Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!
Players can create their own unique factions by choosing a form (physical appearance), race attributes, culture, society traits, and magical tomes. This allows for an almost endless combination of fantasy civilizations, from evil barbarian kitties to angelic mole people. The game also lets players customize the realm they play in, with a variety of environments, features, and challenges to discover. Each game can take place in a new and unique world, keeping the experience fresh.
The progression system revolves around researching magical tomes, which provide a web of upgrades, spells, units, and buildings. As players progress, they can unlock increasingly powerful abilities and transform their people in fantastical ways. The tech tree is not a linear progression, but rather an interconnected web of choices, encouraging experimentation and replayability.
At its core, the game is a robust 4X strategy experience. Players must explore the map, expand their empire by capturing territories, exploit resources, and exterminate rival factions. The turn-based combat is a highlight, with large-scale tactical battles that showcase the varied units and magical abilities of each faction. Players must carefully consider their unit compositions and use of spells to gain the upper hand.
The extremely customizable factions and realms offer tremendous replayability. Each game can have a vastly different tone, playstyle, and narrative arc, as players shape the world and their civilization's destiny. The game also incorporates a storytelling system that generates unique events and scenarios as the game progresses, helping each playthrough feel distinct.
The game provides an extremely flexible and engaging 4X strategy experience, with deep faction customization, a compelling tech tree, and a strong focus on replayability and emergent storytelling. While it may have a steep learning curve, the wealth of options and tactical depth will appeal to hardcore strategy fans.