Age of Empires fans, it's nearly time to dive back into the original RTS classic with some modern updates. Microsoft has announced that Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will finally launch on February 20.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition was originally set to launch on October 19, 2017, but Microsoft opted to delay the release in order to give it a little more time in the oven.
The revamped experience will feature the same gameplay hooks as the original, but with updated visuals and other improvements. Those updates include high-resolution textures and support for playing in 4K. Other tweaks include an increased population limit, better pathfinding for units, new zoom levels, and improved animations. Even the soundtrack has been enhanced with a re-recorded orchestral score.
On top of the visual and gameplay improvements, players will be able to compete against one another over Xbox Live (though LAN play is still supported, of course). Campaign mode has also been enhanced with narration for every mission, and there are various enhancements for the campaign and scenario editor for thsoe wanting to put together their own custom campaigns.
Microsoft also has "Definitive Edition" revamps in development for Age of Empires II and Age of Empires III, each of which will see similar updates. An Age of Empires IV has been confirmed to be in the works as well.
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will be available for $19.99 for Windows 10 PCs. Ahead of its release, another multiplayer beta will be run starting on January 29. You can sign up to participate in the beta at the Age of Empires website. For now, the game is up for preorder at the Microsoft Store.
