo vs AI player and i have to say that AoE4 AI is useless. Full of bugs and does nothing interesting. In AoE 2 I couldn't handle strongest AI but here Hardest is a joke. Beat it in first try. Game is full of bugs and stupid moments like all enemies being red (even graphs line are red after game ends... gods...). Customization of match is minimal.
    Graphic is too cartoon-ish,    I am more solo vs AI player and i have to say that AoE4 AI is useless. Full of bugs and does nothing interesting. In AoE 2 I couldn't handle strongest AI but here Hardest is a joke. Beat it in first try. Game is full of bugs and stupid moments like all enemies being red (even graphs line are red after game ends... gods...). Customization of match is minimal.
    Graphic is too cartoon-ish, can't properly distinguish between soldiers. ANd a lot more...
    Goods parts are new New Age builds and scout system (gathering sheeps and hunting)
    Overall game is not worth it. AoE2 is better for vs AI    … Expand
  30. severouss
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    Doesn't revolutionize the formula, and it has some technical problems at launch, but this is honestly a damn good AoE game. Moreover, it has the potential to become by far the best in the series, since its graphics and mechanics create a very solid base to build on (via mods & future dlcs plus updates). And this is coming from someone who plays AoE since the first one.

    So, if you are into    Doesn't revolutionize the formula, and it has some technical problems at launch, but this is honestly a damn good AoE game. Moreover, it has the potential to become by far the best in the series, since its graphics and mechanics create a very solid base to build on (via mods & future dlcs plus updates). And this is coming from someone who plays AoE since the first one.

    So, if you are into this type of games, it's definitely worth a buy or at least worth a shot in game pass.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best PC Game of 2021
28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 85 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 85
  3. Negative: 0 out of 85
  1. Riot Pixels
    Feb 23, 2022
    70
    Age of Empires 4 is based on a solid foundation created way back during the last millennium, but it suffers from a plethora of annoying little flaws and drawbacks. Some of them will be fixed with patches and maybe future DLCs, if we’re lucky, but even then, it’s a far cry from the stellar Age of Empires 2.
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    A very decent sequel of a great series that builds up on its legacy rather than dramatically changing it. Enjoy eight very different experiences for each playable nation as you go through their most significant historical periods in great detail.
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Jan 27, 2022
    88
    A solid campaign and endless customization for single-player, co-op and online play, Age of Empires IV deserves a ton of credit for making turn-based strategy a treat to play.
    Read full review
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