Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Big Huge Games, Ensemble Studios
- Publishers: MacSoft Games, Microsoft Game Studios
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties: A Journey to the East
Released in 2007, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is the second expansion pack for the popular real-time strategy game Age of Empires III. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios, The Asian Dynasties introduces three new civilizations to the game: China, Japan, and India. Each civilization has its own unique units, technologies, and playstyles, adding a significant amount of depth and variety to the gameplay.
New Civilizations
- China: The Chinese civilization is known for its powerful economy and advanced technologies. They have access to unique units such as the Chu Ko Nu, a long-range archer, and the Imperial Guard, a powerful melee infantry unit. China also has a number of unique buildings, including the Academy, which allows them to research technologies faster, and the Great Wall, which provides a defensive bonus to their settlements.
- Japan: The Japanese civilization is known for its skilled infantry and powerful navy. They have access to unique units such as the Ashigaru, a versatile infantry unit, and the Samurai, a powerful melee cavalry unit. Japan also has a number of unique buildings, including the Torii Gate, which allows them to train monks faster, and the Shogunate, which provides a bonus to their military units.
- India: The Indian civilization is known for its strong economy and powerful elephants. They have access to unique units such as the Sepoy, a versatile infantry unit, and the War Elephant, a powerful siege unit. India also has a number of unique buildings, including the Mosque, which allows them to train Imams faster, and the Taj Mahal, which provides a bonus to their economy.
New Campaigns
The Asian Dynasties expansion also introduces three new campaigns, each of which focuses on one of the new civilizations. The Chinese campaign tells the story of the Ming Dynasty’s rise to power, the Japanese campaign tells the story of the Tokugawa Shogunate’s unification of Japan, and the Indian campaign tells the story of the Mughal Empire’s expansion into India.
New Maps and Game Modes
In addition to the new civilizations and campaigns, The Asian Dynasties expansion also introduces a number of new maps and game modes. The new maps are designed to take advantage of the unique units and abilities of the new civilizations, and the new game modes add new ways to play the game.
Critical Reception
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the expansion for its new civilizations, campaigns, and maps, as well as its polished gameplay and graphics. The expansion was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is considered to be one of the best expansions for any real-time strategy game. It added a significant amount of content to the base game, and its new civilizations, campaigns, and maps are still enjoyed by players today. The expansion is also credited with helping to popularize the Age of Empires series in Asia, where it is still very popular today.
Conclusion
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is a must-have expansion for any fan of the Age of Empires series. It adds a significant amount of content to the base game, and its new civilizations, campaigns, and maps are still enjoyed by players today. Whether you’re a new player or a longtime fan, The Asian Dynasties is an expansion that you won’t want to miss.
Review Score
9/10
Art
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