Age of Empires Mobile Review: is it worth it?
October 25, 2024
October 25, 2024
October 25, 2024 Share this content!
Share this content!
Table of contents
Age of Empires Mobile has officially arrived for iOS and Android, bringing the beloved classic strategy game into the hands of mobile gamers everywhere. Like many longtime fans, I was nervous about this release.
It’s always a bit daunting when a PC classic makes the leap to mobile—too often, it can fall short. But, to my surprise, Age of Empires Mobile exceeded my expectations, with a few caveats, of course. Here’s my take on how Age of Empires Mobile holds up, what you can expect, and how it stacks up against the legendary PC experience.
Other articles that you will like:
Age of Empires Mobile: A Classic Revamped
Age of Empires was one of the first games I ever played, and the nostalgia for those early gaming days is strong. Whether it’s the satisfying hum of villagers gathering berries or the thrill of planning my empire, Age of Empires holds a special place in my memory. So, I approached this mobile adaptation with caution, wondering if it could capture even a fraction of that magic. Fortunately, it did!
Gameplay Overview
This mobile version by TiMi Studios goes above and beyond with impressive features. Unlike the traditional real-time strategy (RTS) structure, Age of Empires Mobile combines elements of empire-building, multiplayer sieges, and an endless range of tasks, from fishing minigames to a Vampire Survivors-style battle mode. The gameplay is comprehensive, offering an array of activities to keep you engaged.
What Sets the Age of Empires Mobile Apart?
One of the standout features in Age of Empires Mobile is the unique roster of historical heroes. This game goes beyond introducing familiar characters like Saladin and King Arthur alongside lesser-known figures like Yi Sun-Shin and Tribhuwana.
The heroes aren’t just a superficial touch—they each have backstories, detailed introductions, and unique abilities. However, the game does adopt a “gacha” mechanic, where you can unlock these heroes through random draws, adding a bit of excitement and perhaps a slight nudge toward microtransactions.
Additionally, you assemble a team of heroes to aid your armies, a feature that complements the large-scale battles. In multiplayer mode, hundreds of units go head-to-head, each controlled by a different player. The result? Utter chaos—but in a good way. The siege battles genuinely capture the essence of the original Age of Empires while allowing players to take on different roles and work together in a sprawling empire.
The Pros and Cons of Age of Empires Mobile
What I Loved
- Nostalgic Touches: From berry-picking villagers to the level of detail in the design, there are plenty of callbacks to the classic game.
- Gameplay: It has multiple modes and tasks. So, the game offers a variety that keeps things fresh. This game doesn’t keep me glued to my phone all day, but it’s definitely entertaining enough to enjoy for a few hours on the weekend.
- Historical Heroes with Personality: The game adds some personality to historical figures. Besides, they are really cool.
- Multiplayer Battles: The multiplayer mode is engaging, especially with the sheer scale of the battles.
Areas for Improvement
- Gacha Mechanics: The hero system relies on random draws, which are typical of mobile games but quite different from the traditional AoE.
- Monetization: Like many mobile games, Age of Empires Mobile offers in-app purchases, from faster build times to additional resources. Personally, I’m more into games where you just pay once and get the full experience instead of the whole in-game purchase thing. The monetization in AoE Mobile isn’t my favorite part.
- Target Audience Unclear: The game has an aesthetic and approach tailored to mobile players rather than traditional RTS fans. Honestly, it seems they use a lot of AI to create really attractive characters, but it just doesn’t feel right. So, it may not be a perfect match for AoE purists.
I think a real Age of Empires (AoE) fan could approve of Age of Empires Mobile but with some caveats. While it’s definitely not the classic RTS experience AoE fans remember from the PC games, TiMi Studios has managed to capture enough of the original spirit to make it enjoyable.
However, for die-hard AoE fans, the biggest adjustment will be the gacha elements and monetization mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Age of Empires Mobile manages to hold onto the essence of the classic PC game, even with its mobile-oriented changes. It’s immersive, ambitious, and packed with features that will surprise even the most skeptical fans.
While it has its flaws, it is an exciting addition to the mobile gaming landscape—an adaptation that both respects its roots and caters to a new generation of players.
Just give it a try, and if you want to earn extra perks while playing, consider using the Ugami app for an even more rewarding experience.
Playing Through Ugami: Unlock Rewards
If you’re an avid strategy gamer, you can earn rewards by playing games similar to Age of Empires Mobile through the Ugami app. This community-driven platform gives you points for exploring different mobile games, which you can redeem for gift cards and other perks.
Every weekend, we’ve got fresh promos lined up so you can dive into a new game or keep going with your favorites! Whether you’re into casual games, RPGs, strategy, puzzles, racing, or something else, there’s always something new to explore and enjoy.
Make the most of your gameplay by turning it into real rewards. Discover more about Ugami here.
