Age of Empire 2 Wiki: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic RTS Game

Released in 1999 by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, Age of Empires II was a groundbreaking real-time strategy (RTS) game that captivated players worldwide with its engaging gameplay and rich historical setting. As part of the critically acclaimed Age of Empiles series, this sequel offered improved graphics, new units and buildings, as well as expanded campaign modes.

In Age of Empire 2 Wiki we'll delve into the world of medieval warfare, explore the various playable factions known as Civilizations, and discuss why this classic RTS game remains a beloved favorite among fans today!

Gameplay Mechanics

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Age of Empires II retained much of its predecessor's core gameplay mechanics while introducing several new features that helped set it apart from other RTS titles at the time. Players took on the role of leaders guiding their chosen Civilization through ages, gathering resources (food, wood, and gold), constructing buildings, training units, and ultimately vying for dominance over procedurally generated maps.

One significant improvement was the addition of unique unit upgrades per civilization; for example, Archers were faster but less effective than Knights. This added a layer of depth to resource management as players had to balance between military production and economic growth.

Campaigns & Campaign Editor

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Age of Empires II included three campaign modes:

1. The Crusades: A story-driven campaign that follows the First Crusade against the Muslim forces.

2. Conquest Mode: Single-player campaigns where you must defeat all opponents within a set time limit or number of turns taken.

3. Scenario Campaigns: Custom scenarios created by fans and community members.

The game also introduced an innovative feature called 'Campaign Editor,' which allowed players to create their own campaign using pre-made assets, maps, units, buildings, etc., providing virtually endless replayability potential!

Civilizations & Factions

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There were ten playable factions in Age of Empires II:

1. Franks (Western Europeans)

2. Byzantines (Eastern Romans / Greeks)

3. Saracens (Arabs and other Muslim states)

4. Goths (Germans and Vandals)

5. Vikings

6. English

7. Persians (Persian Empire under the Sassanian dynasty)

Each faction had its own unique units, buildings, technologies, and even special abilities when constructing certain structures or researching specific upgrades.

Graphics & Soundtrack

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Age of Empires II boasted improved graphics compared to its predecessor; detailed unit models, lush landscapes, and bustling cities made for an immersive experience. The game's score was equally memorable with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Jeremy Soule that perfectly complemented the medieval setting.

Legacy & Impact

Released in 1999, Age of Empires II quickly became one of the best-selling RTS games ever released on PC alone; its success led to numerous expansion packs and spin-offs across various platforms including Mac OS. The game's impact can still be felt today with many modern strategy titles citing it as a direct influence.

Age of Empire 2 Wiki concludes our journey through this classic real-time strategy masterpiece, exploring the gameplay mechanics that made it so compelling, its rich campaign modes, and how each faction brought their unique flavor to medieval warfare. Whether you're an old fan looking back fondly or new to the series altogether, Age of Empires II remains a timeless gem worth experiencing again and again.

References:

1. Age of Empires Wikipedia Article

2. Age of Empire 2 Official Website

Age of empire 2 wiki