The Age of Empires franchise has a rich history
Starting with its debut in 1997, which was an instant success. Age of Empires 2 refined the original formula, solidifying its place as a real-time strategy (RTS) classic, while Age of Empires 3 received a more lukewarm response but didn't tarnish the series' reputation. Recently, the series has seen a resurgence, thanks to remasters like Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and the release of Age of Empires 4. This revitalization continues with Age of Mythology: Retold.
First launched in 2002, Age of Mythology adapted the popular RTS gameplay with a mythological twist. Now, developers Forgotten Empires and World's Edge have released a remake, Age of Mythology: Retold, which carries forward the best elements of their recent projects, especially from Age of Empires 4.
Age of Mythology: Retold Incorporates Age of Empires 4’s Streamlined Controls
Age of Empires 4 set a new standard for RTS games on consoles with its intuitive control system. Historically, strategy games have struggled on consoles due to the limitations compared to mouse-and-keyboard setups. However, over time, developers have improved controller schemes, using features like radial menus that simplify navigating through units and structures.
In games like Tropico or Anno, radial menus work well for the slower pace, but RTS games require quick decision-making, which can make this system challenging. However, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition made great strides in streamlining these controls for console, and Age of Empires 4 perfected them. With just a few buttons, players can manage most of the game. The right trigger is key—selecting a unit or structure and opening the radial menu—while the analog sticks, "A" button, and right trigger handle the majority of the gameplay.
Age of Mythology: Retold Refines the Console Experience Further
Building on its success with Age of Empires 4 and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, World's Edge has excelled again with Age of Mythology: Retold. It adopts the same control system from AoE4, but with added refinements. The most noticeable improvement is the clearer user interface (UI) and better icons for radial menus, making it easier for players to quickly identify units, structures, and actions.
