5/5 ★ – Luitenant_Gruber's review of Age of Mythology: Extended Edition.

*Warning: spoilers* Back when I was little, Age of Mythology and its expansion, defined my childhood. I could never beat Age of Empires II because of its difficulty, but somehow, Age of Mythology offered me a fair chance. Its presentation, game mechanics and atmosphere were unique at the time. Right from the start, the ancient Greek theme of the game attracted me and the mission design, the peaceful music and the gorgeous graphics, made a big impression on me. The campaign was a lot of fun and I enjoyed every mission. Of course, the various cheats were hilarious and back then, it was just unrealistic and mind-blowing to see a bear with a Canada cape shooting lasers out of its eyes, appear out of nowhere after stroking some keys in a textbox. The same goes off course for the car in Age of Empires II. I really enjoyed the changes of scenery and units in the different cultures throughout the game. Details like the native language the units speak, the many cryptids and units of legends like Centaurs, Anubis and Minotaur’s, really enhanced the experience. When talking graphics, this game looked/looks amazing. Units and buildings are very detailed and the landscapes and maps are so colorful and alive. The move and combat animations of the units are also spot on. Back then, I thought Age Of Mythology was one of the best looking games I played. The sound and music is also a piece of art. The calm ambient music is very memorable and is perfectly fitted for the culture that you are playing in that mission. The sound effects and voice overs for the units are also spot on. It is sound design at its best. Control wise, the game plays identical to Age of Empires II, but a little easier. I cannot explain why exactly, but I just thought the interfaces and tutorial were a little more “noob friendly”. The expansion, Age of Mythology: The Titans, was also a work of art. In this expansion, you play as the Atlanteans, an advanced civilization that was far ahead of the Greek, Norse and Egyptian people. The introduction of the new Atlantean race, units and story, was a great new experience and back then, it was just as refreshing and unique as the base game. The expansion also added new features like training units infinitely, as long as you have the sufficient resources. It also granted the power to summon a Titan to bring death and destruction to your enemies. The Extended edition combines the two games and improved the graphics and resolution of the game. Overall, this is one of those games that takes me back to my childhood, a happy time without worries. Just me and Age of Mythology. It will always remain a classic and one of the better games I played back then. Definitely recommend this gem.