Age of Empires III, a highly acclaimed title that revolutionized the real-time strategy (RTS) game genre, has just been reimagined for a new gaming era. The Definitive Edition is going free-to-play, injecting fresh life into this beloved classic and opening the door for a new generation of players.
The game is undergoing another significant evolution. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is adopting a free-to-play model. While the complete, feature-rich game is still priced at PHP 449.95, a free version is available with certain limitations.
The Free-to-Play Version
Players can enjoy Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition in both single-player and multiplayer modes, experiencing a variety of 3 playable civilizations out of a rotating selection of 16 that change weekly. To begin, newcomers can try their hand at commanding the French, Haudenosaunee, and Russian civilizations.
The free-to-play model includes the first act of the Blood, Ice, and Steel Campaign, offering players a taste of the game’s rich storyline. Additionally, they can delve into the historical battles set in Algiers, providing an exciting narrative-driven challenge.
Players also have access to the Art of War, Compendium, and Tech Trees of all civilizations, offering an educational deep dive into the game’s expansive world. They can battle on a selection of eight multiplayer maps, inviting strategic showdowns with friends and other players worldwide.
Despite the limitations, the free-to-play model of Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers an accessible entry point for newcomers to the series or RTS genre. This model could pave the way for a resurgence in the game’s popularity, drawing in players enticed by the game’s strategic depth and historical context.
The Definitive Edition, launched in 2020, updated the game with 4K Ultra HD graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and enhanced gameplay mechanics, among other features. It included all previously released expansions and new content, proving to be a comprehensive offering for Age of Empires fans.
The original Age of Empires III was released in 2005 by Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios. It allowed players to guide their civilization from the discovery of the New World through various periods of history, building their empire through strategic planning, resource gathering, and war. It garnered a loyal fan base thanks to its intricate gameplay, historical accuracy, and immersive storytelling.