If you’re anything like me—a lifelong devotee of myth, strategy, and a good ol’ dose of digital nostalgia—Age of Mythology: Retold feels like a homecoming with a modern makeover. I remember burning the midnight oil with a mate or two, huddled around a chonky CRT monitor as gods got it on in low-res brouhahas.
Fast forward to today, and here I am committing sacrilege against 2002 me, playing a strikingly fresh rendition of this genre-defining classic in my living room on a 4K, pool-table-sized TV with not a mouse in sight. Obvious creature comfort upgrades aside, does this reimagined experience recapture that magical spark, or has it lost a bit of its old-world charm in the pursuit of modern polish?
Before we get lost in the whirl of modern graphics and reengineered mechanics, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on where it all began. The original Age of Mythology wasn’t just another real-time strategy game—it was an epic blend of history and myth that allowed us to command gods and mythical creatures across ancient battlefields. It wasn’t just strategy; it was storytelling, cultural exploration, and a playground for the imagination. I still recall the thrill of summoning Zeus’s lightning to decimate enemy armies and the sense of awe when my freaky minions burst forth to ensure those I wanted smitten got smoten.
Fast forward over two decades, and here comes Age of Mythology: Retold to honor that legacy while infusing it with a level of modernity that both surprises and delights. As a franchise veteran, I appreciate the nods to the original (those signature units and the familiar gods) even as the game boldly charts a new course. The developers have taken the essence of what made the series a standout—its rich tapestry of myth and strategy—and refreshed it for a new era of mythological megalomaniacs.
freaky minions burst forth to ensure those I wanted smitten got smoten.
At its heart, Age of Mythology: Retold stays true to the RTS spirit: master your civilization, harness divine powers, and outwit your opponents through a mix of tactical ingenuity and mythological might. The game features three sprawling campaigns that take you through 50 meticulously designed mission scenarios. Each campaign serves as both a tutorial and a narrative journey, weaving in the lore of not only the classic pantheons—Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean—but also teasing a rich expansion on the horizon with the introduction of Chinese mythology in the upcoming Immortal Pillars DLC.
Now, I must admit that for someone used to a heavy narrative in modern titles, the plot in Retold might seem understated. But don’t be fooled—this is a game where every decision in battle tells a story. The campaigns aren’t about long-winded cutscenes; they’re about plunging straight into the thick of mythic warfare, with each mission challenging you to rethink your strategy and adapt to the unique demands of a world where the gods are as fickle as they are powerful.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rewrite the fate of empires at the whims of capricious deities? That’s exactly what this game invites you to do. Each mission is like a mini-epic, drawing you in with unexpected twists and a sense of grandeur that is hard to come by in many of today’s titles. Whether you’re a strategy purist or someone looking for a dash of mythological magic, the narrative backbone of Retold manages to strike a fine balance between reverence for its roots and innovative storytelling.
When I first fired up Age of Mythology: Retold, I was immediately struck by the intoxicating blend of old-school strategy and contemporary refinement. The game retains that beloved RTS complexity while smoothing over the rough edges that, in hindsight, sometimes made the original a bit of a grind.
One of the standout innovations is the reimagined God Powers. In the original, using a divine ability was like a one-shot deal—powerful, yes, but fleeting. Here, the game has reworked these abilities so that they’re rechargeable, letting you summon devastating storms, quakes, and other supernatural phenomena over and over again. It’s like having a never-ending arsenal of epic moments at your fingertips. I found myself grinning as I unleashed a well-timed lightning storm on an unsuspecting enemy force. It’s not just about raw power—it’s about strategy, timing, and, dare I say, a bit of divine showmanship.
it’s about strategy, timing, and, dare I say, a bit of divine showmanship.
Another nifty addition is the Villager Priority System. Anyone who’s ever managed a horde of digital peasants in an RTS knows that resource gathering can sometimes be more maddening than exhilarating. With this new system, you can assign presets to your villagers, automating tasks like farming, mining, or lumber collection with a single button press. It significantly reduces the micromanagement that used to bog down your strategic thinking. Imagine spending less time herding your units and more time planning your next big divine intervention—sounds like a win, right?
For those of you who thrive on competition, the multiplayer modes deliver plenty of excitement. With PVE Skirmish, cooperative MP, and competitive PVP MP modes (including ranked play), the game ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re teaming up with friends to take on mythological challenges or testing your strategic mettle against rivals online, the variety of modes keeps the experience fresh and engaging. Cross-platform play, supported via Microsoft accounts, is always appreciated too.
Let’s talk visuals. One of the most striking aspects of Age of Mythology: Retold is its reimagined graphics. The original may have been a pioneer in its time, but this new version brings a dazzling 4K aesthetic that earned an approving nod or two from me. The reimagined pantheons burst with detail—each god and mythical creature is rendered with a vibrant clarity that feels both modern and true to its mythological roots. While pausing to take notes mid-battle I caught myself perving at the beautifully crafted landscapes and meticulously animated units.
The sound design is equally impressive. The orchestral score is both triumphant and haunting, perfectly complementing the game’s mythic ambiance. Whether you’re amidst the chaos of battle or quietly orchestrating your empire’s growth, the music seamlessly adapts to the mood, heightening the emotional stakes. The clash of steel, the rumble of divine power, and the subtle ambient sounds all work together to create an immersive audio experience.
After many hours immersed in both the campaigns and multiplayer battles, I’ve compiled a list of what works brilliantly and a few areas where Age of Mythology: Retold might leave you wanting just a tad bit more.
While pausing to take notes mid-battle I caught myself perving at the beautifully crafted landscapes
On the pro side of things, the state of controls for this console port are important. I’m happy to say that whether you’re using a mouse and keyboard or a controller on PS5, getting your smite on always feels responsive and non-fiddly. The game also offers a host of accessibility features—from adjustable text sizes to speech-to-text options—which is always nice.
That being said, there’s still a pretty decent learning curve for newcomers. Despite the streamlined controls and automated systems, the game still carries the inherent complexity of an RTS (a genre I was raised on but has become rarer and rarer these days). New players might feel overwhelmed at first, even though the improved tutorials and guides will help ease the transition.
I also still think that there are some legacy issues with multiplayer balancing. God v god-ing is a major highlight, but some sessions can feel a tad unbalanced if matchmaking isn’t on point. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something that could use a bit more fine-tuning as the community grows.
Admittedly, none of the above are major sins. And so, after countless hours of strategizing, epic battles, and a generous dose of divine intervention, I was still mighty satisfied with this package overall. Age of Mythology: Retold isn’t a flawless masterpiece—no game ever is—but it’s a certainly thoughtful, well-executed revival that honours its roots while answering the prayers of discerning modern gamers.
This review was made possible by a code provided by Microsoft AU who had zero say over this text.
