Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose: A Medieval Melting Pot of Mechanics
When your trebuchet isn’t the only thing that needs balancing
Launch Day Larry
Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose is here, and it’s like a medieval banquet where the roast is succulent, but the wine is a bit too tart. This latest installment in the Age of Empires series brings a mix of fresh mechanics and familiar frustrations, wrapped in a visually stunning package that might just make you forgive its narrative shortcomings. Let’s dive into the fray and see if this expansion is worth the price of admission—or if it’s just another knight in rusty armor.
Gameplay: A Tale of Two Civilizations
Age of Empires IV introduces us to the Lancasters and Templars, two new civilizations that are as different as night and day. The Lancasters are the perfect entry point for newcomers, offering a straightforward yet engaging experience. Meanwhile, the Templars are the dark souls of this expansion, challenging even the most seasoned strategists with their complex mechanics. However, some players have noted that these new civilizations might have been a bit too well-fed at the balancing banquet, with the Lancasters’ income mechanic and the Templars’ axe-throwing ability causing more than a few raised eyebrows.
The gameplay is a mixed bag of innovative mechanics and recycled content. While the new maps and mechanics are accessible to all players, preventing a split in the online community, the balance issues and lack of a new single-player story campaign leave some players feeling like they’re stuck in the medieval ages. The DLC’s historical battles offer a narrative depth that the main game lacks, but the absence of a long-format narrative is a missed opportunity for those craving a story-driven experience.
Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes
If there’s one area where Age of Empires IV truly shines, it’s in its graphics. The game is a visual delight, with new 3D models and unit designs that draw inspiration from previous installments like AOE2 and AOE3. The historical accuracy in the portrayal of battles and civilizations adds an immersive layer to the storytelling experience, even if the story itself is a bit thin.
The user interface has received a significant facelift, with a more readable and visually appealing main menu. Dynamic elements, like banners waving on the loading screen, add a touch of medieval flair that enhances the overall presentation. However, the smoothness of ship movements in different formations could use a bit of polish, suggesting that the animators might have been a bit too focused on perfecting those waving banners.
Story: A Knight’s Tale Without the Knight
The story in Age of Empires IV is like a knight without a quest—there’s potential, but it’s not fully realized. The single-player missions are low-stress and replayable, but they lack the depth and immersion that a strong narrative campaign could provide. The DLC’s historical battles offer a glimpse of what could have been, with engaging objectives and a rich historical setting, but the absence of a campaign focused on the Crusades is a glaring omission.
The use of an AI narrator and the lack of distinct character voices further detract from the story experience, leaving players yearning for more unique and immersive storytelling. The Templars, in particular, could benefit from a more defined identity, suggesting that the developers might have missed an opportunity to explore the rich historical context of the Crusades.
Final Verdict
Age of Empires IV: Knights of Cross and Rose is a visually stunning expansion that offers a mix of innovative mechanics and familiar frustrations. While the new civilizations and mechanics provide a fresh layer of gameplay, the balance issues and lack of a strong narrative campaign leave much to be desired. The graphics are a standout feature, elevating the overall experience, but the story elements fall short of their potential. For those who appreciate the current form of the game, there’s plenty to enjoy, but for those seeking a more immersive and engaging experience, this expansion might feel like a missed opportunity.
Score: 6.5/10