Is Age of Mythology: Retold Too Hard?
Age of Mythology: Retold has brought the classic RTS game to modern audiences, retaining much of its charm while introducing new features and updates.
While many fans have embraced the remaster, there’s a growing sentiment that it can be challenging, particularly for new players or those unaccustomed to real-time strategy games.
So, is Retold truly difficult, or does it simply require an adjustment period? Let’s break it down.
What Makes Age of Mythology: Retold Challenging?
AI Behavior and Gameplay Complexity
One notable challenge comes from the behavior of the AI, especially on higher difficulty settings. The AI in Age of Mythology: Retold has been designed to push players tactically, often punishing those who make mistakes in resource management or unit composition.
On difficulty levels like Titan or Legendary, the AI aggressively expands its economy and executes well-coordinated attacks, requiring players to multitask effectively and react quickly.
However, the AI isn’t perfect. In some skirmish games, players report that it fails to advance through the ages or build a substantial army, creating inconsistencies in its performance. These bugs can be frustrating but don’t undermine the overall challenge the AI provides on functioning levels.
Resource Management and Base Building
The core gameplay revolves around gathering four resources—food, wood, gold, and favor—and using them to build armies, summon myth units, and unleash god powers. While these mechanics are straightforward in theory, balancing them efficiently during a fast-paced match can be daunting for newcomers.
The introduction of auto-resource allocation has eased some of the micromanagement, but manual adjustments are still often necessary to optimize your economy.
Campaign Mode: Fun, but Not Always Easy
The single-player campaign in Retold revisits classic storylines like the Greek hero Arkantos's journey in “Fall of the Trident.” While engaging, some missions feature overwhelming enemy waves or strict time limits, which can be tough for less experienced players.
That said, the campaigns also serve as a great tutorial, gradually teaching the mechanics of the game’s civilizations and their unique god powers.
Multiplayer and Skirmishes: Where Strategy Shines
For many, the biggest challenge comes from multiplayer and skirmish modes. Unlike campaigns, these modes lack structured objectives and pit players against unpredictable opponents.
In multiplayer matches, seasoned players often use advanced build orders and aggressive tactics that can overwhelm newcomers.
To succeed in these modes:
Learn Hotkeys: Memorizing hotkeys for unit production and building structures can save valuable time during matches.
Master Build Orders: Efficiently allocating villagers to resources in the early game can set the foundation for victory.
Scout Early: Knowing your opponent’s strategy allows you to adapt and counter it effectively.
Tools to Ease the Difficulty
New Features in Retold
Several new features in Retold make the game more accessible:
Attack-Move Command: Units now attack enemies along the way to their destination, reducing the likelihood of reckless behavior.
God Powers on Cooldown: Instead of being single-use, god powers now regenerate, adding flexibility and reducing the stakes of using them prematurely.
UI and Accessibility Updates: Retold offers a cleaner interface and options like colorblind settings, making the game more intuitive.
Verdict: Is It Too Hard?
The difficulty of Age of Mythology: Retold depends on the player’s experience level. For newcomers, the game’s layered mechanics and demanding multitasking might feel overwhelming at first.
However, lower difficulty levels, campaign tutorials, and auto-resource management options make it accessible to those willing to learn.
Veterans, on the other hand, will find higher difficulty settings and multiplayer matches engaging and rewarding.
The game challenges players to think critically, adapt to opponents, and refine their strategies, embodying the essence of a classic RTS.
Conclusion
Age of Mythology: Retold strikes a balance between challenging and accessible. While it can feel tough, especially for newcomers, the game offers plenty of tools to help players grow.
For those who enjoy strategy games and mythological themes, the learning curve is well worth it.
