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A great add-on pack to this chapter in strategy series

A great add-on pack to this chapter in strategy series

Vote: (278 votes)

Program license: Trial version

Developer: Ageofempires3

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(278 votes)

Trial version

Developer

Ageofempires3

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Eye-catching graphics
  • A new twist on gathering resources
  • New multiplayer game type
  • Improved ambient sound and voice acting

Cons

  • Limited options for sea battles
  • Relatively short new campaign
  • Large learning curve between easy settings and difficult settings

Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties takes the tried-and-true methods of PC strategy games and adds an exciting element with new civilizations, campaigns, units, and more.

Age of Empires has remained one of the highest-grossing strategy franchises for the PC going all the way back to 1998, and Ensemble Studios continues to push the envelope of this genre with the release of Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties. This expansion adds a new twist to one of the newest Age of Empire releases and shifts the focus over to a number of diverse civilizations in central and eastern Asia. Here is a closer look at this expansion pack, what it adds to Age of Empires III, and what players can expect in terms of new gameplay options, units and other features.

When compared to other Age of Empires titles, most of which are only loosely based on historical battles and warfare, The Asian Dynasties takes a much more formulaic approach to historical accuracy. Players can begin the campaign as either Japan, India, or China, each around roughly the same period with some intermingling between the various cultures. The three unique campaigns also involve a number of influences from other cultures, including the English colonialists which become a major catalyst in both the story and tactics on the battlefield.

When playing multiplayer or the campaign, the primary difference that players are going to notice is the shift away from collecting resources, one of the most prominent ideas behind every other Age of Empires title. Instead of purely focusing on the collecting of timber, food, wood, gold and other resources, players have a number of other objectives that will help them take control of the battlefield. From taking a beachhead to finding hidden treasure, this title has quite a few new and unique charms of its own. As each civilization progresses, upgrading no longer involves the town center, but the strategic placement and building of wonders.

The multiplayer aspect of the game is nearly identical with only one major addition, a straightforward king of the hill game type. For those that have come to enjoy Age of Empires III and looking for a new test on a familiar combat engine and platform, The Asian Dynasties is an excellent way to get more gameplay out of this title.

Pros

  • Eye-catching graphics
  • A new twist on gathering resources
  • New multiplayer game type
  • Improved ambient sound and voice acting

Cons

  • Limited options for sea battles
  • Relatively short new campaign
  • Large learning curve between easy settings and difficult settings

This download is no longer available. This could be due to the program being discontinued, having a security issue or for some other reason.

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