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Age of Mythology: Retold

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Age of Mythology: Retold
Item: Age of Mythology: Retold
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresStrategy, Single Player

AvailableDec 31, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperWorld's Edge

Overview

Gods will return. Heroes will rise. Legends will battle. Age of Mythology Retold is in production! We know that the Age of Mythology community has been hopefully waiting for a Definitive Edition, and we’ll be delivering. We’re working hard to bring you the glory of the original game with updated graphics, features and more.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Age of Mythology: Retold" earns a largely positive reception for its engaging narrative and homage to the original game, featuring Greek hero Arkantos and his battle against Gargarensis. Critics praise its storytelling balance across 50 missions and three unique arcs, enhancing player immersion. However, some point out weaknesses, noting the missions feel like tutorials and criticize the lack of depth and originality. While nostalgia and charm shine through, some players may be left wanting more innovation. Overall, it successfully retains the essence of the classic while delivering a captivating mythological experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of "Age of Mythology: Retold" is largely positive, with many critics appreciating the game's narrative structure and its homage to the original title. Reviewers like 4P.de and 4Players.de highlight the engaging storytelling centered around the Greek hero Arkantos and his battle against the Cyclops Gargarensis, noting that the narrative retains the charm of the original game. CGMagazine praises the single-player campaign's balance of storytelling and gameplay across its 50 missions, while Dot Esports emphasizes the substantial narrative experience provided by the campaign's three unique arcs and additional standalone scenarios. Critics such as GAMES.CH and GameStar commend the well-crafted narratives that intertwine various mythologies, indicating a rich storytelling experience that enhances player immersion. However, several critics point out weaknesses in the narrative, suggesting that it may not be as compelling as it could have been. Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected express disappointment, with the former describing the campaign missions as feeling more like extended tutorials than genuine challenges. Additionally, some reviewers, including Shacknews and PCGamesN, note that while the story offers a charming experience, it lacks depth and coherence, with narratives that sometimes feel incoherent or shoehorned. Critics like Gamereactor UK mention that the campaigns remain unchanged from the original game, which may disappoint players seeking new content. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from GAMINGbible and Gaming Nexus, suggest that the story may not be particularly engaging, leading some players to prefer other game modes. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Age of Mythology: Retold" successfully preserves the essence of its predecessor while offering an engaging narrative experience rooted in mythology. While there are criticisms regarding the depth and originality of the story, many reviewers appreciate the charm and nostalgia associated with the game's narrative. Critics like ZTGD highlight the captivating storytelling that enhances the rich lore of gods and heroes, while others recognize the game's focus on myth rather than historical accuracy as a defining feature. Ultimately, the game appears to strike a balance between delivering an enjoyable narrative experience and maintaining the classic elements that fans of the original title cherish.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold impresses critics with its successful blend of classic RTS elements and modern upgrades, featuring a captivating campaign and strategic depth enhanced by quality-of-life improvements. While praised for base-building and resource management, some note occasional chaos in battles and a steep learning curve for newcomers. The PC version shines, but console controls may feel awkward. Overall, it revitalizes the original game, appealing to both veterans and new players with its dynamic and rewarding gameplay, despite some minor criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Age of Mythology: Retold has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who appreciate its blend of classic real-time strategy (RTS) elements with modern enhancements. Reviewers from 4P.de and 4Players.de highlighted the game's engaging campaign, which retains the variety and technical diversity of the original, ensuring that players are not faced with repetitive tasks. Critics such as CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming praised the core gameplay loop for its strategic depth, enhanced by quality-of-life improvements like automation and the introduction of features such as the Villager Priority System and reusable god powers. The game has been noted for its satisfying base-building mechanics and resource management, which offer a rewarding experience for both seasoned RTS fans and newcomers alike, as emphasized by Dot Esports and Gamereactor UK. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out that while the gameplay retains classic RTS mechanics, it can occasionally feel outdated, as noted by New Game Network. Additionally, Shacknews observed that the gameplay sometimes devolves into chaotic battles, lacking the strategic depth that many players might expect. Critics like Gaming Nexus mentioned that the initial learning curve can be steep due to a limited tutorial, which may deter newcomers. Furthermore, while the gameplay on PC received praise, GAMINGbible and Gaming Nexus noted that the console experience could be awkward, with controls feeling clunky at times. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold successfully revitalizes a beloved classic while maintaining its core gameplay mechanics. The majority of reviewers, including those from IGN Brasil and Wccftech, emphasized the game's strategic depth and the effectiveness of its modern enhancements, which contribute to a more fluid and engaging experience. Critics generally agree that the game appeals particularly to fans of the genre, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the original. Despite some criticisms regarding the learning curve and occasional chaotic gameplay, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game provides a satisfying and dynamic RTS experience that is likely to resonate well with both veterans and new players alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold impresses with a visually stunning remaster that enhances the original's graphics while retaining its core charm. Critics praise the vibrant colors, detailed animations, and 4K optimization, making for an immersive experience. However, some elements still feel dated, with blocky graphics and plasticky character designs holding back the overall polish. Despite these critiques, the consensus remains positive, celebrating the game as a worthwhile visual upgrade that enriches gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Age of Mythology: Retold is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the significant improvements made over the original game. CGMagazine highlights the dramatic enhancements in clarity and detail, while Checkpoint Gaming notes the optimization for 4K screens, making the visuals more appealing. Critics like Gamereactor UK and Windows Central commend the vibrant colors, detailed animations, and immersive effects that contribute to a visually stunning experience. The remaster has successfully retained the essence of the original while elevating the graphics to modern standards, as noted by GamingTrend and Pure Xbox, who both emphasize the game's visual appeal and the captivating environments. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics have pointed out certain shortcomings in the graphical updates. PCGamesN mentions that while the graphics have been overhauled, they still retain a blocky quality, which may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, GamersRD notes that some 3D models may not meet current generation standards, suggesting a disparity between the remaster's ambitions and its execution. Furthermore, GAMINGbible criticizes the characters for appearing plasticky due to the retention of an old polygonal style, indicating that not all visual elements have been successfully modernized. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold delivers a visually impressive remaster that significantly enhances the original's graphics while preserving its core aesthetic. The majority of reviewers, including Inverse and New Game Network, agree that the game looks gorgeous and offers a rich visual experience. While there are some criticisms regarding specific elements that feel dated or lack polish, the overall reception is favorable, with most critics affirming that the visual upgrades contribute positively to the gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold shines with a revitalized soundtrack and improved sound design, earning praise for its orchestral score and immersive audio. However, the new voice acting has drawn criticism for being inconsistent and lacking emotional depth, potentially undermining the game's narrative. Overall, while the music enhances the experience, the voice work is a noticeable drawback.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Age of Mythology: Retold have received a generally positive reception among critics, highlighting significant improvements and enhancements from the original game. COGconnected praises the updated sound design, noting the rescored and rerecorded soundtrack, along with improved environmental audio and battle effects. Similarly, PC Games emphasizes the lively and orchestral feel of the completely re-recorded soundtrack, which many reviewers, including Impulsegamer, agree complements the game’s setting effectively. Windows Central also appreciates the remastered soundtrack, describing it as crisp and well-suited to the gameplay, while ZTGD lauds both the voice acting and soundtrack as top-notch, contributing to an immersive experience. However, the critiques surrounding the voice acting reveal a notable downside. Gamereactor UK points out that while the in-game music is marvelous, the new voiceovers are perceived as a downgrade from the original. New Game Network echoes this sentiment, indicating that the voice acting is inconsistent, with varying performance quality that does not set a high benchmark. Critics from GAMINGbible and Gaming Nexus further criticize the voice acting as lackluster and blocky, detracting from the overall experience. Try Hard Guides also mentions that sound quality feels dated, which could negatively impact players' immersion in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the soundtrack of Age of Mythology: Retold has been successfully revitalized and enhances the gaming experience, the voice acting remains a contentious issue. Many reviewers, such as New Game Network and GAMINGbible, highlight the inconsistency and emotional shortcomings of the voice performances, indicating that this aspect may hinder the game's narrative impact. Despite the mixed opinions on voice acting, the overall sound design and music improvements are largely seen as a step forward, with many critics appreciating the orchestral elements and remastered audio that elevate the game's mythological themes.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Age of Mythology: Retold receives mixed reviews: some critics praise over 50 new voice-acted scenarios for enhancing storytelling, while others lament the lack of emotional depth and engagement compared to the originals. While some find the updates immersive and top-notch, others call the performances lackluster and a major drawback. The disparities highlight a significant divide in player reception, suggesting room for improvement in capturing the essence of the game's narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Age of Mythology: Retold has received a mixed yet notably positive reception from several critics. COGconnected highlights the inclusion of over 50 voice-acted scenarios in the campaigns, which significantly enhances the storytelling experience. Similarly, GamesHub praises the fully voiced campaigns for adding depth to the narrative, while Impulsegamer notes that the re-recorded voice lines contribute positively to the overall presentation. ZTGD goes a step further, describing the voice acting as "top-notch," which adds to the immersive experience of the game. These positive remarks suggest that the voice acting has successfully enriched the game's storytelling, offering players an engaging experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Gamereactor UK points out that the new voiceovers lack the playful touch of the originals, rendering them more serious and less engaging. This sentiment is echoed by GAMINGbible, which describes the voice acting as lackluster, detracting from the overall campaign experience. Gaming Nexus takes a stronger stance, labeling the voice acting as a major drawback, with poorly delivered lines that lack emotional depth. MondoXbox also mentions that while the voice acting has been completely redone, bugs have hindered the overall experience. These criticisms highlight a significant divide in the reception of the voice acting, particularly concerning its emotional resonance and engagement level. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a complex landscape regarding the voice acting in Age of Mythology: Retold. While many reviewers, such as COGconnected and ZTGD, appreciate the enhancements made to the voice acting and its contribution to the storytelling, others like Gamereactor UK and Gaming Nexus express disappointment in the emotional delivery and engagement of the new performances. This dichotomy suggests that while the game has made strides in voice acting, it may not fully resonate with all players, leaving room for improvement. The mixed reviews indicate that the voice acting is a defining aspect of the game's narrative experience, but its execution may not meet the expectations set by its predecessor.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold impresses with solid performance on PC and Xbox Series X, praised for stability and modern engine. However, critics highlight persistent pathfinding issues, audio glitches, and occasional frame drops that mar the experience. While reception is generally positive, ongoing patches are needed to address these technical hiccups and enhance gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Age of Mythology: Retold has garnered a generally positive reception, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X. Critics have noted that the game runs smoothly, with CGMagazine and IGN Brasil highlighting its stable performance and absence of significant bugs. GamersRD also commended the game's excellent performance, despite mentioning minor stutters during cinematic transitions. The game’s modern engine has been praised by PC Games, ensuring good stability and performance, especially with crossplay features. On Xbox Series X, Gaming Nexus reported steady frame rates and reasonable load times, while Pure Xbox noted that the performance is relatively close to the PC version at launch. However, several critics pointed out notable technical issues that detract from the overall experience on both platforms. On PC, Gamereactor UK and New Game Network specifically mentioned persistent pathfinding issues that can lead to frustrating gameplay moments, with Inverse also citing audio glitches. Windows Central echoed these sentiments, noting bugs and performance hiccups during specific missions. On Xbox Series X, while the performance is generally good, MondoXbox highlighted a bug affecting voice acting, and XboxEra pointed out occasional frame drops during intense gameplay, as well as AI behavior issues. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Age of Mythology: Retold performs well across both PC and Xbox Series X, with a mix of minor bugs and pathfinding issues that are expected to be addressed in future patches. While the game has received praise for its modernized engine and stable performance, the recurring mention of pathfinding and AI behavior problems indicates that further optimization is necessary. Critics like Impulsegamer and Wccftech acknowledge that while the game is built on a solid foundation, ongoing support and updates will be crucial in enhancing the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold shines with impressive replay value, thanks to its rich content, diverse gameplay, and engaging multiplayer options. Critics praise the robust map editor and extensive single-player campaigns, offering hours of entertainment. However, some express concerns over campaign difficulty and structural issues that might dampen long-term interest. Overall, the game effectively caters to both newcomers and veterans, promising an enjoyable experience despite a few drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Age of Mythology: Retold is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics highlighting the game's extensive content and variety of gameplay options. CGMagazine emphasizes the unique multiplayer experiences and randomly generated maps that encourage players to revisit missions. Similarly, COGconnected and GamesHub point out the robust map editor and diverse pantheon choices, which further enhance replayability. Critics like GamersRD and Impulsegamer note that the game features around 50 missions, providing long hours of engaging gameplay, while Dot Esports and PCGamesN highlight the numerous multiplayer options and mod support, allowing for a customizable experience that can keep players entertained for extended periods. Despite the strong praise, some critics express concerns about certain aspects that may affect replay value. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that while the variety of strategies is appealing, some players might find the campaigns too easy, potentially diminishing the challenge and long-term engagement. Shacknews raises a similar point, suggesting that although varied objectives enhance replayability, the overall structural improvements may not be sufficient to sustain long-term interest. These criticisms indicate that while the game offers a wealth of content, there are elements that could be perceived as drawbacks for players seeking a more challenging experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold provides an impressive replay value, bolstered by its extensive single-player campaigns, multiplayer options, and customizable gameplay features. Most reviewers, including GamingTrend and Wccftech, agree that the combination of new gameplay features and a massive campaign contributes to a highly replayable experience. Despite some concerns about campaign difficulty and structural improvements, the majority of critics believe that the game successfully caters to both new and returning players, ensuring they will find plenty to enjoy in their gaming sessions.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Age of Mythology: Retold is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its successful blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. Reviewers like 4P.de and 4Players.de express satisfaction with the remake, highlighting that the long wait was worthwhile and that the game evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. CGMagazine commends the reimagining for preserving the essence of the original while appealing to both fans and newcomers, and Checkpoint Gaming notes significant upgrades and accessibility improvements that enhance the experience for all players. Critics such as Gamereactor UK and GamingTrend emphasize the upgraded graphics and solid gameplay, reinforcing the notion that this remaster is a must-play for both veterans and those new to the franchise. Despite the positive reception, some critics point out areas where the game falls short. Shacknews questions the necessity of the remaster, suggesting that it lacks substantial changes compared to newer titles in the genre. Additionally, IGN Brasil raises concerns about monetization aspects that may create a pay-to-win atmosphere, while GAMINGbible mentions dull campaign content and controller issues on Xbox Series X. These criticisms indicate that while the remaster is generally well-received, there are elements that could detract from the overall experience, particularly for players seeking innovation or depth in campaign content. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold is a well-executed remaster that successfully revitalizes a classic RTS for modern audiences. Reviewers like ZTGD and Windows Central highlight the game's ability to balance nostalgia with contemporary updates, making it an enjoyable experience for both returning fans and newcomers. While there are some criticisms regarding the campaign and potential monetization issues, the majority of opinions lean towards a very good overall verdict, solidifying the game's status as a noteworthy entry in the strategy genre.

TL;DR

Age of Mythology: Retold has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its nostalgic charm and modern enhancements that appeal to both veterans and newcomers. Critics highlight upgraded graphics and gameplay, making it a must-play in the RTS genre. However, some concerns linger about its lack of significant innovation, potential pay-to-win elements, and dull campaign content. Overall, it's a solid remaster that revitalizes a classic, despite a few drawbacks.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

100

Impulsegamer

Aug 28, 2024