
These examples demonstrate the strength of 4X games set in familiar settings, which partly explains their success and the challenges they face when transitioning to a fantasy setting.Īge of Wonders 4, however, excels at incorporating magic and high fantasy while remaining grounded and easily comprehensible. They know that advancing to gunpowder offers military advantages. Players understand the wheel’s purpose and the importance of the Bronze Age. Without consulting a tech tree guide, players can already determine their choices’ what, how, and why. Before playing a single turn, players are familiar with the cultures, locations, and history. Often, fantasy 4X games become mired in attempting to avoid cliches or overly complicating their lore, world, and units, resulting in a convoluted understanding of expectations and engagement rules. We’d also like to focus on an aspect many other fantasy 4X games have struggled with, but Age of Wonders 4 successfully creates relatable gameplay. Game pace, faction balance, and the tech tree’s robustness are all well-executed in this instalment. Units can be stacked up to six deep, with battles conducted through a swift yet strategic turn-based system. Heroes can now level up, acquire various skills, equip diverse weapons, and obtain different mounts. The return to a fantasy setting in Age of Wonders 4 brings numerous changes, including significant alterations to the combat and hero system compared to its predecessor. The in-game cinematics provides sufficient context to enhance your experience.

In fact, as a novice, you may find the game more enjoyable before attempting to grasp the entire backstory. Though the game features an intricate plot with rich lore, newcomers to the series need not delve into the previous instalments’ events. Throughout the journey, you’ll face formidable wizards and ancient beings that travel across dimensions, posing a constant threat to your realm.

A Thrilling Strategy Game of Enchantment and Intrigue!
