Post
Medieval warfare so compelling that a 1999 RTS is still getting expansion packs and tournament play in 2024.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings refined the historical RTS formula into something nearly perfect. Players guided one of 13 civilizations (expanded to over 40 in later editions) through four ages, from the Dark Age to the Imperial Age, balancing economy, military, and technology. The campaign mode brought historical scenarios to life, from William Wallace to Saladin to Joan of Arc. The game's balance between civilizations, with each having unique units and bonuses, created a competitive scene that has grown rather than shrunk over 25 years. The Definitive Edition in 2019 revitalized the game for a new generation.
Example
The 'Wololo' priest conversion sound from the original Age of Empires carried over into AoE II's cultural identity. Monk conversions in competitive play create some of the most dramatic moments in RTS history, as a single successful conversion can swing an entire battle by turning the enemy's most expensive unit against them.
Why it matters
Age of Empires II proved that RTS games could have extraordinary longevity when the core design is strong enough. Its competitive scene is one of the oldest continuously active in gaming. The game educated millions about medieval history and demonstrated that historical settings could be just as compelling as fantasy or science fiction for strategy games.
Related concepts