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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

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

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 impresses with imaginative world-building and engaging fantasy elements, receiving praise for its faction diversity and quest clarity. However, critics like GameMAG and SECTOR.sk lament its shallow story mode, calling it a collection of mini-stories lacking depth and integration with gameplay. Overall, while the game offers a rich lore, its narrative execution is inconsistent, resulting in mixed reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story 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 story and narrative.

The story of Age of Wonders 4 has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its engaging elements and imaginative world-building. Reviewers like IGN and Finger Guns commend the well-crafted fantasy narrative, with IGN noting the account-level progression and themed, story-based realms that enhance the overall experience. The presence of multiple factions, such as the Covenant and the Shad'Rai, adds depth to the storytelling, as pointed out by Finger Guns, while GameGrin appreciates the clear objectives and quest log that encourage exploration. Additionally, TheXboxHub emphasizes the player's journey to reclaim power from the Wizard Kings, suggesting that the narrative is both ambitious and immersive. However, not all reviews are as favorable, with several critics pointing out significant drawbacks in the storytelling aspect. GameMAG expresses disappointment that the story mode receives less attention compared to previous installments, describing it as a collection of mini-stories that limit gameplay. SECTOR.sk echoes this sentiment, stating that the game lacks a full-fledged story, which is a notable downside. GameSkinny also critiques the campaign for clashing with the sandbox gameplay, indicating that the numerous mechanics and systems can detract from a coherent narrative experience. This sentiment is further supported by the mixed opinions regarding the depth and engagement of the story, with some reviewers feeling it falls short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Age of Wonders 4 presents an intriguing fantasy narrative with various engaging elements, it struggles with consistency and depth. Critics like Gamereactor UK and Checkpoint Gaming acknowledge the continuation of a storyline from previous titles and the involvement of godlike beings, yet others like GameMAG and SECTOR.sk highlight the limitations in storytelling and gameplay integration. The game appears to offer a rich tapestry of lore and character interactions, but the execution leaves room for improvement, leading to a divided reception regarding its narrative strength.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 impresses with its deep, genre-blending gameplay, successfully merging XCOM-style tactics with Civ-like empire management. Critics praise its extensive customization, diverse victory conditions, and balanced gameplay that melds exploration, combat, and diplomacy. However, concerns about lack of innovation and combat variety linger, along with questions regarding campaign depth. Despite these critiques, the consensus is clear: the game delivers a rich, engaging experience that stands out in the 4X strategy genre and appeals to both newcomers and veterans alike.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

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, with many praising its depth and variety. Reviewers like Windows Central highlight the game's ambitious blend of genres, noting the successful integration of XCOM-style tactical battles with Civ-like empire management. The extensive customization options, as mentioned by IGN and COGconnected, allow players to create unique factions and leaders, enhancing the gameplay experience. Critics such as GameGrin and Eurogamer Germany appreciate the diverse victory conditions and the balance between exploration, combat, and diplomacy, which contributes to a rich and engaging gameplay loop. The game's ability to offer both manual and automated combat, as pointed out by New Game Network and Screen Rant, adds further layers of strategy and accessibility. However, some reviewers did express concerns regarding certain aspects of the gameplay. GameMAG noted a lack of significant innovation in core mechanics, suggesting that while the gameplay remains solid, it does not push boundaries. TheXboxHub mentioned that while the combat system is familiar, it may not be fully convincing, indicating a potential area for improvement. Critics like Multiplayer.it pointed out that while the combat system has improved, it still suffers from issues such as a lack of variety in combat arenas. Additionally, the campaign mode's depth was questioned by Riot Pixels, suggesting that while the gameplay mechanics are robust, the narrative experience could be enhanced. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 delivers a very good gameplay experience, with a well-crafted blend of strategy elements that cater to both newcomers and veterans of the genre. The game successfully creates its niche within the 4X strategy realm, as highlighted by GAMES.CH, while also providing a satisfying mix of tactical battles and empire management. Despite some criticisms regarding innovation and specific gameplay mechanics, the majority of reviewers agree that the game offers an engaging and rewarding experience, making it a worthy addition to the franchise.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 wows with vibrant visuals and detailed fantasy worlds, earning praise for its art style and immersive design. Critics commend the stunning environments and unit diversity, though some note minimal upgrades from past games and issues like tactical map detail and visibility. Overall, while not flawless, the graphics are a standout feature that enhances the gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

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 Wonders 4 is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and richly detailed fantasy world. Reviewers such as Windows Central and But Why Tho? highlight the game's gorgeous art and vibrant colors, emphasizing the beautiful fantasy theme that immerses players in its universe. Critics like New Game Network and PC Gamer commend the impressive visuals, noting the diverse and detailed units as well as beautiful world maps that enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, IGN appreciates the balance between realistic and stylized graphics, pointing out the clarity of the UI and unit designs, which contribute to an engaging visual experience. However, some criticisms have emerged regarding specific aspects of the graphics. GameMAG expresses disappointment in the minimal changes from previous titles, suggesting that the visuals lack standout elements. COGconnected points out that while the strategic map and structures are visually appealing, the tactical battlefields suffer from a lack of detail and occasional framerate stutters. Furthermore, SECTOR.sk notes issues with visibility on the map, indicating that the colorful graphics can sometimes lead to confusion. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in many areas, there are noticeable shortcomings that detract from the overall visual experience. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 delivers a visually appealing experience that effectively captures its high fantasy setting. With a majority of reviewers expressing satisfaction with the game's graphics, it is clear that the vibrant art style and detailed environments resonate well with players. Critics like Shacknews and PCGamesN reinforce this sentiment, praising the extensive customization options and the thematic design of the game. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the game's graphics and visual design are largely celebrated, making it a strong aspect of the Age of Wonders 4 experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 has a mixed reception for its sound design and music. Critics praise its diverse combat sounds and enjoyable fantasy soundtrack, enhancing the gameplay experience. However, some voices argue the audio falls flat, describing it as "bland" and lacking depth. While many enjoy the atmosphere created by the sound, others see significant room for improvement to meet the game's high fantasy expectations.

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 praise from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects that enhance the gaming experience. TheXboxHub commends the sound design for its variety, particularly in the context of combat, and appreciates the pleasant musical score that accompanies gameplay. Similarly, Finger Guns notes the well-executed fantasy-themed soundtrack, which aligns well with the game's overarching theme. Gamereactor UK also echoes this sentiment, stating that the light-hearted music contributes significantly to the enjoyment of building an empire. MMORPG.com reinforces this positive outlook, asserting that both sound effects and music create an enjoyable atmosphere, further immersing players in the game world. However, not all reviews are as enthusiastic about the sound design and music. COGconnected describes the sound design as "bland," suggesting that it lacks the depth or creativity one might expect from a high fantasy title. Multiplayer.it's review mentions that the music did not leave a strong impression, indicating a potential missed opportunity for a more memorable auditory experience. SECTOR.sk also points out that while the music is pleasant, the sound design could benefit from enhanced voice acting, suggesting that the current implementation might not fully engage players as intended. These criticisms highlight a divide in the overall effectiveness of the audio elements in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Age of Wonders 4 features a generally enjoyable sound design and music, there are notable inconsistencies in quality and impact. Critics like TheXboxHub and MMORPG.com appreciate the positive contributions of sound effects and music, while others like COGconnected and Multiplayer.it express disappointment in the lack of depth and memorability. This divergence suggests that while the audio elements serve their purpose in enhancing gameplay, there is room for improvement to elevate the overall experience to match the high expectations set by the game's fantasy setting.

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 potential on PC, with some critics noting smooth performance and decent AI. However, it's marred by severe technical issues across platforms, especially Xbox Series X, where poor optimization and bugs lead to a frustrating experience. The consensus is clear: significant crashes, frame rate drops, and gameplay stutters overshadow any positives, making it a tough sell for players looking for a stable experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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 noteworthy that there are some positives, particularly on PC. Critics like Multiplayer.it reported that the game runs smoothly without major issues, with only a couple of crashes during testing. Additionally, Riot Pixels highlighted a reliable AI combat calculation system, suggesting that while tactical mode may be less polished, the game still delivers a solid experience in many aspects. This indicates that, for some players, the core gameplay experience can be enjoyable despite technical hiccups. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives, especially on both the Xbox Series X and PC. GameMAG and Windows Central both criticized the Xbox Series X version for poor optimization, control issues, and frame rate drops, leading to a frustrating experience. On PC, the situation is similarly grim, with multiple reviewers like COGconnected and Eurogamer Germany pointing out framerate stutters, loading issues, and various bugs. Finger Guns reported stability issues, including crashes and AI freezing in about 50% of the games played, while New Game Network noted severe problems in tactical combat and multiplayer stability, with players experiencing difficulties in finding sessions and game sync issues. This paints a troubling picture of the game's technical performance across platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Age of Wonders 4 suffers from significant technical performance issues, particularly on Xbox Series X and PC. While there are isolated reports of smoother experiences, such as from Multiplayer.it and Riot Pixels, the majority of reviews highlight a range of problems, including crashes, bugs, and optimization failures. This suggests that players may encounter a frustrating experience, especially in more demanding gameplay scenarios. As such, while the game has potential, its current technical state appears to hinder the overall enjoyment and accessibility for a large portion of its player base.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 is lauded for its strong replay value, thanks to extensive customization, diverse gameplay, and engaging systems like the Pantheon. Critics highlight its depth and variety, making it an appealing choice for long-term play. However, some drawbacks, like a lack of a traditional campaign and slow progression in unlocking features, could dampen the experience for some. Overall, it’s a compelling investment for fans of the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay 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 replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Age of Wonders 4 is overwhelmingly positive among critics. Many reviewers, such as GameMAG and TheXboxHub, highlight the game's extensive content and depth, which contribute to its replayability. Critics like But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming emphasize the extensive customization options available, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience significantly. The variety of biomes, randomized events, and different victory conditions mentioned by Windows Central and Eurogamer Germany further enhance the game's ability to keep players engaged over extended periods. The Pantheon system, noted by MMORPG.com and PC Gamer, also adds a layer of progression that encourages players to revisit the game, reinforcing the notion that Age of Wonders 4 offers a wealth of gameplay possibilities. However, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks that could affect replayability. GameWatcher mentions the absence of a traditional campaign, which may leave some players wanting more structured content. Additionally, while most reviews praise the customization options, TheGamer raises concerns about the slow progression in unlocking these features, which could lead to frustration for some players. SECTOR.sk also notes that, despite the variety available, certain aspects of the game may become repetitive over time, suggesting that while the replay value is high, it may not be entirely immune to weariness. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 offers a robust replay value, bolstered by its rich customization options, diverse gameplay mechanics, and the inclusion of systems like the Pantheon that encourage players to engage with the game repeatedly. While there are some concerns regarding the pacing of progression and the potential for repetition, the majority of reviewers agree that the game's depth and variety make it a compelling choice for players seeking long-term engagement. The positive remarks from critics like IGN and PCGamesN reinforce the notion that Age of Wonders 4 is a game designed with replayability in mind, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Age of Wonders 4 is largely positive, with many critics praising its depth, customization options, and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Gamereactor UK highlight the game's immersive experience and polished mechanics, suggesting that it successfully continues the legacy of its predecessors. Critics such as COGconnected and PC Gamer commend the addictive gameplay loop and the variety of choices available to players, indicating that the game offers a satisfying experience for both new and veteran players of the 4X strategy genre. The game's ability to provide a rich sandbox environment for experimentation is also noted, with Checkpoint Gaming calling it a "paradise sandbox" for strategy fans. However, the game is not without its flaws. Several critics have pointed out performance issues, particularly on the Xbox Series X, as noted by GameMAG and Windows Central, which could hinder the overall experience for console players. Additionally, some reviewers, including COGconnected and SECTOR.sk, mention technical shortcomings such as bland sound design and AI behavior that could detract from the game's depth. The steep learning curve, while rewarding, may also pose a challenge for casual players, as highlighted by Screen Rant and Checkpoint Gaming. These concerns suggest that while the game excels in many areas, it still has room for improvement. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders 4 is a strong entry in the 4X strategy genre, with most reviews leaning towards a very good overall verdict. Reviewers like Shacknews and TheGamer emphasize its impressive depth and player agency, while Eurogamer Germany's rating of 8 out of 10 reflects a solid endorsement of the game. The majority of critics agree that the positives outweigh the negatives, making Age of Wonders 4 a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. Overall, it is clear that while there are some technical and design issues, the game delivers a compelling and engaging strategy experience that is likely to resonate with players.

TL;DR

Age of Wonders 4 is a highly praised 4X strategy game celebrated for its depth, customization, and engaging gameplay, successfully continuing the series' legacy. Critics highlight its immersive experience and rich sandbox environment, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. However, it faces performance issues on Xbox Series X, bland sound design, and a steep learning curve that could challenge casual players. Despite these flaws, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers deeming it a must-play for strategy fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

46 reviews found

GameGrin

Apr 27, 2023