Retelling is a tribute to the original.

Age of Mythology is one of those RTS games that belong to the list of games that shaped my youth. Age of Mythology: Retold takes me back to the world of mythical heroes and gods. Since its original release in 2002, Age of Mythology has held a special place in the hearts of RTS fans. This updated version promises to combine classic gameplay with modern improvements. In this review, we delve into the details of what Age of Mythology: Retold has to offer, from updated graphics to familiar and improved gameplay.

Why okay?

Divine powers

Age of Mythology: Retold takes place in a world filled with mythical creatures, gods, and epic battles. You can choose from different civilizations, each with their own unique gods and units. The campaign follows a compelling story where the player harnesses the power of the gods to defeat enemies and lead the civilization to victory.

What makes this game stand out is the way it combines classic RTS gameplay with mythical elements, allowing me to not only make strategic decisions but also use divine powers to overcome my enemies.

True to roots

The gameplay in Age of Mythology: Retold stays true to its roots, with a focus on base management, army building, and strategic combat. The controls feel smooth and intuitive, and while the difficulty can be challenging at times, the game provides a satisfying learning experience for both new and experienced players. Unique game mechanics, such as worshipping gods to unlock special powers, add an extra layer of depth.

The main change comes in the use of God Powers, which can now be used multiple times during the game thanks to a recharge timer, unlike the unique mechanic in the original game.

All new user interface

Age of Mythology: Retold is much better visually, but don’t expect Warcraft III: Reforged’s graphics. The improved animations and graphics add to the modern look, while maintaining the classic art style. The music and sound effects perfectly match the atmosphere of the game, with epic orchestral scores and original voices that enhance the immersion.

However, there is one major change: a complete overhaul of the user interface. The new design is inspired by Age of Empires IV, with a shiny gold aesthetic for the menus and icons. While it’s different from the original, I think it fits in well with the mythical and divine atmosphere of the game.

Why not?

Minor bugs and glitches

Despite the positive visual updates, I did encounter some issues. There is a noticeable texture pop-in when moving quickly around the minimap, which is distracting. There were also visual glitches, such as a bird flying under a building during construction and some poorly rendered shadows in campaign cutscenes. Nothing really to worry about, just minor things you might encounter.

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