The Age of Empires series stands as one of the most influential real-time strategy franchises in gaming history, developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. The saga began in 1997 with the groundbreaking original Age of Empires, designed by Bruce Shelley and Tony Goodman, which revolutionized the RTS genre by combining historical authenticity with accessible gameplay.
The first game introduced players to ancient civilizations spanning from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, featuring detailed unit animations, resource management, and technological advancement through different ages. What set it apart from contemporaries like Command & Conquer was its focus on the fascinating history of humanity (a bit inspired by the legendary Sid Meier's Civilization).
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (1999), also designed by Shelley with input from Sandy Petersen, elevated the series to legendary status. Set in the medieval period, it featured improved graphics, enhanced AI, and memorable historical campaigns following figures like William Wallace and Saladin. The game's perfect balance between complexity and accessibility, combined with its robust map editor and multiplayer modes, created a lasting community that persists today.
The series continued with Age of Empires III (2005), exploring the colonial era with enhanced 3D graphics and home city mechanics, though it received a more mixed reception. After a long hiatus, Age of Empires IV (2021) successfully revitalized the franchise.
