This encourages the player to think ahead and stack units that will work together effectively.

Up to six units can be stacked onto a single tile, making an army. The campaigns might be a bit too structured for some player’s tastes, but they work as a nice introduction to the mechanics.Īge of Wonders uses a hex-based grid similar to Civilization V, albeit with a bit more depth. The quests and levelling up mechanics combined with the turn-based strategy can sometimes cause the game to feel like a bit of a Jack of all trades, but don't mistake it for a master of none each of Age of Wonders III's systems has been smartly thought-through and lovingly crafted. If that sounds a bit like an RPG, that's because it is.

This is generally the goal of every game, although you'll also be able to take on optional quests that will strengthen your empire if completed (say, earning you a new hero and city) or weaken it (by losing units in battle). Every empire has at least one hero who acts as its leader and keeps their throne in the capital, and additional heroes can be recruited along the way.ĭuring the campaign you'll attempt to kill the enemy leader and take their throne.

A hero is a powerful character who has their own set of magic spells and stats that can be improved as they level up. After some pretty heavy reading on the game's high fantasy setting and mechanics, you're cast in the role of the Sundren, a High Elf and one of the many heroes you'll encounter in the game. Upon launching the game for the first time you are recommended to try out the Elven campaign (the game has two campaigns, the second sees you playing as the oppressive Commonwealth). While I haven't played the original games, the latest title is a great entry to the series for newcomers like myself, and has plenty of depth that should satisfy die-hard fans. It’s no surprise since this empire-building title appears to have learned quite a few lessons from Sid Meier’s series, but the game also offers up a few twists of its own that make it a unique and worthwhile experience.Ĭreated by Dutch developers Triumph Studios, the Age of Wonders series gained popularity when it began in the late '90s/early '00s, and fans having been waiting ever since for its revival. ‘Just one more turn’ - it’s a phrase I’ve said to myself many times during extended sessions of Civilization, and one that I said equally often during my time with Age of Wonders III.

Reviews // 11th May 2014 - 9 years ago // By Matt Girdler Age of Wonders III Review

Age of wonders 3 how many heroes