history of "Age of Empires (1997 Video Game)"

 

Age of Empires is a highly influential real-time strategy (RTS) video game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft in 1997. It marked the beginning of a long-running and successful franchise that has become one of the most popular and beloved series in the RTS genre.

The game was created by Bruce Shelley and Tony Goodman, who had previously worked on the successful strategy game Civilization. Age of Empires was designed to combine elements of Civilization with real-time strategy gameplay, allowing players to guide a civilization from the Stone Age to the Iron Age and engage in warfare, resource management, and empire-building.

The game offered various playable civilizations, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Assyrians, Babylonians, and more. Players had to gather resources such as wood, food, and gold to build structures, train units, and advance through the ages. The ultimate goal was to conquer other civilizations and become the dominant force in the game world.

Age of Empires received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It was praised for its innovative blend of historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and impressive graphics for its time. The game's AI was also well-regarded, providing challenging opponents for players to face.

Due to its success, Age of Empires led to the development of multiple expansion packs, including The Rise of Rome, which added new campaigns, civilizations, and technologies to the game. These expansions expanded the game's content and provided players with new challenges and experiences.

Age of Empires was followed by several sequels, with each installment building upon the foundation laid by the original game. The franchise has explored different time periods and civilizations, including Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings (Medieval era), Age of Empires III (Colonial era), and Age of Empires IV (returning to the medieval period). Each entry in the series has introduced new features, improved graphics, and expand gameplay mechanics, making the franchise a favorite among strategy game enthusiasts.

The success of Age of Empires also contributed to the growth of the RTS genre as a whole, inspiring numerous other developers to create similar games. It has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, with its influence felt in subsequent RTS titles and the broader strategy game genre.

In summary, Age of Empires is a landmark video game that revolutionized the RTS genre. Its combination of historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and innovative mechanics captivated players and laid the foundation for a highly successful franchise that continues to thrive to this day.