The release of Age of Mythology: Retold has sparked excitement among fans of the original 2002 classic, but it has also led to one persistent question: Is it a remake or a remaster?
With updated visuals, gameplay improvements, and modernized systems, Retold seems to blur the lines between the two.
Let’s break down what makes this release unique and whether it falls more into the remake or remaster category.
What Defines a Remake vs. a Remaster?
Before diving into the specifics of Age of Mythology: Retold, it’s essential to clarify the distinction between a remake and a remaster:
- Remaster: Focuses on improving existing assets, such as higher-resolution textures, enhanced sound quality, and minor gameplay tweaks, without altering the core experience. Think of it as polishing the original product.
- Remake: Involves rebuilding the game from the ground up, often introducing new gameplay elements, reimagined assets, and significant changes to the original mechanics or storylines.
At first glance, Retold seems to borrow elements from both categories, creating what the developers themselves have referred to as a “retelling” of the original game.
Elements That Suggest a Remaster
Core Gameplay and Engine
The foundational mechanics of Age of Mythology remain unchanged in Retold. Resource gathering, mythological units, and god powers operate much like they did in 2002.
The same applies to the overall campaign structure, which retains its iconic missions such as Arkantos’s journey in Fall of the Trident and the Atlantean saga in The Titans expansion. These elements align closely with what players expect from a traditional remaster.
The game also utilizes the same underlying engine, though it has been enhanced with modern features like improved pathfinding and support for higher resolutions.
This reuse of the original engine is a hallmark of many remasters, ensuring the experience remains familiar to long-time fans.
Features That Lean Toward a Remake
Overhauled Visuals and Animations
Visually, Retold has been rebuilt in many ways. Unit models, building designs, and environmental details have been entirely reimagined to take advantage of modern hardware capabilities.
Mythological creatures like the Minotaur and Hydra now feature intricate details and smoother animations, giving them a fresh, modern look while preserving their original essence.
Additionally, dynamic lighting, enhanced water effects, and reworked textures elevate the overall aesthetic, making the game feel like a new experience, even for veteran players.
Gameplay Enhancements
Some gameplay elements in Retold have been significantly reworked, moving it closer to the realm of a remake. Notable changes include:
- Cooldown-Based God Powers: Unlike the original one-time-use god powers, Retold introduces a cooldown mechanic, allowing players to strategize around multiple uses throughout a match.
- No Favor Cap: Removing the limit on favor—a key resource for summoning myth units—provides greater flexibility and encourages more diverse strategies in longer games.
- Villager Priority System: A new automation feature lets players assign tasks to villagers with minimal micromanagement, reducing the often overwhelming early-game management.
These changes, while subtle, create a more dynamic and modern experience without compromising the spirit of the original game.
Modern Multiplayer and Accessibility
Cross-Platform Play
One of the most significant additions in Retold is its cross-platform multiplayer support. Players on Xbox and PC can now compete or collaborate seamlessly. Ranked matchmaking, global leaderboards, and improved matchmaking systems make the multiplayer experience more robust than ever.
Accessibility Features
The game includes a range of accessibility improvements, such as adjustable text sizes, colorblind-friendly modes, and narration options. These additions make the game more inclusive, broadening its appeal to players of varying skill levels and needs.
The Developers’ Perspective: A “Retelling”
The developers of Age of Mythology: Retold describe their project as a “retelling” rather than a pure remake or remaster. This term emphasizes their goal of modernizing the game while respecting its original identity.
By preserving the core gameplay and reworking visual and mechanical aspects, the team aims to deliver an experience that feels nostalgic yet fresh.
Why the Hybrid Approach Works
For Returning Fans
Long-time fans of the series will appreciate that Retold stays true to its roots. Familiar mechanics and campaign storylines provide a comforting sense of nostalgia, while the enhanced visuals and minor gameplay tweaks breathe new life into the experience.
For Newcomers
For those new to the franchise, Retold offers a polished entry point with updated graphics, modernized systems, and an accessible user interface.
Features like villager automation and reusable god powers make the game less intimidating for first-time players.
Conclusion: Is Age of Mythology: Retold a Remake or Remaster?
Age of Mythology: Retold defies conventional labels. While it retains the foundational elements and core mechanics of the original game, its overhauled visuals, gameplay refinements, and modern features push it beyond the boundaries of a typical remaster.
At the same time, it stops short of being a full-blown remake, as it doesn’t fundamentally alter the original structure or introduce entirely new storylines.
Instead, Retold strikes a balance between the two, creating a hybrid experience that satisfies both purists and modern gamers.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or a polished RTS to sink your teeth into, Age of Mythology: Retold is a worthy addition to your library.
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