Age of Wonders
Main Game
RELEASED
7.7
Nov 11, 1999
LinuxPC (Microsoft Windows)byTriumph Studios
Overview:|
Age of Wonders is a classic turn-based fantasy strategy game blending RPG elements, where you build an empire across a world thrown into chaos by the arrival of Humans, disrupting the balance between races like Elves and Dwarves. The core loop involves managing cities, researching magic, and commanding armies on a strategic map, culminating in detailed, hex-based tactical combat when forces meet. Its distinctive feature is the deep integration of hero progression—leveling up leaders and finding artifacts—directly impacting both the strategic and tactical layers of this foundational 1999 strategy title.
This is the foundational title in a celebrated fantasy strategy series, originally released in 1999 for PC (Microsoft Windows) and Linux platforms. It blends deep Role-Playing Game (RPG) elements with intricate Turn-Based Strategy (TBS) mechanics, setting the stage for an epic struggle across a shattered realm. The game presents a world steeped in magic and ancient lore, where a delicate balance between established races—such as Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs—has been violently disrupted by the sudden arrival of Humans. Players are thrust into this volatile environment, tasked with leading their chosen faction toward dominance or survival. The atmosphere is characterized by painterly graphics that evoke an intimate, classic fantasy setting.
Core Gameplay Experience
The gameplay loop centers on empire building, exploration, and tactical combat, all conducted on a turn-based foundation. Players assume the role of a powerful leader, managing cities, researching arcane knowledge, and commanding armies across a strategic world map.
Turn-Based Strategy and Empire Management
Success requires careful management of resources and territory. Players must expand their borders, found new settlements, and develop existing cities to unlock new units and structures. The strategic layer involves balancing economic growth with military preparedness, as rival factions are constantly vying for the same limited resources and magical sites.
What makes this game unique in its genre?
A defining feature is the seamless integration of RPG progression into the strategy framework. Leaders and heroes gain experience, level up, acquire powerful artifacts, and learn new spells, directly influencing the outcome of both strategic movements and tactical battles. This fusion ensures that individual unit command carries significant weight.
Tactical Combat Resolution
When armies clash, the game transitions to detailed, hex-based tactical combat maps. Here, positioning, unit abilities, and the application of magical power are paramount. Players maneuver their forces turn-by-turn, utilizing terrain advantages and synergistic unit combinations to overcome numerically superior foes. The depth of the combat system allows for varied approaches to conflict resolution.
Setting and Narrative Premise
The world is recovering from a cataclysmic shift caused by the arrival of a new race, shattering the old order. Players must navigate this chaos, uncovering secrets of a fallen empire and choosing alliances that align with either the forces of light or darkness. The overarching goal is to determine the future of the world through military and magical might.
Available Content
This main game release does not feature any officially released downloadable content (DLC) or expansions.
Game Details
Primary Name: Age of Wonders
Alternative Names:
奇迹时代 (Chinese title)
World of Wonders (Working title)
AoW (Acronym)
Type: Main Game
Series: Age of Wonders
Developer: Triumph Studios, Epic Games
Publisher: Triumph Studios, Paradox Interactive, Gathering of Developers, Take-Two Interactive
Release Information
Release Date: Nov 11, 1999
Genres & Themes
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
Themes: 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate), Fantasy
Platforms
LinuxPC (Microsoft Windows)
Game Modes
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
Age Ratings
ESRB:E (Everyone)
PEGI:12+
The content of this game is suitable for persons aged 12 years and over only. It contains: Realistic looking violence - Mild bad language.
CLASS_IND:14+
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