What Is Age of Mythology: Retold?
Age of Mythology: Retold is a modernized reimagining of the 2002 classic real-time strategy (RTS) game Age of Mythology.
Developed by World’s Edge in partnership with Xbox Game Studios, this remaster combines the original game’s strategic, mythologically-inspired gameplay with updated graphics, improved mechanics, and added content that introduces the game to both nostalgic fans and newcomers.
Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond just a graphical overhaul, adding enhanced controls, smoother animations, and cross-platform multiplayer support, making it a complete revamp that respects the original game’s legacy while adapting it for today’s gaming world.
An Overview of Age of Mythology: Retold
At its core, Age of Mythology: Retold is about more than just battles—it’s an RTS experience steeped in mythological storytelling, where players choose a civilization and work to build an empire with the help of myth units and god powers.
Players can select from four civilizations (or “pantheons”)—Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean—each with unique units, gods, and powers that affect gameplay. These choices allow players to summon mythological creatures like minotaurs and manticores, invoke the powers of gods, and immerse themselves in epic storylines inspired by ancient legends.
Each pantheon has its own strengths, from the Norse gods’ battle-focused abilities to the Egyptian gods’ influence on economy and resource management.
This combination of historical strategy and fantastical elements makes Age of Mythology unique, offering an RTS experience that feels as vast as the myths on which it is based.
Key Updates in Age of Mythology: Retold
Unlike the original, Age of Mythology: Retold introduces a series of new mechanics and improvements to cater to modern gamers:
Updated Graphics and Visual Effects: Retold features high-definition textures and redesigned unit models that add depth and beauty to the gameplay. Elements like water, vegetation, and weather effects have been updated, creating more immersive battlefields.
Revamped Soundtrack and Audio: The game includes a re-recorded soundtrack, enhancing the mythical atmosphere with a modern symphonic twist. Sound effects and voiceovers have also been refined to provide an immersive experience during intense battles and quiet strategic moments.
Expanded Favor System: The original favor system, which limited players’ access to god powers and myth units, has been reimagined. Favor can now be accumulated without a cap, allowing players to call on myth units and god powers more frequently and strategically.
A Closer Look at Each Civilization
Each civilization in Age of Mythology: Retold aligns with its own unique gods, units, and abilities, shaping how players can approach battles and build their empires.
Greek Civilization
The Greek pantheon includes gods like Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, each offering powerful myth units and god powers. Greeks gain favor by dedicating villagers to worship at temples, unlocking myth units like Cyclopes and Minotaurs.
Zeus’s god powers, for instance, enable lightning strikes on enemies, while Poseidon’s powers strengthen naval units. The Greeks’ focus on well-rounded infantry and heroic myth units makes them a versatile choice.
Egyptian Civilization
In Egyptian gameplay, gods such as Ra, Isis, and Set are key figures, each granting unique economic and defensive bonuses.
Egyptians gain favor by constructing monuments, and their myth units range from Anubites, with their incredible agility, to mummies that can convert enemies into soldiers.
Egyptian strategies often revolve around resource management, as their gods provide economic benefits that help establish strong empires quickly.
Norse Civilization
The Norse pantheon includes Odin, Thor, and Loki, whose powers focus on warfare and direct combat. Norse players gain favor by fighting, which makes them ideal for aggressive strategies.
This civilization offers powerful myth units like frost giants and wolves, and their god powers emphasize brute strength and combat resilience. Their unique focus on battlefield presence and offensive strategy makes the Norse one of the game’s most dynamic choices.
Atlantean Civilization
The Atlantean pantheon, unique to Age of Mythology, provides high-powered myth units and versatile god powers, which makes them balanced for both economy and combat. Atlanteans don’t gather favor through traditional means; instead, they rely on automatic favor generation, which allows them consistent access to myth units.
With their god Kronos’s power to manipulate time and space, they stand out as a strategic choice for players looking for flexibility.
Gameplay Modes in Age of Mythology: Retold
Age of Mythology: Retold includes multiple gameplay modes that cater to both solo and competitive players. These modes make the game accessible for everyone, whether you’re interested in single-player campaigns or multiplayer skirmishes.
Campaign Mode: The Fall of Trident
The game’s main campaign, Fall of the Trident, follows the story of Arkantos, an Atlantean hero who embarks on an epic journey through various mythological realms.
This campaign includes battles with legendary creatures, alliances with gods, and encounters with heroes from Greek, Egyptian, and Norse myths. Each mission allows players to explore their civilization’s strengths while advancing through a compelling narrative.
Skirmish Mode
For those who prefer customizable battles, skirmish mode allows players to set up personalized matches against AI. You can control factors like map type, difficulty level, and the selection of civilizations.
This mode is ideal for experimenting with strategies or simply enjoying a quick match without the commitment of a full campaign.
Multiplayer and Cross-Platform Play
Multiplayer has been enhanced with cross-platform functionality, allowing Xbox and PC players to compete in the same matches. Multiplayer mode includes various victory conditions, from standard conquest to unique game types like King of the Hill and Regicide.
With the introduction of cross-platform play, Age of Mythology: Retold connects a larger community of players, bringing together fans from different gaming platforms.
Modding and Community Support
One of the defining features of Retold is its support for community creativity through modding. The game comes with a Scenario Editor, which lets players create custom maps, campaigns, and units. Mod support extends replayability, allowing users to design unique content or recreate battles from history or legend.
This modding flexibility has already fostered a strong community interest, making it easier for fans to contribute their ideas to the game.
Feedback and Continuous Development
World’s Edge has emphasized community involvement, allowing fans to give feedback and influence future updates. The development team has stated that post-launch updates may include additional expansions or gods based on community suggestions.
This feedback loop has made Retold a community-driven project, promising a future of improvements and new content to keep the game fresh.
Why Age of Mythology: Retold Is Worth Playing
Age of Mythology: Retold is a standout in the RTS genre, especially for those drawn to mythological themes. Its mix of strategic combat, historical myths, and mythical creatures creates a one-of-a-kind gameplay experience. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth diving into:
Enhanced Visuals and Sound: The HD textures and remastered audio bring a rich, immersive feel to battles and campaigns.
Flexible Strategies: Each civilization offers distinct strategic paths, letting players find a playstyle that resonates with them.
Cross-Platform Play: The addition of cross-play support makes multiplayer accessible to a broad audience, fostering a diverse player community.
Continued Development: World’s Edge has plans for ongoing content, meaning the game will continue to evolve with new expansions and updates.
In short, Age of Mythology: Retold honors the legacy of the original while pushing it forward with new features that appeal to both modern and classic RTS players alike.
Whether you’re a fan of ancient myths, real-time strategy, or just exploring epic stories, Retold has something to offer. Dive in, pick your gods, and lead your civilization to mythic glory!
