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MONSTER

Age of Wonders 4

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Age of Wonders 4
Item: Age of Wonders 4
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMay 2, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperTriumph Studios

Overview

Rule a fantasy realm of your own design in Age of Wonders 4! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn. Triumph Studios’ award-winning strategy series has emerged into a new age, evolving the game’s iconic empire building, role-playing, and warfare to the next level. A new storytelling event system and hugely customizable empires provide an endlessly replayable experience, where each game adds a new chapter to your ever-growing saga. Powerful Wizard Kings have returned to the realms to reign as gods among mortals. Claim and master the Tomes of Magic to evolve your people, and prepare for an epic battle that will determine the ages to come.

Elsewhere

7.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about Age of Wonders 4's story. While some praise its engaging fantasy setting, faction dynamics, and immersive player choices, others lament the lack of depth and coherence in the narrative. The game offers enjoyable missions and themed realms, but many feel it falls short compared to previous installments, with fragmented storytelling and shallow mini-stories. Overall, it’s a rich backdrop that may not fully satisfy those craving a comprehensive narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Age of Wonders 4 reveal a range of positive elements that highlight its engaging fantasy setting and the intricate dynamics of power among various factions. Reviewers like IGN and Finger Guns commend the game for its well-crafted fantasy narrative, with IGN noting the account-level progression and themed realms that enhance the storytelling experience. The overarching conflict between factions, such as the Covenant and the Shad'Rai, as mentioned by Finger Guns, adds depth to the gameplay, while GameGrin appreciates the enjoyable story mode and clear objectives that encourage exploration. Additionally, TheGamer highlights an impactful campaign where player choices lead to significant consequences, suggesting that the narrative can be both engaging and immersive. However, several critics express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the story presentation. GameMAG points out that the story mode lacks the depth found in previous installments, presenting only a collection of mini-stories that limit gameplay. SECTOR.sk echoes this sentiment, noting the absence of a fully developed narrative as a downside. GameSkinny also critiques the clash between the story campaign and sandbox gameplay, indicating that the multitude of mechanics can detract from the overall experience. Moreover, while some reviewers like GAMES.CH and Gamereactor UK emphasize the strong focus on storytelling, others like TheXboxHub and Wccftech suggest that the narrative feels fragmented and scattered, lacking a cohesive structure. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear division between those who appreciate the fantasy elements and engaging missions and those who find the story lacking in depth and coherence. While some, like GameGrin and PC Gamer, find enjoyment in the structured missions and objectives, others, such as GameMAG and SECTOR.sk, feel that the game falls short of delivering a robust narrative experience. This divergence indicates that while Age of Wonders 4 offers a rich fantasy backdrop and intriguing faction dynamics, it may not fully satisfy players seeking a comprehensive and immersive story akin to its predecessors.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 impresses with its engaging 4X gameplay, blending XCOM-style battles with Civ-like empire management and extensive customization options. Critics laud its strategic depth and immersive mechanics, though some note a lack of innovation and call for improvements in combat variety and campaign complexity. Overall, it's a compelling strategy experience that caters well to genre fans, despite some areas needing refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Age of Wonders 4 has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its rich and engaging mechanics that cater to fans of the 4X genre. Many reviewers, such as Windows Central and IGN, praised the ambitious fusion of various gameplay elements, including XCOM-style turn-based battles and Civ-like empire management, which contribute to a deep and immersive experience. The game allows for extensive customization, with options for creating unique factions and heroes, as noted by GameWatcher and God is a Geek. The strategic depth in both exploration and combat, as well as the robust diplomacy system, has been recognized as a significant strength, with TheXboxHub emphasizing the importance of tactical decision-making in battles and the variety of gameplay options available. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out areas where the gameplay could improve. GameMAG mentioned a lack of significant innovation, suggesting that while the core mechanics are solid, they do not push the boundaries of the genre. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and GameGrin noted that while combat is engaging, it can sometimes feel overwhelming or simplistic, and the variety in combat arenas could be enhanced. Furthermore, Riot Pixels highlighted that the campaign mode lacks depth and complexity, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. These criticisms indicate that while the game excels in many areas, there are aspects that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 delivers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of strategy games. The combination of turn-based tactics, empire management, and customization options creates a rich tapestry of gameplay that invites experimentation and strategic thinking. As noted by Shacknews and PC Gamer, the game offers a deep grand strategy experience with meaningful choices that can impact gameplay significantly. While there are some criticisms regarding innovation and combat complexity, the majority of reviewers agree that the game successfully captures the essence of the 4X genre and provides a satisfying experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 dazzles with its vibrant graphics and rich fantasy visuals, earning praise for its art style and diverse landscapes. Critics highlight engaging customization options that enhance visual appeal, but some note a lack of innovation from past titles and issues like framerate stutters and unclear visual cues. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the game’s stunning aesthetics shine through, making it a strong contender in the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Age of Wonders 4 have garnered a predominantly positive reception from critics, highlighting the game’s vibrant and richly detailed fantasy world. Reviewers such as Windows Central and But Why Tho? praised the game for its gorgeous art and vibrant colors, which effectively capture the essence of a high fantasy setting. Critics like New Game Network and PC Gamer also noted the impressive visuals, emphasizing the diversity in landscapes and the detailed unit designs that contribute to an immersive experience. The game’s customization options, as highlighted by Screen Rant and Shacknews, further enhance the visual appeal, allowing players to personalize their heroes and units in a visually engaging manner. However, there are some criticisms regarding the graphics that cannot be overlooked. GameMAG pointed out that the game shows minimal changes from its predecessors, lacking standout visual elements that could elevate the experience. COGconnected mentioned that while the strategic map and structures look great, the tactical battlefields suffer from a lack of detail and framerate stutters, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, SECTOR.sk raised concerns about visibility on the map, indicating that the colorful graphics sometimes lead to unclear visual cues that may confuse players during gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 presents a visually appealing experience that successfully captures the fantasy genre. While some reviewers noted areas for improvement, particularly regarding clarity and detail in certain aspects, the majority acknowledged the game’s colorful graphics, creative unit designs, and the overall aesthetic that enhances the gameplay experience. Critics like IGN and PCGamesN encapsulated this sentiment by praising the balance between realism and stylization in the graphics and UI, reinforcing that despite some minor flaws, the visual design is a significant strength of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4's sound design and music receive mixed reviews; while critics like TheXboxHub and Finger Guns praise the immersive atmosphere and fantasy soundtrack, others, like COGconnected and Multiplayer.it, call the audio bland and forgettable. The game excels in creating engaging moments but falls short in depth and distinctiveness, leaving some players craving more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

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 Wonders 4 have garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, highlighting the game's ability to create a captivating atmosphere. TheXboxHub praised the pleasant music and effective fighting sounds, suggesting that they meet expectations for a game of this genre. Similarly, Finger Guns noted the well-executed sound design, emphasizing the fantasy-themed soundtrack that complements the gameplay. Critics like Gamereactor UK and MMORPG.com echoed these sentiments, with Gamereactor UK specifically noting that the light-hearted music enhances the enjoyment of empire-building, while MMORPG.com remarked on the positive contribution of sound effects and music to the overall experience. New Game Network also added to the positive reception, stating that the music effectively adds to the immersive experience of the game. However, not all reviews were as favorable regarding the sound design and music. COGconnected described the sound design as bland, indicating a lack of distinctiveness that could detract from the overall experience. Multiplayer.it's review suggested that the music did not leave a strong impression, which could imply a missed opportunity for creating memorable auditory moments. SECTOR.sk also pointed out that while the music was pleasant, the sound design could benefit from improved voice acting to further enhance the experience. These criticisms suggest that while certain elements of the audio experience are appreciated, there are notable shortcomings that prevent it from being universally acclaimed. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided sentiment regarding the sound design and music in Age of Wonders 4. While many reviewers, such as TheXboxHub, Finger Guns, and MMORPG.com, highlighted the enjoyable aspects of the audio experience, others, like COGconnected and Multiplayer.it, pointed out deficiencies that could undermine its impact. The mixed responses indicate that while the game successfully channels high fantasy themes and creates an engaging atmosphere, there remains room for improvement, particularly in sound design and the memorability of the musical score. This duality suggests that Age of Wonders 4's audio elements may resonate well with some players while leaving others wanting more depth and variety.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 shows promise on PC and PS5, with smooth gameplay and reliable AI noted by some critics. However, the Xbox Series X and PC versions are plagued by severe performance issues, including frame rate drops, crashes, and control problems, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, critics warn that while the game has potential, its current technical flaws could significantly hinder player enjoyment, necessitating urgent fixes from developers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Age of Wonders 4 across different gaming platforms, it is essential to highlight the positives noted by critics. On the PC front, some reviewers, such as Multiplayer.it, reported that the game runs smoothly without major issues, with only a couple of crashes encountered during testing. Additionally, Riot Pixels mentioned that the AI combat calculation system is reliable, indicating that some aspects of gameplay are functioning well. On the PS5, Wccftech acknowledged that while there were a few performance stutters, they did not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. This suggests that the game has the potential to deliver a satisfactory experience on this platform, despite some minor hiccups. However, the negatives reported by critics paint a more troubling picture, particularly for the Xbox Series X and PC versions. GameMAG and Windows Central both criticized the Xbox Series X version for poor optimization, with frame rate drops and control issues leading to a frustrating experience. On the PC side, the consensus is similarly grim, with multiple reviewers such as COGconnected, Eurogamer Germany, and Finger Guns pointing out issues like frame rate stutters, loading problems, and stability issues, including crashes and AI freezing. New Game Network elaborated on these issues, noting that the game suffers from poor performance in tactical combat and instability in multiplayer sessions, which can severely disrupt the gameplay experience. Overall, the critics' consensus indicates a significant concern regarding the technical performance of Age of Wonders 4 across platforms. While there are some positive aspects, particularly on PC and PS5, the overwhelming feedback highlights a range of technical issues that detract from the experience. Critics like God is a Geek and MMORPG.com noted game-breaking bugs and random crashes, suggesting that these problems may require urgent attention from the developers. The mixed to negative reviews signal that while the game has potential, its current state may frustrate players, particularly on the Xbox Series X and PC platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 boasts impressive replay value, with critics praising its depth, extensive customization, and diverse biomes that keep gameplay fresh. While some note the absence of a traditional campaign and concerns over potential repetitiveness, the overall consensus is that the game offers a rich, engaging experience that encourages exploration of different strategies. It’s a solid pick for players seeking lasting enjoyment, with the promise of future DLC enhancing its appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay 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 replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Age of Wonders 4 is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's depth, complexity, and extensive customization options. Reviewers like GameMAG and TheXboxHub highlight the game's ability to provide hours of engaging gameplay, suggesting that players can enjoy it for weeks or even months. Critics such as But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the limitless possibilities created by the extensive customization features, which allow players to tailor their factions and gameplay styles to their preferences. The variety of biomes, randomized events, and different victory conditions noted by Windows Central and Eurogamer Germany further enhance the game's replayability, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and unique. However, some reviewers did express minor concerns regarding the game's replay value. GameWatcher pointed out a lack of a traditional campaign, which could limit the experience for players who prefer structured narratives. Additionally, while the Pantheon system is praised for adding replay value by allowing players to carry over customization options, TheGamer mentioned frustrations with the slow progression in unlocking these features. SECTOR.sk also noted that some aspects of the game might become repetitive over time, suggesting that while the game offers variety, it may not be entirely immune to monotony in the long run. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 offers a robust replay value, driven by its intricate customization options and diverse gameplay mechanics. Most reviewers, including those from COGconnected and PC Gamer, agree that the game encourages players to explore different strategies and playstyles, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre. The combination of unique content, flexibility in gameplay, and the potential for future DLCs, as mentioned by Riot Pixels and PCGamesN, solidifies the game's reputation as a title with significant replayability, appealing to both newcomers and veteran players alike.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Age of Wonders 4 among critics is largely positive, with many praising its depth, customization, and engaging gameplay. Critics like But Why Tho? and Finger Guns highlight the game as a fantastic entry in the series, emphasizing the freedom and unlimited possibilities it offers. TheXboxHub describes it as an excellent way to immerse oneself for extended periods, while GameGrin and Gamereactor UK commend its polished execution and solid gameplay experience. The game is recognized for its addictive gameplay loop, with Eurogamer Germany rating it 8 out of 10, further reinforcing its appeal to fans of the 4X strategy genre. The variety of choices and activities available in Age of Wonders 4 has been a significant draw, making it an enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans alike. However, despite the acclaim, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings. GameMAG and Windows Central specifically mention performance issues on the Xbox Series X|S, which could detract from the overall experience for console players. COGconnected and New Game Network also highlight technical issues, such as bland sound design and simple textures, which may hinder immersion. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and SECTOR.sk note the steep learning curve and some AI behavior problems, suggesting that while the game is rewarding, it may not be easily accessible for all players. The lack of a traditional campaign was also mentioned by GameWatcher, which could limit the experience for those seeking a structured narrative. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 is a strong and engaging addition to the 4X strategy genre, with many considering it one of the best in recent years. While there are valid concerns regarding technical performance and accessibility, the game’s depth, customization options, and replayability have resonated well with the majority of reviewers. Critics like Shacknews and TheGamer emphasize the game's impressive improvements over its predecessor, suggesting that despite its flaws, Age of Wonders 4 is a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Overall, the game is seen as a significant step forward, combining familiar elements with innovative gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged.

TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 receives largely positive reviews for its depth, customization, and addictive gameplay, hailed as a standout in the 4X strategy genre. Critics praise its freedom and immersive experience, though some point to performance issues on Xbox Series X|S, technical shortcomings, and a steep learning curve. Despite these flaws, it’s considered a significant improvement over its predecessor and a must-play for fans, balancing innovation with familiar mechanics.

MONSTER

Reviews

47 reviews found

GameGrin

Apr 27, 2023