The second group is composed of minor features and quality-of-life improvements. First, come the major features and core mechanics that largely define the games. I have separated the points I wish to discuss into three groups.

With all that out of the way, let’s dive in. Finally, a lot of this discussion is subject to personal taste, as I have often encountered arguments for both sides on a given mechanic, even if in many cases there is a general consensus. This is necessary because otherwise, it would be impossible to dive deep into systems, mechanics, and gameplay impact without spending an inordinate amount of time explaining how each game works. Secondly, to keep the article from becoming large and unwieldy, a basic familiarity with the series or at least one of the last two entries (AoW 3 or AoW: Planetfall) is required. First, throughout this article, I will cover the topic from a single-player perspective, but with possible multiplayer ramifications in mind, as informed by many discussions I have had with veteran members of the multiplayer community. What should be changed, and what should be fused into a new system? This discussion will only take into account game mechanics and user experience (UX) and will not explore the lore and setting or the technical side (graphics, sound, engine, etc).īefore we jump right into it, there are a few points to keep in mind. This article will discuss what game features and mechanics Triumph, the developers of the series, should take from Age of Wonders 3 ( AoW 3) and Age of Wonders: Planetfall ( AoW:P) into a hypothetical (but quite probable) Age of Wonders 4. This in turn boosts your economy, allowing for bigger, better armies, until you are in a position to pursue one of the victory conditions.

You explore your surroundings, secure vital resources, and expand your territory, all while researching technologies that unlock new bonuses, units, and spells. You start with a city, or a colonizer, and an unexplored map. The basic gameplay loop of the series is quite similar to most 4X games. The first entry in the series is Age of Wonders, released in 1999-2000 (US and EU respectively), the newest entries are Age of Wonders III, (2014), and the first foray into a sci-fi setting entitled Age of Wonders: Planetfall (2019). In fact, all the mechanics present in each game exist to facilitate and provide meaning to the turn-based tactical combat system that lies at their heart. Age of Wonders is a venerated 4X series with a strong emphasis on combat.

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