Age of Mythology: Retold

Age of Mythology: Retold is a well-received remaster of the classic RTS, praised for its faithful recreation of the original experience with modern enhancements. The campaign and gameplay mechanics, including the favor system and god powers, have been thoughtfully updated, providing both nostalgia and fresh strategic depth. The introduction of new civilizations, especially the Chinese, and additional gods and myth units expand the game's content significantly. Visuals have been revamped with improved graphics, though some players note the style leans towards a mobile-game aesthetic rather than the original's charm.

Despite its strengths, the game faces criticism for technical issues such as crashes, graphical bugs, and performance problems even on high-end hardware. Some players find the AI lacking in challenge, and certain new game modes and DLC management are viewed as unbalanced or overly monetized. Voice acting and campaign storylines, particularly in the new Chinese campaign, receive mixed feedback. Overall, Retold offers a rich RTS experience with room for improvement in polish and balance.

Highlights

Players especially praise the refined gameplay mechanics like reusable god powers and the rock-paper-scissors unit dynamics. The updated graphics enhance the visual appeal while maintaining the original's spirit. The storyline, particularly the classic campaigns and the improved Chinese campaign, adds engaging content. New civilizations and gods broaden strategic options, and quality-of-life improvements such as autoscouting and hotkey customization are appreciated. The game retains a strong nostalgic value for longtime fans and introduces accessible RTS gameplay for newcomers.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include technical issues such as crashes, GPU optimization problems, and performance drops during large battles. The AI is often described as cheating or lacking genuine challenge. Some players dislike the new game modes like Arena of the Gods for being unbalanced. The Chinese campaign story and voice acting are seen as weak or poorly executed. Monetization strategies involving DLC and daily incentives frustrate parts of the community. Additionally, UI elements like the mini-map and unit pathing occasionally hinder gameplay experience.