But either way, it’s a faithful and satisfying remaster for one of the more uneven entries in the series. At the same time, there’s not nearly as much new stuff as there was for AOEII’s remaster - just two new civilizations and a handful of standalone historical battles. And at only $20, it's an incredibly good deal, too. To be clear, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition can still be a rollicking good time, whether you’re playing through improbable random map matchups, proving your worth in multiplayer or even enjoying the delightfully campy campaigns. This real-time strategy sequel for the PC is brimming with style and atmosphere, but doesn’t feel as beautifully balanced as its predecessor, the almost-incomparable Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.
In a way, it’s a nearly perfect remaster, since you could have said exactly the same thing about Age of Empires III when it debuted 15 years ago. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a robust, ambitious game that’s buoyed by strong gameplay and held back by a few strange design decisions.
