While fans still eagerly await Age of Empires 4, Microsoft has provided an appetizer to hold fans over in the form of Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. Like the updated versions of the prior two games, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is no mere remaster but a full fledged, modern remake, and it has the PC requirements to prove it.
Announced during Gamescom's opening night, Age of Empire 3: Definitive Edition's reveal trailer showcased the game's improvements. The game has been completely rebuilt to run in true 4k resolution and even includes remade 3D assets. Aside from the visuals, the music and sound have been enhanced as well with a remastered soundtrack and refined audio. Topping off all these upgrades is a brand new UI system that will help Age of Empires 3 feel at home in the modern age. All these come with a price, though, and the requirements on PC reflect that.
According to Steam, the following are the necessary specs for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. Unsurprisingly, the game requires Windows 10 and Directx 11. It's recommended the game be played with 4GB of video memory and 16GB of ram but Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition can run, at minimum settings, with half of that power. For processors, Microsoft recommends an Intel Core i5-3330 or AMD FX-8350 (or something equivalent) but the minimum specs only require an Intel Core i3-2105 or AMD Phenom II X4 955. As far as video cards go, a Nvidia GeForce GT 430, AMD Radeon HD 5570, or Intel HD Graphics 4400 will get the Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition running but, for the best performance, heftier cards are required. Microsoft recommends a Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 or AMD Radeon R9 FURY.
Apart from the various aesthetic improvements, Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition comes with some new gameplay options. First, there is a new mode called Historical Battles. As the name implies, these are individually designed missions that recreate famous battles from the game's time period, with the player being assigned a specific role in each conflict. What these modes lack in customization they make up for in craftsmanship. The other mode is Art of War, a popular game type that debuted in Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition. These skirmishes are short challenges that emphasize specific strategies like booming and rushing. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Addition will compliment these new modes with crossplay compatibility, meaning friends can play together across the PC and Xbox.
Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is also making some changes to the main campaign by adding two new civilizations to play with, the Incas and Swedes. According to the official announcement, the Incas handle similarly to other classic Age of Empire civilizations but the Swedes stand apart thanks to their “innovative military tactics.” This brings the total number of civilizations playable to 16.
Age of Empires is a beloved series with many continuing to play and adore the second game in the series. While Age of Empires 4 is still a long ways off, but thankfully still in development, fans can still embrace the revival of another classic entry. Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is set to release on October 15.
Sources: Steam, Age of Empires
