Age of Mythology: Retold

The story of Age of Mythology: Retold is generally praised for its rich mythological integration and nostalgic appeal, with many critics highlighting its engaging campaigns and unique narrative elements. Reviewers like Gamer.nl and GAMES.CH commend the game for weaving together diverse mythologies—Greek, Egyptian, Nordic, and Atlantean—into distinct storylines that offer a "rich narrative experience" and "ample cutscenes" to enhance storytelling. Gameblog.fr and TheXboxHub note the compelling adventures of characters such as Arkantos and Ajax, with varied missions that "draw players in" through epic events like the Trojan War. XboxEra and ZTGD emphasize the immersive world of gods and mythical creatures, while Inverse and Atomix applaud the "imaginative missions" and "memorable characters," suggesting the narrative retains its charm despite being rooted in classic RTS mechanics. The campaigns are seen as a gateway to exploring legendary battles and divine powers, with Try Hard Guides appreciating the inclusion of lesser-known mythological figures that add depth. However, several critics point out significant shortcomings in the story’s depth and execution. PC Gamer and CD-Action criticize the lack of character development, calling the narrative "somewhat Hollywood-like" and "not as impactful" as the original. Shacknews and SpazioGames highlight issues with incoherent writing, "shoehorned" plots, and humor that feels "out of place," while Gaming Nexus specifically notes that "voice acting detracts from the experience." MGG and Gameliner argue that the campaigns feel outdated, focusing on repetitive base-building and destruction mechanics rather than evolving narratives. SomosXbox points out the underrepresentation of certain cultures, like the Egyptian, and Gamereactor UK mentions that the campaigns are "unchanged from the original," which may disappoint players seeking fresh single-player content. These critiques suggest the story struggles to balance mythological flair with meaningful character arcs or modern storytelling techniques. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold delivers a nostalgic, mythologically rich experience that appeals to fans of the original and RTS enthusiasts, but it falls short in terms of narrative depth and innovation. While GamesHub and Gamer.nl praise its "imaginative missions" and "familiar narrative," others like MGG and SpazioGames feel it lacks the sophistication of contemporary games. The story’s strengths lie in its creative use of mythology and engaging gameplay, but its weaknesses—such as inconsistent writing, outdated mechanics, and shallow character portrayals—limit its broader appeal. Despite these flaws, many reviewers acknowledge its value as a tribute to the original, with IGN Italia and 4Players.de noting the preservation of core elements, even if they feel "typical" for a strategy game. The mixed reception underscores a game that honors its legacy but may not fully satisfy modern expectations for storytelling.

The majority of critics praised Age of Mythology: Retold for its faithful retention of classic real-time strategy (RTS) mechanics while introducing modern enhancements that elevate the gameplay experience. Many highlighted the game’s core elements, such as resource management, base building, and strategic combat, which remain rooted in the original’s design but are refined with features like the "villager priority system," reusable god powers, and a fifth age, adding layers of depth and flexibility (GAMES.CH, CGMagazine, Wccftech). The inclusion of diverse civilizations, each with unique abilities and mythological units, was frequently noted as a strength, offering varied playstyles and strategies (PC Gamer, MGG, Gamereactor UK). Critics like GameStar and GamingTrend emphasized the nostalgic yet fresh approach, with updated mechanics such as improved pathfinding, a cooldown system for divine powers, and enhanced AI making the experience more engaging. Atomix and Gamer.nl also commended the balance between accessibility and complexity, with features like the faith resource and dynamic unit types allowing for creative approaches to combat and empire-building. These improvements collectively reinforced the game’s appeal to both veterans and newcomers, maintaining its identity while modernizing key systems. However, some reviewers pointed out drawbacks that slightly detract from the experience. PC Invasion criticized the gameplay for feeling repetitive, as players often fall back on the same strategies, reducing excitement in matches. Shacknews noted that while the game offers aggressive strategies and divine powers, it can devolve into chaotic battles lacking deeper tactical nuance. GAMINGbible and TheXboxHub mentioned console-specific issues, with awkward controls on the Xbox Series X and a simplified, "easy" initial learning curve that might not satisfy all players. Additionally, Oyungezer and Vandal highlighted AI inconsistencies and balance problems that occasionally disrupt immersion, while Multiplayer.it and Gameliner suggested that the campaign’s tutorial could be more robust. These critiques, though present, were generally overshadowed by the positive reception, indicating that while the game isn’t without flaws, its strengths dominate the overall assessment. Despite these minor criticisms, the consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay of Age of Mythology: Retold being celebrated as a strong evolution of the classic RTS formula. The game’s ability to blend historical and mythical elements, paired with strategic depth from god powers and civilization-specific mechanics, was frequently lauded as a key selling point (Gamer.nl, PC Gamer, IGN Italia). While some noted issues like repetition or control limitations, the majority emphasized that these were outweighed by the game’s engaging core loop, quality-of-life upgrades, and enhanced replayability. GameStar described it as a "very good real-time strategy game," and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted its balance of nostalgia and innovation, making it a compelling choice for fans of the genre. The general sentiment reflects that Retold successfully modernizes its predecessor without losing the essence that made it beloved, earning it a place as a standout entry in the RTS landscape.

The majority of critics praised the graphical and visual design improvements in Age of Mythology: Retold, highlighting its successful modernization while respecting its original aesthetic. Gameblog.fr noted a complete overhaul to meet modern standards, with enhanced character models, dynamic lighting, and vibrant environments, while Voxel and ZTGD emphasized 4K resolution and stunning environmental details that make the mythological worlds immersive. IGN Brasil and Vgames commended the updated textures, refined models, and ray-tracing support, which elevate the game’s fantastical settings. Many reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and TheXboxHub, appreciated the Bang Engine’s role in delivering improved animations, detailed backdrops, and a whimsical cutscene style that retains the game’s classic charm. PC Games and COGconnected specifically called it the "best-looking version" of the title, with sharper visuals and higher resolutions that appeal to both veterans and newcomers. These upgrades were seen as a significant step forward, balancing nostalgia with contemporary polish. However, some critics pointed out lingering issues that detract from the experience. GAMINGbible and PCGamesN noted that the character models still carry an old polygonal style, with the former criticizing their "plasticky" appearance and the latter mentioning a "blocky quality" and overly detailed, generic art compared to the original’s painterly charm. Others, like GameStar and Gameliner, acknowledged minor flaws, such as awkward animations or performance inconsistencies on different systems. TierraGamer and Vandal observed that while the visuals are improved, certain cinematic elements or details still feel outdated, and some areas, like close-up scenes, lack the polish of top-tier modern titles. Additionally, IGN Spain and GamesHub mentioned that while the art style is unique, it occasionally sacrifices clarity for realism, and a few critics, like MGG, questioned whether the graphical enhancements alone justify the purchase over older versions with more content. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Age of Mythology: Retold delivers a visually appealing and nostalgic yet modernized experience. Reviews from GameMAG, Push Square, and XboxEra emphasized the respectful retention of the original’s essence while updating its look, and IGN Italia praised the detailed character models and destruction physics. While some imperfections were noted—such as the "plasticky" characters or outdated cinematics—these were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise impressive overhaul. The game’s vibrant color palette, improved environments, and support for modern resolutions like RTX and ultrawide were frequently highlighted as standout features, ensuring that its visual design remains a strong selling point. As a result, the majority of critics viewed the graphical updates as a significant success, enhancing the game’s accessibility and appeal without losing its core identity.

The overall sentiment toward the sound design and music of Age of Mythology: Retold is largely positive, with many critics praising the new symphonic and orchestral elements that enhance the game's atmosphere. Several reviewers, such as Gameliner, highlighted the fantastic orchestral soundtrack, which elevates the game's mythological epic feel. Gameblog.fr and Impulsegamer both noted that the re-recorded symphonic soundtrack maintains quality while adding a fresh dynamism, and PLAY! Zine emphasized that the live orchestral recording evokes nostalgia and enriches the gaming experience. Vandal also appreciated the rearranged original soundtrack, which improves its memorability, while Windows Central praised the faithful remastering of the audio, offering a crisp and immersive experience. Additionally, Generación Xbox and PlayStation Universe commended the immersive Spanish and Italian voice acting, respectively, which contributes to the game's narrative and lore delivery. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting and localization, particularly in non-English languages. Gamersky and IGN Spain pointed out issues with the quality of localization and translation, citing errors in text and inconsistencies between languages. SpazioGames criticized the new voice acting as flat and didactic, while GAMINGbible and Gaming Nexus described it as lacklustre and blocky, respectively, which detracted from the campaign experience. Hobby Consolas noted volume balancing problems, and COGconnected and New Game Network mentioned that while the voice acting serves the game's narrative, it doesn't always meet high expectations. Some critics also pointed out that the original sound design, while still effective, may feel dated compared to modern standards, as noted by SomosXbox. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is that the sound design and music improvements in Age of Mythology: Retold are a significant positive addition, especially for fans of the original. While some voice acting and localization issues persist, many praise the orchestral and symphonic updates as a welcome enhancement. The ability to toggle between original and new audio, as mentioned by CD-Action, adds flexibility, and the overall sound quality, including environmental and battle effects, is seen as a strong point by several critics. The mixed feedback on voice acting suggests that while the music is widely celebrated, the audio experience is more nuanced, with some regional versions showing more promise than others. Overall, the remaster's sound design is viewed as a step in the right direction, even if not without its flaws.

The voice acting in Age of Mythology: Retold receives several positive remarks, with critics highlighting its role in enhancing storytelling and immersion. COGconnected and GamesHub both praise the inclusion of over 50 voice-acted campaign scenarios, noting that this adds depth to the narrative. ZTGD and PlayStation Universe commend the quality of the voice acting, with the former calling it "top-notch" and the latter emphasizing its solid contribution to lore delivery and immersion. MeuPlayStation and Generación Xbox appreciate the addition of Portuguese and Spanish voiceovers, respectively, as they enrich the game’s accessibility and cultural reach. Impulsegamer and Hobby Consolas also acknowledge the re-recorded lines and familiar actors, which they argue elevate the overall presentation, even if not groundbreaking. These positives suggest that the voice acting is a meaningful addition for many players, particularly in campaign modes. However, the negatives are more pronounced, with several critics pointing to inconsistencies, technical issues, and a lack of emotional depth. Atomix notes that while Latin Spanish voiceovers improve accessibility, the quality varies, with some characters lacking the original’s depth. Gamereactor UK and SpazioGames criticize the new voiceovers for being overly serious and "didactic," respectively, which they feel detracts from the game’s engaging tone. Gamersky and IGN Spain highlight poor translation quality, while PC Gamer and Gaming Nexus take issue with "poor accents" and "wooden" performances that fail to match contemporary standards. Multiplayer.it expresses disappointment with the Italian voice actors, and TierraGamer points to audio desynchronization problems when switching languages. These critiques reveal a recurring concern about the voice acting’s technical and artistic shortcomings, which some argue undermine the experience. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting both appreciation for the effort to localize and expand the game’s voice options, and frustration with execution flaws. While some praise the improved quality over the original and the added immersion through regional voiceovers, others emphasize that the voice acting often falls short in terms of consistency, emotional nuance, and technical polish. Atomix, SpazioGames, and TheXboxHub note that the new performances, though present, lack the original’s charm or depth, and issues like translation errors, volume imbalances, and desynchronization further dilute their impact. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge that the voice acting is a step forward for the remaster, even if it doesn’t fully meet the expectations set by modern standards. The divide between praise and criticism underscores a game that, while improved, still struggles to deliver a cohesive and polished audio experience.

The technical performance of Age of Mythology: Retold receives generally positive feedback across all platforms, with critics highlighting its stability, modernized engine, and visual improvements. On PC, reviewers like CD-Action and IGN Brasil note the game runs smoothly without major issues, while Voxel praises its stability during large battles. Gaming Nexus and Generación Xbox commend the Xbox Series X version for steady frame rates and reasonable load times, and MeuPlayStation highlights smooth multiplayer on PS5. PC Games emphasizes the modern engine’s role in ensuring good performance, while Merlin'in Kazanı and Vandal acknowledge its accessibility on modern hardware. Overall, the game’s technical foundation is seen as robust, with many critics praising its ability to handle high-resolution settings and crossplay features. However, several technical shortcomings are reported, particularly on PC. Gameblog.fr and Gamereactor UK point to pathfinding issues causing unit movement problems, while Gamer.nl mentions crashes and performance variability. Gameliner and Oyungezer note animation glitches, and XboxEra highlights occasional frame drops during intense moments. On Xbox, Eurogamer Germany and Pure Xbox mention pop-in and loading delays, while MondoXbox notes a voice acting bug requiring a patch. MeuPlayStation and PlayStation Universe cite control adaptation and audio bugs on PS5, though these are minor. While most issues are described as non-critical, they collectively suggest areas needing refinement, particularly in AI behavior and optimization for diverse hardware. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold delivers a technically solid experience, with platform-specific optimizations and ongoing developer support. IGN Italia and XboxEra acknowledge improvements over the original, while Gamer.nl and XboxEra express optimism about future fixes. PC Games and Voxel emphasize the game’s stability and performance, and SomosXbox notes consistent performance across PC and Xbox. While GameMAG and XboxEra highlight minor bugs, the majority of reviews frame these as manageable issues rather than deal-breakers. The game’s technical performance is broadly seen as a success, with critics agreeing that its strengths—such as modernized visuals and stable core mechanics—outweigh its technical imperfections.

The majority of critics highlight the strong replay value of Age of Mythology: Retold through its diverse array of content and features. Multiple campaigns, such as the three included in the base game (as noted by Voxel and PLAY! Zine), along with the ability to create custom scenarios via the map editor and mod support, provide players with endless opportunities for experimentation. Gameliner and Gamer.nl emphasize the game’s extensive skirmish modes and Mythical Battle scenarios, which cater to both singleplayer and multiplayer enthusiasts. The inclusion of varied pantheons, civilizations, and god mechanics (as mentioned by Gamer.nl and Gamedeck) allows for unique strategies and playstyles, while Gameblog.fr and GAMES.CH point to random map generation and planned DLCs as key factors in keeping the experience fresh. PCGamesN and Vandal also praise the game’s flexibility, with PCGamesN specifically noting the "customizable experience" and Vandal highlighting the "reusable god powers" that alter gameplay dynamics. These elements collectively create a foundation for sustained engagement, particularly for fans of the original Age of Mythology and strategy enthusiasts. However, some critics express concerns about potential limitations. MGG points out that the "limited number of civilizations" could hinder long-term replayability, while SpazioGames notes the game lacks the "extensive additional content" seen in titles like Age of Empires II. Shacknews and PC Gamer mention that while the game has "varied gameplay," its "repetitive structure" might deter players over time, and PC Games questions the "structural improvements" that could impact long-term appeal. Additionally, Gaming Nexus suggests that the single-player campaign, though substantial, is the "main draw," implying that multiplayer might not be as robust for all audiences. These critiques, while not overwhelming, indicate that the game’s replay value is more dependent on its core features and future updates than on its inherent depth or innovation. Despite these minor reservations, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that Age of Mythology: Retold delivers high replay value. Most reviews, including those from Gamer.nl, GAMES.CH, and Generación Xbox, stress that the game’s combination of campaigns, multiplayer, and modding tools ensures players can revisit it for hours, if not years. While some note that the game’s replayability is "good" rather than "excellent" (e.g., Shacknews and MGG), the general sentiment leans toward its ability to "encourage players to improve their skills" (Gamer.nl) and "explore different strategies" (Checkpoint Gaming). The promise of future expansions and the nostalgic appeal for returning fans further bolster this view, as highlighted by Voxel and GAMES.CH. Overall, the game is seen as a durable, content-rich experience that successfully balances accessibility and depth, making it a compelling choice for strategy lovers seeking variety.