Many of you are likely familiar with or have played Crusader Kings. Its second instalment is widely regarded as one of the best historical games driven by player choice. Though it carries the RTS tag on Steam, anyone who has played it knows it’s not truly an RTS in the strictest sense. Solely based on the fact that it focuses more on player-created scenarios and the consequences of the player’s choices. That is where Age of History III comes into play. As it has a lot more focus on warfare, economy, and even nations. Giving players a unique RTS experience like none other.
The first major thing that players will take note of in the game is the massive time span it covers, as compared to other games in the genre. For example, in the recently shown timelapse video by the developer, we can see how the game will play out over 1000 years. From the Renaissance to the far future, players will be able to dictate how their chosen civilization grows and evolves. Will it follow the path of peace toward a unified earth, by utilizing in-depth diplomacy and economic systems? Or will it lead the world to an age of never-ending war using the absurdly detailed combat system?
Speaking of combat and nations, the game takes a similar approach to Victoria 3, allowing players to choose from any nation across the globe—though limited to those that existed at the game’s starting time period. However, by utilizing various game mechanics, you can easily recreate your historical nation of choice or take an alternate path. Such as uniting the Native Americans and creating a whole new nation to push back the colonizers. Another aspect that links to this and differentiates the game from its peers is the massive combat and war system the game uses. Unlike other games, you can only field a set number of soldiers, as you are limited by the population total of your nation. Alongside that, you will have to arm them and also set up logistical supply lines to support the army. It might seem tedious at the start, but as you continue playing and unlocking technology. You will slowly start to change the tide of war. With certain key technologies causing a paradigm shift in the game.
All in all, the future is looking good for Age of History III as it releases today! Head over to Steam to start your campaign. With its epic scale and plethora of game mechanics, it accurately simulates the rise and fall of nations. Allowing players to recreate key historical moments or follow their own path to a future that could have been. It also would not be right if I did not mention that the game uses AI images for the portraits and landscapes. And while many would simply pay it no heed, I know many are not in support of it. So do keep that in mind if you plan on purchasing the game.
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