Age of Empires

 PC
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Computer Games Magazine
    100
    Gamers with an interest in history, and no aversion to a rather abstract rendition of same, should love the atmosphere and feel of the game. And anyone who appreciates a solid, lovingly-crafted work of design should appreciate the overall quality of this product.
  2. Gamezilla!
    96
    The first fully mature real-time strategy title... This is a great game, builds on the best of both "Warcraft 2" and "Civ 2" (would you rather they ignored previous successful games as models?), and quite frankly is the best game to ever come out of Microsoft.
  3. Computer and Video Games
    94
    It's refreshing to find a game that's so strong in single-player mode - not that I've got anything against multi-play, you understand, it's just that a lot of software publishers are using the strength of their multi-player mode as an excuse for the weakness of their games in single-player mode. Age Of Empires, needless to say, triumphs in both departments. With the exception of "XCOM 3," this is the best game I've played in a year and a half. [PC Zone]
  5. PC Gameworld
    91
    My only real complaint is that upon completion of a task, villagers will just stand around doing nothing. This can lead to some annoying micro-management tactics...Problems aside, Age of Empires is one of the most enjoyable and addictive real-time strategy games I’ve ever played.
  6. All Game Guide
    90
    Combines great graphics, real-time strategy and an intriguing plot (our own history!) to raise a phoenix from the ashes of wayside, ordinary strategy games.
  7. PC Gamer
    86
    It's very much a product of "WarCraft II" cloning, but Age of Empires is a surprisingly sound and enjoyable real-time strategy game. [Dec 1997, p.240]
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  8. Game Revolution
    83
    Despite its flaws, Age of Empires is great fun to play. The graphics and sound effects are of high quality, and the computer plays a respectable game. In fact, there is a very large selection of AIs to choose from in the scenario editor.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PC Game of 1997
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 1997
3
#3 Most Shared PC Game of 1997

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 439 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 350 out of 439
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 439
  3. Negative: 22 out of 439
  1. IG44
    Aug 21, 2012
    10
    This game is a classic! It is one of the first RTS games and it is one of the best, but not the best... the best RTS is Age of Empires II, theThis game is a classic! It is one of the first RTS games and it is one of the best, but not the best... the best RTS is Age of Empires II, the true sequel worthy of the name! Age of Empires has good graphics even though it's 15 years old now... It's really fun and it is the definition how an RTS game should be made! An RTS shouldn't be an MMO like Age of Empires Online.… Full Review »
  2. CheeseSteakJim
    Nov 14, 2015
    10
    Everyone played this game, everyone. So it needs no introduction. As far as skirmish type RTS games go, this is only second to Age of EmpiresEveryone played this game, everyone. So it needs no introduction. As far as skirmish type RTS games go, this is only second to Age of Empires 2. It now resides in the 'hall of fame' as a nostalgic masterpiece... probably hanging out with Starcraft.… Full Review »
  3. Gregon
    Nov 20, 2014
    8
    A great game that popularized historical real time strategy games. A true classic with a wealth of innovative features. It had someA great game that popularized historical real time strategy games. A true classic with a wealth of innovative features. It had some user-interface issue which were subsequently remedied in its superior sequel AoE2.… Full Review »
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