When Will Age of Mythology: Retold Come Out?
Age of Mythology: Retold officially launched on September 4, 2024, much to the excitement of longtime fans and new players alike.
This remastered version of the beloved 2002 strategy game was created by World’s Edge Studio in partnership with Microsoft to bring the mythical real-time strategy game back to life with updated graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and expanded content.
The release is part of Microsoft’s effort to modernize iconic franchises, building on the nostalgia of classic RTS games like Age of Empires while enhancing them to appeal to contemporary gamers.
Platforms and Availability
On release, Age of Mythology: Retold became available on PC (Windows) and Xbox Series X|S, making it accessible to a broader audience. This dual-platform launch is a notable change from the original game, which was only available on PC.
By introducing the game on both PC and Xbox, the developers aimed to welcome new players and facilitate an expanded gaming community through cross-platform multiplayer, allowing friends to battle mythological creatures and use god powers across different systems.
The game is also available through Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers immediate access without additional cost.
Editions and Early Access for Premium Users
Age of Mythology: Retold launched in two main editions: the Standard Edition and the Premium Edition. The Standard Edition includes the complete base game, while the Premium Edition offers additional perks for fans eager to dive deeper into mythological adventures.
Notably, the Premium Edition provides players with up to seven days of early access and features exclusive content, including:
New Gods Pack: Adds the Norse god Freyr, enhancing gameplay with new powers and abilities.
Legacy Deity Portrait Pack: A nostalgic feature allowing players to use deity portraits from the classic game.
Two Planned Expansions: The first expansion, Immortal Pillars, introduces a Chinese pantheon complete with new gods and myth units inspired by Chinese mythology, marking the game’s first major mythological addition since its initial release.
Why the Delay Was Worth It
Originally announced in October 2022, Age of Mythology: Retold was developed as a “Definitive Edition,” similar to the remasters seen with the Age of Empires series.
The developers at World’s Edge took a cautious approach, stating that they were “building the game in your head,” which involved a careful balance of preserving the classic gameplay elements and introducing innovations that would appeal to both old and new players.
This approach led to several improvements that significantly differentiate Retold from the 2002 original and even from the 2014 Extended Edition.
Key Gameplay Updates in Age of Mythology Retold
Revamped Graphics and Audio
Age of Mythology: Retold features a complete visual overhaul, with new 3D models, high-definition textures, and dynamic visual effects that bring the ancient mythological world to life.
The environments are designed with enhanced detail, from shimmering waters to lush forests and fiery battlegrounds, making the mythical landscapes feel more immersive. Character models, both for myth units and human warriors, hold up well under close inspection, maintaining visual integrity even when zoomed in.
The game’s audio has also received a significant update. The developers re-recorded the original soundtrack, combining classic themes with modern orchestration to give the music a fresh but familiar feel.
Sound effects and voiceovers were improved, adding depth to the gameplay experience, whether during the tense moments of battle or the peaceful stretches of resource gathering.
Expanded Favor System
One of the most impactful gameplay changes in Retold is the expanded Favor system. In the original game, Favor—a resource used to summon myth units and activate god powers—was capped, limiting the extent to which players could wield divine abilities.
In Retold, the Favor system no longer has a cap, allowing players to accumulate Favor and call upon myth units and god powers more liberally. This change adds a new level of strategic depth, as players can now integrate these powerful units into their army more consistently, enhancing the intensity of endgame battles.
Reusable God Powers
Another game-changer is the addition of reusable god powers. In the original, each god power could typically only be used once per game. With Retold, however, god powers can be used multiple times, albeit at an increased Favor cost each time they are invoked.
This mechanic allows for more complex strategies, as players can repeatedly call upon abilities like Zeus’s lightning bolts or Thor’s thunderstorm, giving mythological powers a sustained impact across longer matches.
A Closer Look at Each Civilization
Greek Civilization
The Greeks in Retold retain their powerful myth units and iconic gods, like Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades, each offering unique advantages.
Greek players gain Favor by assigning villagers to worship at temples, and the pantheon’s god powers, such as Poseidon’s naval buffs or Zeus’s destructive lightning, allow for versatile strategies that adapt to both land and sea combat.
Egyptian Civilization
The Egyptian pantheon, featuring gods like Ra, Isis, and Set, emphasizes resource efficiency and economic growth. Egyptians gain Favor by building monuments, allowing them to access powerful myth units like Anubites and mummies.
Their god powers, focused on defensive and economic benefits, make them a resilient civilization suited for longer matches where resource management is key.
Norse Civilization
Norse gameplay focuses on combat. Players gain Favor through fighting rather than worship, making them ideal for aggressive tactics.
Their myth units, such as frost giants and trolls, and god powers like Thor’s thunderstorm make them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Norse players thrive in direct combat scenarios, using their myth units to bolster their offensive power.
Atlantean Civilization
The Atlanteans, unique to Age of Mythology, rely on automatic Favor generation rather than worship or combat, which provides a steady resource flow for summoning myth units. Known for god powers like Kronos’s time manipulation, the Atlanteans offer a balanced playstyle that incorporates both economic and military flexibility.
New Campaigns and Game Modes
The Fall of Trident Campaign
The main storyline, Fall of the Trident, follows the Atlantean hero Arkantos on an epic journey involving battles, alliances, and encounters with mythical creatures.
This campaign mode has been fully revamped for Retold, allowing players to experience the narrative in updated visuals and with smoother gameplay mechanics. The campaign provides a balanced introduction to each civilization’s unique units, powers, and strategies.
Skirmish and Multiplayer Modes
Retold includes skirmish mode, where players can set up custom battles against AI with configurable settings, such as difficulty level and map type. Multiplayer is supported with a range of victory conditions, including King of the Hill and Regicide, and cross-platform support allows players on Xbox and PC to team up or compete.
The cross-play function is part of the game’s commitment to building a unified community across different systems.
Community Features: Mods and Feedback
Mod Support and Scenario Editor
Age of Mythology: Retold includes extensive modding support, allowing players to create custom maps, units, and scenarios.
The built-in Scenario Editor enables fans to contribute their creative ideas, from recreating famous mythological battles to developing entirely new stories.
Modding options have been embraced by the developer, which plans to expand community engagement through forums and regular updates.
Feedback for Future Expansions
The development team at World’s Edge has actively engaged with the community, encouraging players to share their feedback. As the game grows, the team has confirmed two expansions, including the Immortal Pillars Chinese pantheon, and they remain open to adding more content based on fan requests.
This commitment ensures that Age of Mythology: Retold will continue evolving beyond its initial release.
Why Age of Mythology Retold Is Worth Playing
With its updated graphics, modernized gameplay, and mythological roots, Age of Mythology: Retold is a standout addition to the RTS genre. Its flexible Favor system, cross-platform multiplayer, and expanded content make it ideal for both new players and returning fans. This revival maintains the classic appeal of the original while offering fresh mechanics and visuals that resonate with today’s gaming standards.
In essence, Age of Mythology: Retold is a must-play for RTS enthusiasts, mythology buffs, and anyone interested in a strategic experience where the gods take center stage.
From controlling powerful myth units to exploring diverse civilizations, players can dive into a world of ancient legends brought to life for a new generation.
