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Age of Empires

Historical

Warfare

Strategy

Age of Empires (AoE) is a history-based real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. The game uses the Genie, a 2D sprite-based game engine. The game allows the user to act as the leader of an ancient civilization by advancing it through four ages (the Stone, Tool, Bronze, and Iron Ages), gaining access to new and improved units with each advance.

4.2

External Ratings

678 ratings
Release Date:

15 Oct, 1997

Last Updated:

17 Jun, 2026

About this game

Age of Empires (AoE) is a history-based real-time strategy video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. The game uses the Genie, a 2D sprite-based game engine. The game allows the user to act as the leader of an ancient civilization by advancing it through four ages (the Stone, Tool, Bronze, and Iron Ages), gaining access to new and improved units with each advance.

Storyline

Age of Empires requires the player to develop a civilization from a handful of hunter-gatherers to an expansive Iron Age empire. To ensure victory, the player must gather resources in order to pay for new units, buildings and more advanced technologies. Resources must also be preserved, as no new resources become available as the game progresses, meaning if you cut a tree down, the tree will not grow back. Twelve civilizations are available, each with individual sets of attributes, including a v...

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Screenshots

Details

platform

Platforms:

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac

release date

Release Date:

15 Oct, 1997

mode

Modes:

Single player, Multiplayer

theme

Themes:

Historical, Warfare

genre

Genres:

Strategy

perspective

Player Perspectives:

Bird view / Isometric

IGDB

IGDB Website:

Age of Empires

IGDB Rating

4.2 ;
IGDB User Rating

4.2

User Rating

IGDB User Rating Count

678

User Rating Count

IGDB User Rating

84%

Rating %

Critics Rating

4.2 ;
IGDB User Rating

4.2

Critics Rating

IGDB User Rating Count

678

Critics Rating Count

IGDB User Rating

84%

Critics Rating %

Main Developers

Ensemble Studios

Supporting Developers

-

Publishers

Microsoft

MacSoft Games

Videos

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