Age of Wonders 4: Empires & Ashes

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a game by	Triumph Studios
Platform:	PC (2023)
Editor Rating:	8/10, based on 1 review
User Rating:	10.0/10 - 1 vote
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See also:	Strategy Games, Top Down Games, Co-op Games, Multiplayer Games, PvP Games, Games Where Choices Matter, Turn Based RPG, Magic Games, 4x Games

Age of Wonders 4: Empires & Ashes is the latest expansion to Triumph Studios' acclaimed 4X fantasy strategy series. Adding new factions, units, spells, and victory conditions, it builds on the rock-solid foundation of the base game to create an even deeper and more engaging experience for fans of the genre.

In Empires & Ashes, you take command of one of two new factions vying for control over the fantasy realm of Godir, as seen in Age of Wonders 4. The expansion's headline feature is the brutal Reaver culture, a race of marauding raiders who fuse magic with technology to create devastating war machines.

With access to cannons, steam-powered tanks, and other Industrial Age weapons, the Reavers bring a dash of steampunk to complement Age of Wonders' traditional swords-and-sorcery aesthetic. Their playstyle emphasizes aggression and conquest, similar to the Orcs of Total War: Warhammer.

The other major addition is a new Avian race, complete with customizable bird-like traits. Avian units excel at flanking maneuvers and hit-and-run tactics, not unlike the Wood Elves in Total War. Between these two cultures, Empires & Ashes adds some welcome unit variety and new strategic options to Age of Wonders' already diverse fantasy roster.

Reaver War Machines

Leading the Reavers during my first few battles, I felt an intoxicating sense of power as my ironclad troops blasted magical explosives at hordes of dwarves and elves. The Reavers' teched-up units are expensive, but used wisely can wreak utter devastation.

Their mighty steam-powered tank is a sight to behold, crushing lesser foes beneath its grinding treads. However, I needed to be careful not to neglect basics like city defense, as the Reavers lack powerful magical abilities.

Avian Flocks Rule the Skies

Embracing my inner bird of prey with the Avians provided a nice change of pace, demanding more finesse than brute strength. Their units are quick on their talons, and I often divided my forces to capture multiple objectives at once. However, the Avians' relative frailty meant I needed to pick my battles carefully. Their flying scout units recalled fond memories of directing Pegasus Knights in the Fire Emblem series.

New Content and Customization Options

Beyond the two new factions, Empires & Ashes delivers a host of welcome enhancements. The new "Seals of Power" victory condition requires locating and claiming magical relics – a fun nod to the capture points of Age of Empires. Cracking open the new Tomes unlocks powerful summoning spells and mechanical units to support a technology-focused playstyle. Small touches like new music tracks and story missions further enrich the experience.

The two new factions are distinct and enjoyable, if not completely game-changing. Some may wish for more new features, but as an expansion, Empires & Ashes hits all the right notes. With these new tools in your arsenal, it's time to build an empire and rule Godir however you see fit!

While not radically innovative, Age of Wonders 4: Empires & Ashes delivers worthwhile new content and strategies for die-hard fans, while retaining the rock-solid mechanics the series is known for.

Pros