Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Age of Empires: Collector’s Edition brings together four landmark real-time strategy titles that laid the foundation for modern RTS experiences. From the original Age of Empires to The Conquerors expansion, each installment builds on the core formula of resource gathering, base building, and unit management. Players can relive the evolution of strategic mechanics as they progress from stone-age villagers in the first game to sophisticated medieval armies in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Campaign missions across all included titles offer a balanced mix of objectives, ranging from epic historical battles to more focused skirmishes. The Rise of Rome expansion introduces the grandeur of Julius Caesar’s campaigns, while The Conquerors adds new civilizations like the Huns and Koreans, each with unique units and technologies. Multiplayer remains engaging, whether you’re trading stone for wood in a team match or trying to outmaneuver opponents in a sudden-death scenario.

One of the highlights in this Collector’s Edition is the inclusion of a dedicated soundtrack disc. While not directly affecting gameplay mechanics, the sweeping orchestral themes and period-inspired motifs enhance immersion and help set the tone for tense encounters and triumphant victories alike. Hearing those stirring melodies while commanding your forces across the map adds an extra layer of atmosphere to every skirmish.

Graphics

Visually, the Collector’s Edition showcases the pixel-art charm of late-’90s and early-2000s strategy games. The original Age of Empires sports a top-down view with color-coded unit sprites that remain easily distinguishable, even on modern displays. As you move into Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings and its expansions, you’ll notice more detailed building textures, smoother animations, and richer terrain variety, from sun-baked deserts to lush, forested hills.

Although these titles predate Hi-DPI resolutions and shader effects, the artwork holds up thanks to thoughtful design and clear visual feedback. Siege weapons recoil convincingly on impact, archers pepper castle walls with clustered arrow trails, and cavalry charges feel weighty thanks to well-timed frame animations. The Collector’s Edition does not apply a full HD remaster, but widescreen patches and fan mods can bring these classics closer to contemporary standards.

The included soundtrack package also features beautifully illustrated booklet art and concept sketches, allowing fans to admire the original painting style that inspired in-game visuals. Leafing through these images enhances appreciation for the care invested in every civilization’s architectural style, from the colonnaded temples of Rome to the wooden palisades of early medieval Europe.

Story

Age of Empires and Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome introduce epic campaigns that span centuries of human history. Players witness the founding of ancient civilizations, relive the Punic Wars, and even guide legendary heroes like Alexander the Great. Though the plotlines prioritize gameplay variety over deep character development, each mission conveys a clear historical context and sense of progression.

With Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, storytelling becomes more character-driven. Campaigns focus on key figures such as Joan of Arc, Saladin, and Genghis Khan, weaving narrative elements with strategic objectives. Expansion packs like The Conquerors add fresh tales—Attila the Hun’s invasions and Montezuma’s defense of Tenochtitlán—inviting players to explore lesser-known chapters of medieval history.

The Collector’s Edition soundtrack further enriches these historical vignettes. Music cues shift seamlessly between majestic fanfares for victory and tense, percussive motifs during sieges, reinforcing the narrative stakes. Even without voice acting or extensive cutscenes, the combination of map design, mission briefings, and stirring audio transports players to pivotal moments in world history.

Overall Experience

The Age of Empires: Collector’s Edition remains a stellar value proposition for both longtime fans and newcomers to the RTS genre. Packaging four full games—each with its expansions—and a curated soundtrack disc offers dozens of campaigns, skirmishes, and multiplayer possibilities. New players can witness the genre’s evolution firsthand, while veterans can revisit beloved maps with fresh appreciation.

Installation is straightforward on modern PCs, and the games run smoothly with minimal configuration. Fans of the series will appreciate the added nostalgia of original box art, manual scans, and soundtrack liner notes. The breadth of civilizations, AI personalities, and map types ensures that no two sessions feel the same, keeping replayability high even after hundreds of hours.

Whether you’re intrigued by the rise of ancient empires or the clash of medieval kingdoms, this Collector’s Edition delivers an engaging journey through history. Packed with content, rich in strategic depth, and complemented by one of the most memorable game soundtracks ever produced, it offers a comprehensive RTS experience that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10