Is Age of Mythology: Retold Worth It?
Age of Mythology: Retold is a faithful remaster of the 2002 classic RTS, complete with polished visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and reimagined mechanics to suit modern audiences.
It’s a game that caters to both long-time fans and new players discovering the mythological strategy genre.
But the question remains: is it worth your time and investment in 2024? Let’s explore its features, gameplay, and value proposition.
What’s New in Age of Mythology: Retold?
Enhanced Visuals and Audio
One of the most apparent upgrades is the visual overhaul. Retold features higher-resolution textures, improved lighting, and redesigned animations that bring mythological creatures, heroes, and environments to life.
From the towering Egyptian pyramids to the lush forests of the Norse maps, the game feels alive with its detailed art style. The revamped character portraits and UI also make navigation smoother and more visually appealing.
The remastered soundtrack is another standout feature. Iconic themes from the original game are reimagined with higher fidelity, and new tracks complement the existing score, adding depth to the overall experience.
Whether you're commanding an army of Minotaurs or building temples for Zeus, the music immerses you in the world of mythology.
Gameplay Refinements
While staying true to its roots, Retold makes several changes to modernize the experience:
God Powers on Cooldown: Unlike the one-time use in the original, god powers regenerate, allowing players to use them strategically over the course of a match.
Villager Automation: A priority system enables players to assign villagers to tasks automatically, streamlining resource management.
Expanded Favor System: Players can now gather favor (used for summoning myth units and powers) without being capped, promoting more dynamic late-game strategies
The Campaign Experience
The campaign mode includes three main story arcs: Fall of the Trident (Greek), The Golden Gift (Norse), and The New Atlantis (Atlantean).
Together, these campaigns feature over 50 missions. For veterans, the campaigns offer a nostalgic return to memorable battles with updated cutscenes and voiceovers. For newcomers, they serve as an excellent introduction to the mechanics and civilizations.
While the missions are well-designed and enjoyable, the storytelling feels dated compared to modern RTS campaigns.
However, the charm of guiding mythological heroes through epic battles still holds up.
Multiplayer and Skirmishes
Multiplayer has always been a core part of Age of Mythology, and Retold enhances this aspect with several modern features:
Cross-Platform Play: PC and Xbox players can now seamlessly compete or cooperate, thanks to updated matchmaking systems.
Ranked Matches and Leaderboards: These features cater to competitive players who want to test their skills globally.
Improved Modding Tools: With better integration of mods and a map editor, the game encourages creativity and community-driven content.
For casual players, skirmishes remain a favorite mode, offering endless replayability with customizable maps and AI opponents.
The difficulty can be adjusted to accommodate both beginners and experienced players.
Strengths of Age of Mythology Retold
Accessibility for New Players
Retold incorporates several updates that make it more approachable:
Streamlined UI: The revamped interface makes managing resources, units, and technologies intuitive.
Tutorial Campaigns: The campaigns double as tutorials, teaching players essential mechanics and strategies.
Difficulty Options: Multiple difficulty settings ensure that everyone, from casual players to RTS veterans, can enjoy the game.
Nostalgia for Returning Fans
Long-time players will appreciate the faithful recreation of the original’s core mechanics. The addition of Atlantean campaigns and other expansions seamlessly integrates with the base game, enhancing the nostalgic experience without feeling outdated.
Weaknesses of Age of Mythology Retold
Limited New Content at Launch
While Retold is a comprehensive remaster, it doesn’t introduce any brand-new civilizations. Players familiar with the original might find themselves craving more fresh content, such as unique factions or gameplay mechanics.
However, Microsoft has teased future expansions, including the Chinese pantheon.
Inconsistent AI Behavior
The updated AI improves unit movement and decision-making but occasionally falls short, especially during skirmishes.
Reports of AI failing to properly engage in battles or manage resources detract from an otherwise polished experience.
Is Age of Mythology Retold Worth the Price?
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition, priced at $29.99, provides access to the base game and all campaigns. It’s a fair price for the content offered, especially for newcomers or players looking to relive their childhood memories.
Premium Edition
For $54.99, the Premium Edition includes additional expansions and cosmetic upgrades. If you’re a dedicated fan or plan to engage heavily in multiplayer, this edition offers more value.
Game Pass Availability
Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass can access the Standard Edition at no extra cost. This is a budget-friendly option for casual players unsure about committing to a full purchase.
Conclusion: Who Should Play Age of Mythology Retold?
Age of Mythology: Retold is a game that successfully bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming. It’s a must-play for long-time fans who want to experience the mythological battles they loved in a modern package.
For newcomers, the game’s updated UI, accessibility features, and engaging campaigns make it an excellent entry point into the RTS genre.
While it’s not perfect—lacking new civilizations and occasionally inconsistent AI—it’s a solid remaster that celebrates what made the original a classic. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive strategist, Retold offers something for everyone.
