A remaster done right.

I love the original 1999 game, been playing it since 2009, then went on with the HD edition in 2014. This version intensifies my love for it more. Note that I will be only talking about the game from a single player perspective.

Gameplay is pretty much the same, with few minor features (auto reseeding farms and fish traps; auto scouting ), which is a plus for me, because the gameplay of AOE II has always been the best. If it ain't broken, don't fix it (pathfinding still wonky tho). The new Last Khans civs are pretty solid, although I found the Tatars hard to utilize given their bizarre bonuses.

The graphics are spot on, definitely definited in this definite edition (heh). It's nice to see the units get their smooth 3D models and animations. All the buildings, terrains and doodads get a facelift, which looks astonishing and make some good eye candy.

Sound effects are somewhat watered down from the previous version. Instead of hearing the meaty and satisfying metal clanging sounds when you're in a battle, you get this weaker one that sounds like two spoons banging agaisnt each other. However, the remastered soundtrack (along with some new tracks) is a welcoming addition. And holy ♥♥♥♥, they made extended themes for the civilization jingles too? Awesome.

On to the campaigns, aside from the original Age of Kings and The Conquerors campaigns, this version also introduced new sets of campaigns taken from the HD Edition expansions (The Forgotten; African Kingdoms; Rise of Rajas) and three from The Last Khans. The OG campaigns are the same, with little change to some scenarios, although I miss the memorable ham of the OG voice actors ("BEHO! THE ♥♥♥♥♥ OF GENGHIS CAN AB ROACHES" - Mongol Cavalry Archer 1999). The HD expansions campaigns have been improved, specificly The Forgotten, and thank God for that (El Dorado and Honfoglalas in the HD Edition can go ♥♥♥♥ themselves); campaigns from African Kingdoms and Rise of Rajas received minor changes and improvements, they have always been alright to me, so there's not much to say. The new Last Khans campaigns are pretty damn good too, a bit challenging at times, but not too tedious (my personal favorite is Ivaylo).

One thing I don't like about this game is the menu interface. Not that it's bad but it's bland and boring to look at. In the original game, you have certain icons for specific sections (https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/391047274274198720/63AD61E696636F08DB442117A6DD0A77089994E3/). In this version, it's just these generic red bars with golden letters for most of the sections. Then again, it's just my personal taste.

Overall, do I think this might be the best remaster of the game?
1.

EDIT: Due to Steam flagging my imgur link as malicious, I resort to use another link.

A remaster done right. I love the original 1999 game, been playing it since 2009, then went on with the HD edition in 2014. This version intensifies my love for it more. Note that I will be only talking about the game from a single player perspective. Gameplay is pretty much the same, with few minor features (auto reseeding farms and fish traps; auto scouting ), which is a plus for me, because the gameplay of AOE II has always been the best. If it ain't broken, don't fix it (pathfinding still wonky tho). The new Last Khans civs are pretty solid, although I found the Tatars hard to utilize given their bizarre bonuses. The graphics are spot on, definitely definited in this definite edition (heh). It's nice to see the units get their smooth 3D models and animations. All the buildings, terrains and doodads get a facelift, which looks astonishing and make some good eye candy. Sound effects are somewhat watered down from the previous version. Instead of hearing the meaty and satisfying metal clanging sounds when you're in a battle, you get this weaker one that sounds like two spoons banging agaisnt each other. However, the remastered soundtrack (along with some new tracks) is a welcoming addition. And holy fuck, they made extended themes for the civilization jingles too? Awesome. On to the campaigns, aside from the original Age of Kings and The Conquerors campaigns, this version also introduced new sets of campaigns taken from the HD Edition expansions (The Forgotten; African Kingdoms; Rise of Rajas) and three from The Last Khans. The OG campaigns are the same, with little change to some scenarios, although I miss the memorable ham of the OG voice actors ("BEHO! THE WHORE OF GENGHIS CAN AB ROACHES" - Mongol Cavalry Archer 1999). The HD expansions campaigns have been improved, specificly The Forgotten, and thank God for that (El Dorado and Honfoglalas in the HD Edition can go fuck themselves); campaigns from African Kingdoms and Rise of Rajas received minor changes and improvements, they have always been alright to me, so there's not much to say. The new Last Khans campaigns are pretty damn good too, a bit challenging at times, but not too tedious (my personal favorite is Ivaylo). One thing I don't like about this game is the menu interface. Not that it's bad but it's bland and boring to look at. In the original game, you have certain icons for specific sections (https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/391047274274198720/63AD61E696636F08DB442117A6DD0A77089994E3/). In this version, it's just these generic red bars with golden letters for most of the sections. Then again, it's just my personal taste. Overall, do I think this might be the best remaster of the game? 1. EDIT: Due to Steam flagging my imgur link as malicious, I resort to use another link.