Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 42
  2. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Jun 29, 2020
    70
    Truly exemplifying the maxim of 'too much of a good thing,' there is simply too much here that bogs itself down. The battle and strategic systems have some really cool and interesting ideas, but there is far too much... stuff that takes both of them down a notch. The strategic layer has way too many things to do with too much consequence, and the battle system takes too long, and is replete with a dizzying number of little things that must be taken into account, lest destruction result. It's really too bad as the core of the game is extremely solid, yet there is just too much in the way for it to shine.
  2. Aug 26, 2019
    70
    I know it seems like a paradox to say that on the one hand, it's a well-oiled, impeccably balanced sci-fi empire building game with all the elements that make a great wargame; and on the other hand it feels a smidgen like they phoned it in, but there you are. That's precisely how it feels.
  3. Aug 22, 2019
    70
    If you've got time to spare, Planetfall has more than enough intricacy to keep you occupied, but if you're someone without a lot of free time, the game's demanding pace, meandering tasks, and compulsory conflicts will prove to be more frustrating than entertaining.
  4. Aug 7, 2019
    70
    Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a robust package for 4X players who want to test themselves against a more in-depth combat system than is typically found in the genre. It suffers a little from its sci-fi setting making things just that little bit harder to relate to than, say, actual human history, but it compensates by creating a cast of fictional alien civilizations that are worth getting to know. It might not quite feel like home at first, but you'll quickly settle in.
  5. Sep 11, 2019
    68
    With every new installment, Age of Wonders continues to drift away from the concept of the original game in the series by trying to blend in with the 4X crowd. So far, the result is not that impressive.
  6. 60
    Despite issues with AI and a level of complexity that will likely frustrate new players, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a well-rounded experience with stunning visuals and extensive replay value.
  7. Aug 19, 2019
    60
    a satisfying strategy experience with a ton of replayability, and factions that feel truly distinct. Its randomly generated maps can feel so organic you might think they were hand-crafted. It has a bevy of minor issues, however, like a cumbersome UI and stilted animations, and its lack of tactical depth on the battle map leaves it feeling like a game from a decade ago.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Aug 7, 2019
    Competent strategy pastes flat-footed, surface-level sci-fi over a genre that lives and dies by its nuance.
  2. A glimmering space crystal, including some great story elements, buried under a patina of lowest-common-denominator grime. A lovely bone, full of marrow, specially formulated for growing ogres. Don’t make the mistake I nearly made and disregard it: if you enjoy the tactical and strategic game styles it draws from, you’ll find a game that doesn’t go out of its way to innovate on either front, but one that performs a bloody lovely duet.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 108
  2. Negative: 19 out of 108
  1. Aug 7, 2019
    1
    This game is worse than Civ 5 at launch with no mods. It is so ridiculously dumbed down and uninteresting that both the high critic and userThis game is worse than Civ 5 at launch with no mods. It is so ridiculously dumbed down and uninteresting that both the high critic and user score is absolutely baffling. Are so many gamers today that stupid? unbelievable. Full Review »
  2. Aug 6, 2019
    10
    Deep systems, great sound and graphics, interesting factions and units, lots of customization options, and engaging combat. If you enjoy theDeep systems, great sound and graphics, interesting factions and units, lots of customization options, and engaging combat. If you enjoy the setting, Age of Wonders series, or 4X in general, it’d be hard not to recommend this game. Full Review »
  3. Aug 7, 2019
    8
    Played maybe 10-12 hours now. Haven't had any crashes or any technical problems. I have seen other people say they get very long load timesPlayed maybe 10-12 hours now. Haven't had any crashes or any technical problems. I have seen other people say they get very long load times later in the game, but I have not experienced that, at turn 60+ in my game, it still loads in about 5 seconds. And my PC is a few years old now, i7-6700K and GTX 1070, SSD.

    I'm still figuring out some of the new systems. You don't spam cities in this game like you did in AoW3, and the amount of combat units you can support seems much smaller. The sector influence system in Planetfall seems more simplistic honestly, which can be a positive or a negative depending on how much you like to micromanage. I liked the equipment system for heroes in AoW3 better than the mod system in Planetfall so far, still getting used to it though. Maybe I'm just playing wrong so far =)

    Game can definitely use some mods/DLC. Diplomacy seems pretty iffy. I like the quests for different factions, but sometimes factions you are friendly with will turn on you for no apparent reason. Maybe I'm getting framed by another faction or something.

    Overall, I like Planetfall so far and have had no technical issues, so I give it an 8. Definitely could be more complex and interesting with some mods and DLC though.
    Full Review »