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Age of Empires

Age of Empires

83/100
677 ratings1997

FPS data not available

We couldn't generate FPS estimates for this game — the required GPU specs are too generic to benchmark.

Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card
Minimum required

Local SVGA bus video display

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Processor
Minimum required

Intel Pentium 90 or higher

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Genres

About

"Age of Empires," released in 1997, is a landmark title in the strategy genre that has left a lasting impact on PC gaming. Developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, the game allows players to guide an ancient civilization through four distinct ages, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. Its engaging gameplay, combined with a history-based narrative, sets it apart as a classic that many still cherish today.

When it comes to PC performance, "Age of Empires" is quite accessible, making it easy to run on a wide range of hardware. With modest requirements, gamers can expect solid FPS even on lower-end systems. A mid-tier GPU, such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 or AMD Radeon RX 560, should provide excellent performance at higher graphics settings, ensuring an enjoyable experience in this iconic strategy game.

If you're a fan of real-time strategy games or looking to explore a piece of gaming history, "Age of Empires" is definitely worth playing. With a rating of 84/100, this title offers a balanced mix of engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm, making it a recommended choice for both newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Performance profile

Released in October 1997, Age of Empires predates modern GPU acceleration as we know it today. It runs effortlessly on virtually any current hardware, including integrated graphics and entry-level laptops — framerate is limited by the engine, not the GPU.

As a strategy title, Age of Empires is typically CPU-bound rather than GPU-bound — single-thread CPU performance dictates framerate during large-scale battles, end-game saves and late-game AI turns. A fast modern 6-core will help more than a GPU upgrade.

Storyline

Age of Empires requires the player to develop a civilization from a handful of hunter-gatherers to an expansive Iron Age empire. To ensure victory, the player must gather resources in order to pay for new units, buildings and more advanced technologies. Resources must also be preserved, as no new resources become available as the game progresses, meaning if you cut a tree down, the tree will not grow back. Twelve civilizations are available, each with individual sets of attributes, including a varying number of available technologies and units. Each civilization has technologies unique to them, so that no civilization possesses all the technologies possible within the game. A major component of the game is the advancement through four ages. These are the Stone Age (Mesolithic/Paleolithic), Tool Age (Neolithic/Chalcolithic), Bronze Age and Iron Age. Advancement between ages is researched at the Town Center and each advancement brings the player new technologies, weapons, and units.

Screenshots

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