The Age Of Empires series stands as a timeless and beloved real-time strategy (RTS) franchise that has captured the hearts of fans over the decades. Despite the continuous release of new games within the series, many enthusiasts find themselves consistently returning to classics like Age Of Empires 2, appreciating their enduring appeal rather than exploring newer or similar titles.
Nevertheless, due to the franchise's immense popularity and the ease of entry into the gaming industry, numerous indie developers and competitors have attempted to create games reminiscent of Age Of Empires. Whether driven by financial motives or a genuine admiration for the cherished franchise and its outstanding titles, these developers have produced a variety of games that echo the Age Of Empires experience. As a result, fans now have the option to explore these alternatives, providing a fresh and distinctive experience for those seeking something slightly different.
1. Dawn of War
The Dawn of War series has emerged as a highly successful spinoff within the Warhammer 40K Universe, offering fans a chance to experience the intricacies of warfare in this futuristic setting. It not only delves into captivating narratives across different games but also draws inspiration from Age of Empires, notably in Dark Crusade, to provide players with a broader perspective of the Universe. Serving as an expansion to the initial Dawn of War game, Dark Crusade is a standalone entry that significantly stood out in the realm of Warhammer 40K real-time strategy (RTS) games.
In Dark Crusade, players aren't confined to embodying Space Marines alone. The game unfolds on Kronus, the homeworld of the Necrons, where seven distinct factions vie for control. This diverse array of playable races is a departure from the usual Warhammer 40K Universe norm, which typically limited players to Space Marines or, at most, a couple of choices. The expansive conflict on Kronus presents players with a strategic challenge, encouraging them to make decisions about where to engage and which races to confront first. Players engage in battles against rival factions to seize control of specific regions and must then defend these territories during enemy turns to maintain their hold. This futuristic take on familiar RTS elements provides an engaging challenge, particularly appealing to fans of Age of Empires.
2. Total War
The Total War series, a vast collection of real-time strategy (RTS) games initiated in 2000 during the peak of RTS game popularity, particularly on PC, offers a diverse range of gaming experiences. Among these titles, Total War: Empire stands out as a game that unmistakably draws inspiration from the Age of Empires franchise.
Total War: Empire serves as an exceptionally immersive and historically precise battle simulation game. Set in the early 18th century, players confront significant historical challenges while striving to lead one of the available factions to global dominance. The game provides numerous strategic and action-oriented approaches, surpassing the depth of most RTS games. Tactical moves like flanking maneuvers and outmaneuvering opponents hold substantial importance, creating a richer gameplay experience than many other similar games. Enthusiasts of the Age of Empires series will find immense enjoyment in the challenges and replayability offered by Total War: Empire. Additionally, the Total War series boasts a wide array of other titles, spanning from feudal Japan to the far reaches of the futuristic Warhammer 40k universe.
3. Age of Mythology
Undoubtedly, the most outstanding imitation of the Age of Empires series comes from the same developers who created the original franchise. Regardless of whether players are drawn to the concept of a more mythology-infused real-time strategy (RTS) game, they should definitely give this remarkable game a try. Age of Mythology not only boasts an active online multiplayer community but also features an unexpectedly compelling original storyline in its campaign, making it an essential experience for all enthusiasts of the original series.
The game, currently available on Steam with two expansion campaigns introducing new races, offers a unique blend of strategic gameplay. It introduces unconventional units like Centaurs and Fire Giants, which players rarely encounter in other RTS games. The availability of these units depends on the deity players choose to follow, adding an intriguing layer to the gameplay. By incorporating fantasy elements into a genre primarily grounded in historical contexts, Age of Mythology achieved a delightful balance, resulting in a profoundly enjoyable game that has rightfully earned its status as a timeless classic in the RTS genre.
4. Minecraft Legends
A recent addition to the real-time strategy (RTS) gaming landscape, Minecraft Legends, shares commonalities with Age Of Empires. It presents an RTS adaptation of the immensely popular and top-selling video game, Minecraft, which has branched out in various directions with titles like Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Earth. However, Minecraft Legends, the latest release, has the potential to captivate an entirely new audience within the block-filled universe.
In Minecraft Legends, players are immersed in a compelling narrative set in the Minecraft realm, where the world faces an invasion from the Nether by Piglins' armies. The player assumes the role of a character chosen by three enigmatic figures to lead the diverse creatures of the Overworld, including creepers and zombies, in a battle against the invading forces. Players must strategically build armies and defenses, timing their moves precisely to thwart the advancing piglin hordes. This involves engaging in battles, destroying enemy bases, and dismantling portals linking the Overworld and Nether. The game culminates in an intense final confrontation, offering an exhilarating storyline coupled with enjoyable and tactically designed gameplay. Particularly appealing to younger players, Minecraft Legends serves as an excellent introduction to the world of RTS games, reminiscent of the Age of Empires experience.
5. Frostpunk
A recent addition to the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, Frostpunk offers a significant challenge for players seeking a more demanding experience than what Age of Empires typically provides. Unlike Age of Empires, Frostpunk doesn't primarily focus on combat against enemies; instead, it revolves around the struggle for survival in a frozen landscape where resources are scarce, and every bit of heat is a precious commodity. This game is set in a world gripped by a global volcanic winter during the late 19th century, creating a mature-rated environment where survival is the ultimate goal.
Frostpunk has evolved into a successful franchise, sharing fundamental principles with the settlement-building aspects of Age of Empires. However, what truly sets Frostpunk apart from similar RTS games is its remarkable difficulty level. The game offers a substantial challenge, exceeding the expectations of most players accustomed to city-building survival games.
6. Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations stands out as a peculiar real-time strategy (RTS) game that drew significant inspiration from the Age of Empires series. It also incorporated elements from turn-based strategy games, introducing unique features previously unseen in the RTS genre, such as the ability to influence specific areas of the map, impacting gameplay dynamics. Surprisingly, despite its innovative ideas, Rise of Nations did not evolve into a franchise after its 2003 release, a fact that might puzzle many considering its groundbreaking concepts.
Unlike many other RTS games, Rise of Nations opted for a different approach. Instead of confining players to a single historical period, the game allowed them to traverse various epochs in human history. Players guided their civilizations through eight distinct ages, offering a choice of eighteen different civilizations to control. While the game faced initial balancing challenges, this did not prevent Rise of Nations from attaining cult status within the RTS genre, a reputation it continues to hold to this day.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Best World War 2 Games On PC In 2022
Comments