Age of Empires II: The Forgotten
Age of Empires II: The Forgotten | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Skybox Labs, Forgotten Empires |
Publisher(s) | Microsoft Studios |
Series | Age of Empires |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release date(s) | November 7, 2013[1] |
Genre(s) | Real-time strategy |
Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
Age of Empires II: The Forgotten is the second expansion pack to the 1999 real-time strategy game Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, and the first new expansion to the game in over a decade.[2] created for the HD Edition of the game available on Steam, The Forgotten originated as an unofficial modification for the game known as Forgotten Empires. The expansion pack was developed by the team that created the mod with the assistance of Skybox Labs,[3] based in Vancouver. The Forgotten introduces five new civilizations (the Italians, Indians, Slavs, Magyars, and Incas), seven new campaigns, new units, new technologies, new gameplay modes, new maps, improved AI and other tweaks to gameplay.
Gameplay changes
The Forgotten introduces various new gameplay features and tweaks, including the new game modes Capture the Relic and Treaty. Additional maps, including an expanded maximum map size that is four times bigger than the previous largest. Over 30 new technologies and 9 new units are included. Custom creations can be shared directly to the Steam Workshop. Artificial Intelligence has been improved, modeled on competitive players.[4]
Campaigns
The Forgotten adds seven additional single player campaigns, which are partially based on the following historical events:
The trauma of the Hun invasion in the 4th century has shaped Alaric, the fearsome warrior king of the Goths. But can the beloved king secure a new homeland for his people in the territory of the collapsing Roman Empire?[2]
Always hungry for glory and wealth, Sforza wanders around 15th century Italy, offering his services to the highest bidder. Will he pick the right battles or make the wrong enemy? Take the fate of the young mercenary captain in your hands.[2]
- Bari:
400 years after the collapse of the Roman Empire, Italy is still up for grabs. Relive the tale of the port city Bari from the point of view of a Byzantine family, rising from the common soldiery to the nobility. Beware, for not only Bari is at stake, but also control of Southern Italy.[2]
History forged an incredible legend about the man who ruled Wallachia in the mid-15th century. Holding his ground against the vast armies of the expanding Ottoman Empire, his cruel tactics made him the most feared man in all of Eastern Europe. Will his thirst for blood and the loyalty of his soldiers hold the Turks back for good?[2]
Join Francisco Orellana and Gonzalo Pizarro on their quest to find El Dorado, the legendary Lost City of Gold, thought to be hidden somewhere in the vast Amazon rainforest. Will their quest along the Amazon River lead to lifelong prosperity?[5]
As the 12th century comes to a close, India is divided between the ruling Rajput clans. One of them, the Chauhans, have just been blessed with a new king. His name is Prithviraj and his determination to unite the rival states is unprecedented. But what happens when he falls in love with the daughter of his enemy? And does he have the strength to stop a full-scale Muslim invasion from the west?[6]
- Battles of the Forgotten:
Time has faded the names of many of the greatest leaders ever known. During their age they were famed for their fierceness on the battlefield, their just rule and their quest for power. Witness the path to glory of Richard the Lionheart, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Sultan Osman Ghazi, Khosrau and many more.
Online play
Multiplayer is supported on Steam. The Forgotten introduces an "observer" mode, allowing for spectators to view online multiplayer matches, and also allows for streaming direct to twitch.tv.[2]
Additional content
In April 2015, Microsoft announced that a new patch, as well as a new DLC, which is a follow-up to The Forgotten is in development through a blog post.[7] The new DLC will include features such as new civilizations, campaigns, game modes and units.[8] This expansion was finally released with the name The African Kingdoms.[9]
References
- ↑ "Release date for Age of Empires II: The Forgotten". ageofempiresonline. 2013-11-06.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Announcing Age of Empires II HD - The Forgotten". Steam.
- ↑ "Age of Empires II: The Forgotten". SkyBox Labs. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
- ↑ Steven Bogos (2013-08-16). "Age of Empires II Receives First Official Expansion in 14 Years". The Escapist. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
- ↑ "Age of Empires II: HD Edition – New Campaign". Steam. 2014-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
- ↑ "AOE II HD - New Campaign & 3.5". Steam. 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2014-04-27.
- ↑ "Age of Empires II: HD Edition – Patch 3.9 and the Path Forward". Age of Empires Blog. April 8, 2015. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
- ↑ Starkey, Daniel (April 9, 2015). "16-year-old Age of Empires II Gets a New Expansion, Patch". GameSpot. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
- ↑ "Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2016-01-05.