Overview
From caves to cavalry. Age of Empires proved RTS could be educational without sacrificing fun. Ensemble Studios created twelve civilisations spanning ancient history, each progressing through four ages of technological advancement. The formula—villagers gathering resources, advancing through ages, building wonders—defined historical RTS for a generation. Microsoft had found their answer to Warcraft.
Fast facts
- Developer: Ensemble Studios.
- Publisher: Microsoft.
- Year: 1997.
- Engine: Genie Engine.
Age progression
| Age |
Technology |
| Stone Age |
Basic units |
| Tool Age |
Improved weapons |
| Bronze Age |
Chariots, temples |
| Iron Age |
Advanced units |
Civilisation design
| Culture |
Bonus focus |
| Egyptians |
Chariot archers |
| Greeks |
Infantry, academy |
| Babylonians |
Walls, towers |
| Yamato |
Cavalry, villagers |
Economic system
| Resource |
Source |
| Food |
Foraging, farming, fishing |
| Wood |
Tree chopping |
| Gold |
Mining |
| Stone |
Quarrying |
Wonder victory
| Mechanic |
Implementation |
| Construction |
Expensive building |
| Timer |
Countdown to victory |
| Target |
Enemy priority |
| Alternative |
Military/conquest |
Series evolution
| Title |
Year |
Setting |
| Age of Empires |
1997 |
Ancient |
| Age of Empires II |
1999 |
Medieval |
| Age of Mythology |
2002 |
Mythological |
| Age of Empires III |
2005 |
Colonial |
See also