Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Critic Reviews

Only few creators can show off with such a good remaster as the creators of Age of Empires. The second instalment almost didn’t age, and its already great gameplay was perfected.

Definitive Edition manages to upgrade the all-time classic that was Age of Empires II while still respecting its original version, making the whole experience feel like a whole new game that also manages to wake up memories from the old times.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition offers an overwhelming wealth of content through hundreds of hours of campaigns to play through, refined to make them more entertaining. With an improved AI offering more engaging battles (although it still doesn't understand the concept of diplomacy or trade) as well as improved visuals and audio, drawing you right into them, you'll not find yourself bored at all and will no doubt keep returning to the skirmish modes. At a cheap price and offering so much, it's impossible not to recommend the game. This is what the original Age of Empires: Definitive Edition could have been. As a standalone title, it's fantastic and one that I'd recommend to anybody and everybody.

There is some wonky balancing and AI logic evident, but Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is an absolute joy to play. Just be sure your PC can handle the requirements in order to get the full experience.

Age of Empires 2 was one of the best RTS games 20 years ago and with the Definitive Edition it reclaims this status once again. Outstanding updated graphics and several reasonable quality of life improvements on top of the ageless gameplay and an insane amount of content result in a game that no old or young RTS fan should miss.

This remaster not only revamps the visuals and playability, but it also adds a whole expansion pack to the game. Priced like a large DLC, there is no reason not to get this game if you are already an Age of Empires fan. I can only hope that all remasters in the future will be as good as this.

Age of Empires II is a game that has demonstrably lasted the test of time and arguably didn’t need an update; even in its original form it remains a real staple of the real-time strategy genre. However, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has taken that winning formula and ever-so-slightly tweaked it; not enough to disrupt anything that makes the game some great in the first place, but just enough to bring the game into the modern day.

Beautiful new graphics and many game improvements guarantee that this, the Definitive Edition, is by far the best way to experience the legendary Age of Empires II. Even the new content is awesome. Shame about the intermittent lagging and a small multiplayer player pool.

Whether you’re a new fan looking to get into the series, or a veteran player wanting to revisit a classic title, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a must-play for any RTS fan.

As a person who was raised on Age of Empires I was satisfied with every aspect of the remake. Small missteps didn’t spoil the fun and the addition of new nations only deepened my love for the series.

Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition is the update of a classic. It wasn't easy, but Forgotten Empires Studio has hit the nail on the head with lots of playable changes and lots of new content. The AI fails sometimes and the new voices won't please anyone, but overall it's a fantastic real-time strategy game.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is the best Age of Empires 2 on the market.

It is pretty obvious that AoE II definitive edition shows more respect to players than the HD edition. Even though new AI still has some logical problem, the new contents and multiplayer lobby are interesting, and the upgraded graphic textures look impressive with 4K resolution. You will find both memories and future here.

I am very satisfied with the package that is the Definitive Edition. Especially since the price of around 20 euros is really fair.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a breath of fresh air to a genre somewhat diminished today in video games but it would certainly seem that it has returned to remain the fans of the saga those who enjoy this second edition. But those who have not had the opportunity to discover it are facing the best time to enter the magical world of Age of Empires.

At the end of the day, I'm not sure what else you could expect from a remaster of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. It was a great game in 1999, and it's aged better than most in its class. If you're looking for some solid RTS gameplay, single-player or multiplayer, look no further than Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

It is the best version of an epic game that has made the history of RTS and the worthy celebration of its twentieth anniversary.

A great classic returns to PC and it's still a great RTS experience. The Definitive Edition enrich the formula with a few quality of life improvements while maintaining its core gameplay overall intact, but at the same time there are some flaws, especially on the technical side. Still, the nostalgia operation works and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the best way to enjoy the classic Microsoft RTS today.

With new official DLC, a glorious audiovisual overhaul and a touch of modern quality-of-life polish, this is now the best way to play Age 2 - though it'll take a while to match the HD edition's user content.

Quotation forthcoming.