Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game from Microsoft Game Studios and Ensemble Studios and a milestone in the long-running Age of Empires (AoE) franchise. This is a historical strategy experience that focuses on the European colonization of the Americas, as well as other major events occurring in the same time period.

As the remastered version of the original AoE III, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition includes the previous expansions, Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs and Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties, on top of improved graphics, audio, and extra content.

Own the entire AoE III package

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition plays the same as other AoE games. You can play campaigns or skirmish, both putting you in charge of a civilization. Farm materials, build structures, research technologies and assert dominance over human or computer-controlled opponents. As the definitive edition, it basically compiles all AoE III releases into one. There are over 22 civilizations available and nine different campaigns to explore.

The first thing to note here is that it has been remastered. Enjoy 4K ultra HD displays adapted for modern display devices, paired with a reworked soundtrack. Additionally, it sustains its online servers, allowing for online multiplayer games. For solo challenges, you can try random maps in AI skirmish games. Also, it has spawned its own DLC, the Knights of the Mediterranean pack, which adds the Italian and Maltese factions.

While AoE III is a good game in itself, this version makes it hard to enjoy, mainly because the franchise entry has been divided into a lot of different purchases and microtransactions. If you opt for the base version only, get ready to face rotating content availability including the civilizations themselves. Also, if you’re after a more updated AoE experience, you can go straight ahead to Age of Empires IV.

A classic RTS turned cash grab

In terms of content and technicality, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition does well to stick to the original as much as possible. The upgrades to the graphics and sound effects are welcome, plus it has spawned its own expansion pack in addition to those original expansion packs available. Unfortunately, you’d have to purchase the complete package or suffer from a couple of restrictions.