Maybe my favorite strategy game. The only thing I don't like are the regular updates because in my opinion they make the graphics worse each time. More cartoonish (like Age of Wonders 4) and with less realism.
It's an okay game. The graphics went more of a sideways movement rather than an upgrade in my opinion. A different style, more cartoony a bit. The game overall suffers from being too convoluted with too many systems for this and that. I like complex strategy games, but not when the "fun" factor gets sucked out because of too much micromanaging. AOW3 is better imo. It was cleaner, had better combat, better spell effects, and a better user interface. Some other things that really bother me about AOW4 is that the random map generator won't let you choose the size. Merely how far apart your opponents are. Also you have to play with an underground. There are no special racial units anymore. AI is bad. I really think the game is just a big hot mess. Not every game series puts out a better addition each time they launch the next game in the series. Look at Heroes of Might and Magic for example....most people agree that HOMM3 was the best, even thought it went to 7 in the series with improved graphics. I think the same will apply here.
Really dissapointed with AOW4. Unfortunately too many gamers are fanbois of a franchise and will always give a max rating on a new release no matter what. Kind of like fans of Apple, or Ford, or Chevy etc. I'm going to be honest in my opinion and rating. I'm a fan of the series. As well as 4x games in general. AOW4 is too convoluted for it's own good. The "fun" factor is greatly reduced, in favor of more options and systems that are pointless. The graphics don't seem any better, but rather just a move sideways. A change in style is all. I think the graphics in AOW3 are better to be honest. I give this 3 stars out of five. I'm sorry I wasted my money on it. Too many other better games out there.
