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Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2021

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Quick resume

Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Strategy

Pros

  • Engaging and deep strategic gameplay
  • Unique civilizations with distinct playstyles
  • Well-crafted historical campaigns with narrative immersion
  • Active developer support and frequent updates
  • Strong multiplayer community and matchmaking

Cons

  • Limited number of civilizations and maps at launch
  • Slow patching and feature additions initially
  • Some technical issues and bugs reported
  • Steep learning curve for newcomers
  • Lack of pause or save in multiplayer matches

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant control over strategies, civilization choices, and landmark selections, allowing diverse playstyles and decision-making."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with complex mechanics, unique civilizations, and strategic depth requiring learning and mastery."

  • Competition
    4

    "Strong multiplayer focus with ranked modes, leaderboards, and competitive matchmaking."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report hundreds to thousands of hours played, with ongoing updates and expansions encouraging long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "Supports team games like 3v3 and 4v4, with cooperative play against AI and multiplayer teamwork."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Some customization in gameplay strategies and civilization-specific playstyles, but limited modding and map variety noted."

  • Domination
    2

    "Competitive multiplayer includes elements of dominance, but community is described as mostly respectful and cooperative."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players enjoy historical immersion and distraction from real life through engaging campaigns and multiplayer."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage out of intrinsic interest and nostalgia rather than obligation; some feel pressure from competitive aspects but mostly voluntary play."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players explore different civilizations, strategies, and landmark choices, encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some map variety and discovery of new strategies, though maps can become familiar; historical campaigns add narrative exploration."

  • Expression
    1

    "Limited cosmetic customization; some expression through civilization choice and gameplay style."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Strong focus on historical accuracy and realistic medieval warfare rather than imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Community engagement through multiplayer, co-op play, and shared interest in the franchise."

  • Growth
    5

    "Steep learning curve with emphasis on skill development, strategy mastery, and understanding unique civilizations."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires continuous attention and active management during matches; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction in multiplayer but limited emotional or close relationship formation."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead armies and manage civilizations, with some cooperative team leadership in multiplayer."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through ages, technology upgrades, and civilization development."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Balanced challenge with moments of flow, though some tension exists in competitive play."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable graphics, sound design, and immersive historical presentation provide sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    3

    "Ranked multiplayer and leaderboards offer social recognition and status."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging historical campaigns with narrative and documentary-style videos enhance story immersion."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around strategic planning, resource management, and tactical combat."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Competitive matches and siege battles provide suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered worth the price with ongoing content updates adding value."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat and destruction are central gameplay elements with siege warfare and battles."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must manage resources and defend against threats to survive and progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026