Gamescom: Age of Empires Online Announced

[Agriel]

It turns out Age of Empires, the popular real-time strategy series from now-closed Ensemble Studios, isn't a dead franchise. A website for Age of Empires Online (http://ageofempiresonline.com/faq/) recently went live, showing off a new, more cartoonish look for the series, as well as qualities such as experience gains and leveling. Creation of this version of the franchise is being handled by Robot Entertainment (http://games.ign.com/objects/143/14323214.html), which formed following Ensemble's disassembly and has also supported Halo Wars, an Xbox 360 only real-time strategy game, post-launch.

According to an FAQ on the site, there will be a few civilizations at launch though only Greece is being talked about now. The game will include campaigns, co-operative quests and competitive multiplayer, and will also require an internet connection to play. No pricing is yet in place.

The FAQ also provides an answer to why this direction was chosen for Age of Empires. "When we looked at continuing this franchise, we looked at how people are playing games today, and the social and connected experiences that people increasingly crave. It's about being able to connect to the entertainment we want, and share it with the people we care about...nearly anywhere. By building Age of Empires Online (http://pc.ign.com/objects/080/080528.html) with Games for Windows -- LIVE at the core, we create a rich social gaming experience. With Age of Empires Online, we've married the best of traditional Age gameplay with the connectivity of LIVE and with fresh features that broaden the appeal to brand-new audiences."

A closed beta for the game is currently going on, and we can expect it to be ready for everyone to play in 2011 only on PC, to be distributed through Games for Windows -- Live.

http://pc.ign.com/articles/111/1113332p1.html

Have to say I am mildly interested in this, I love Age of Empires 2

[MjW]

I signed up for the beta. At least we'll get something fresh. I was about to play AoEIII for the billionth time. :p

[Agriel]

I signed up for the beta. At least we'll get something fresh. I was about to play AoEIII for the billionth time. :p
I skipped AGE3 because a lot of people were telling me it was rubbish lol but yeah something fresh is always nice, hopefully this new format works for them also-

[MjW]

I skipped AGE3 because a lot of people were telling me it was rubbish lol but yeah something fresh is always nice, hopefully this new format works for them also-
Yeah, some didn't like AoEIII. I liked all AoE games.

I hope the AoE recipe will be in the new one.

[Galvanise_]

I'm a big AoE and Ensemble fan, but I have no interest in this. I'm not a big RTS online guy full stop. This games meant to be pretty good from what I hear though, so those interested will probably love it.

[Muntu]

Eh, we'll see. AoE series is awesome but without Ensemble, I'm not too convinced just yet. Signed in the beta anyways.

[BlacJack]

Eh, we'll see. AoE series is awesome but without Ensemble, I'm not too convinced just yet. Signed in the beta anyways.

This basically IS Ensemble in everything but the name. You can blame MS for taking that apart, such a great company too.

[LastManDancing]

This announcement was actually a shocker, I thought AOE was D-E-A-D.

First two games kick butt.

[Tyrien]

I was far more impressed with age of mythology.

[Muntu]

This basically IS Ensemble in everything but the name. You can blame MS for taking that apart, such a great company too.
Hope so.

As long as there's no "15 minutes till barracks ready" kinda sh*t that Travian and all other persistent RTSs have.

[Galvanise_]

I was far more impressed with age of mythology.

I'd kill for a sequel to that (not an expansion), with more units, Gods, God attacks and buildings.

I'm a mythology nut, so when I saw that game in the shops when I was younger, I pounced on it. Solid from beginning to end.

[Chille]

i do wonder how this will actually work as a mmorts? *new catergory made* gonna be strange.

[Galvanise_]

There is no offline mode in case people are wondering. You'll have to be connected to the net 100% of the time.

[Muntu]

I'd kill for a sequel to that (not an expansion), with more units, Gods, God attacks and buildings.

I'm a mythology nut, so when I saw that game in the shops when I was younger, I pounced on it. Solid from beginning to end.
I'd totally play AoM2 till I die.

[Xelis]

AoE II is for me the king of RTS games. 3D RTS games just don't have the same feel, I love the art style of AoE II so much.

[x_terna]

Photon Man FTW! :lol:.