Summary

Release Year: 2012
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Forgotten Empires LLC

Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires (2012) Review

Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires is the second official expansion pack for Age of Empires II, one of the most popular real-time strategy (RTS) games of all time. Developed by SkyBox Labs and Forgotten Empires Studios, and released in 2013 exclusively on Steam, Forgotten Empires expands upon the base game with five new civilizations, new units and technologies, new maps, enhanced AI, a higher population limit, greater on-screen rendering, bug fixes, and several tweaks to old units, technologies, and bonuses for improved gameplay balance.

New Civilizations

Forgotten Empires introduces five new civilizations to Age of Empires II: the Incas, Indians, Italians, Magyars, and Slavs. Each civilization has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as unique units and technologies.

Incas: The Incas are a South American civilization that is focused on agriculture and defense. They have access to the unique Llama unit, which can be used to transport resources and garrisoned to provide extra protection for buildings.
Indians: The Indians are a South Asian civilization that is focused on trade and naval warfare. They have access to the unique Elephant Archer unit, which is a powerful ranged unit that can also be used to transport resources.
Italians: The Italians are a European civilization that is focused on commerce and diplomacy. They have access to the unique Condottiero unit, which is a powerful infantry unit that can be upgraded to various specialized roles.
Magyars: The Magyars are a Central European civilization that is focused on cavalry and raiding. They have access to the unique Hussar unit, which is a fast and powerful cavalry unit that can be used to raid enemy bases.
Slavs: The Slavs are an Eastern European civilization that is focused on infantry and siege warfare. They have access to the unique Boyar unit, which is a powerful infantry unit that can be upgraded to various specialized roles.

New Units and Technologies

In addition to the new civilizations, Forgotten Empires also introduces a number of new units and technologies to Age of Empires II. These new units and technologies add new strategic possibilities to the game, and they can be used to create new and innovative army compositions.

Some of the new units and technologies introduced in Forgotten Empires include:

Cataphract: A powerful cavalry unit that is available to the Byzantines, Persians, and Slavs.
Genoese Crossbowman: A powerful ranged unit that is available to the Italians and Genoese.
Huskarl: A powerful infantry unit that is available to the Vikings and Goths.
Janissary: A powerful gunpowder unit that is available to the Turks and Berbers.
Trebuchet: A powerful siege weapon that is available to all civilizations.

New Maps

Forgotten Empires also introduces a number of new maps to Age of Empires II. These new maps offer a variety of different terrains and challenges, and they can be used to create new and exciting multiplayer matches.

Some of the new maps introduced in Forgotten Empires include:

Amazonia: A large map with a dense jungle terrain.
Central Asia: A large map with a steppe terrain.
Himalayas: A large map with a mountainous terrain.
Mediterranean: A large map with a Mediterranean coastline.
Sahara: A large map with a desert terrain.

Enhanced AI

The AI in Forgotten Empires has been significantly enhanced over the AI in the base game. The new AI is more aggressive and challenging, and it is able to adapt to different strategies. This makes the game more challenging and rewarding, especially for experienced players.

Higher Population Limit

The population limit in Forgotten Empires has been increased from 200 to 250. This allows players to build larger armies and economies, which can lead to longer and more epic battles.

Greater On-Screen Rendering

The on-screen rendering in Forgotten Empires has been improved, which results in a more detailed and visually appealing game world. This makes the game more immersive and enjoyable to play.

Bug Fixes and Gameplay Tweaks

Forgotten Empires also includes a number of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks. These fixes and tweaks improve the stability and balance of the game, and they make the game more enjoyable to play.

Overall

Age of Empires II: Forgotten Empires is a fantastic expansion pack that adds a lot of new content and improvements to the base game. The new civilizations, units, technologies, maps, and AI enhancements all add new strategic possibilities to the game, and they make the game more challenging and rewarding to play. If you are a fan of Age of Empires II, then Forgotten Empires is a must-have expansion pack.