Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Age of Empires: Mythologies shifts the classic real-time strategy formula of its PC predecessor into a turn-based experience tailor-made for the Nintendo DS. Each turn presents a choice between expanding your economy—gathering resources like food, gold and favor—and waging tactical skirmishes on a hex-based battlefield. This pacing change adds a layer of thoughtful planning that feels right at home on handheld sessions, letting players pause between moves without missing a beat.

The three playable civilizations—Greeks, Egyptians and Norse—each come with unique building chains, myth units and god powers. Balancing the production of basic units with the timely summoning of mythological creatures, such as Minotaurs or Frost Giants, introduces an addictive “push-and-pull” dynamic. Fans of the original Age of Mythology will appreciate how god powers like Zeus’s Chain Lightning or Odin’s God Aid retain their epic impact, even on a smaller screen.

Skirmish and multiplayer modes add serious replay value. Hotseat matches are great for passing the DS between friends, local Wi-Fi duels let you test your strategies against nearby opponents, and the online mode—while occasionally spotty—opens the door to longer-distance rivalries. With over 30 achievements to unlock, the game encourages experimentation with different civs and tactics, making each playthrough feel fresh.

Graphics

Given the DS’s hardware constraints, Mythologies surprisingly delivers crisp, colorful sprites and detailed overworld maps. Units are easily distinguishable, with each faction’s architectural style faithfully represented: Doric columns for the Greeks, sandstone temples for the Egyptians and sturdy wooden longhouses for the Norse. The chosen color palettes help in reading the battlefield at a glance, even during intense skirmishes.

Zooming in on combat reveals smooth animations for basic attacks and special abilities, though high-detail effects like god power animations are somewhat scaled down. Chain Lightning crackles across the screen in mini bursts, and earthquakes send tiny fractures along the map’s grid, capturing just enough of the epic feel without overwhelming the DS’s processor.

Menu interfaces and HUD elements are cleanly organized across both screens. Unit stats, resource tallies and minimap views are clearly labeled, with touchscreen controls making unit selection and ability targeting feel intuitive. While the dual-screen layout can sometimes feel cramped during frantic battles, it generally enhances information flow rather than obstructing it.

Story

The narrative campaign spans three distinct arcs—one for each civilization—taking players from the sands of Giza to the frozen fjords of Scandinavia and even into the depths of the Underworld. Each campaign unfolds through a series of missions peppered with text-based briefings and expressive character portraits. Though voice acting is absent, the writing conveys mythic stakes and cultural flavor effectively.

Missions are cleverly designed to reinforce story beats: escort a hero through a labyrinth, stave off waves of undead minions, or build monuments to appease the gods. As you conquer enemy outposts, short cutscenes display the shifting balance of power, building anticipation for the next confrontation. This structured progression keeps players engaged while showcasing each civilization’s unique mythic lore.

While the overarching plot doesn’t break new ground narratively, it serves its purpose admirably, weaving together historical fantasy elements with iconic mythology. The inclusion of familiar heroes—Perseus, Ramesses, Thor—adds a personal touch to each campaign, and unlocking their special abilities feels like earning your place among the gods themselves.

Overall Experience

Age of Empires: Mythologies for the Nintendo DS strikes a rare balance between deep strategy and handheld accessibility. The turn-based system breathes new life into the franchise’s core mechanics, allowing for thoughtful decision-making without sacrificing the thrill of summoning godly powers. Multiplayer options and unlockable achievements significantly extend the game’s lifespan, inviting endless rematches and experimentation.

Although some visual effects are scaled down and the story is conveyed solely through text and portraits, the game’s charm shines through its polished presentation and robust design. Fans of strategy willing to embrace a slower pace will find much to love, while newcomers can appreciate the clear tutorials and gradually ramped-up difficulty curve.

Whether you’re revisiting mythic tales or discovering them for the first time, Age of Empires: Mythologies offers a satisfying blend of empire building, tactical warfare and divine intervention—all packaged neatly on the DS. It’s a commendable adaptation that makes the most of its platform, delivering an engaging strategy experience you can take anywhere.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10