Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike! Create an Empire in your own Image Rule as one of 6 RPG style leader classes: Sorcerer, Theocrat, Rogue, Warlord, Archdruid, or the tech-focused Dreadnought. Research powerful skills unique to your class to develop your empire and arsenal. Choose your allies from among the six main races – Humans, High Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Goblins and Draconians – and fantastical monster dwellings. Explore and Exploit a Living Fantasy World Explore a rich fantasy world that is more detailed and alive than ever with over 50 location types to raid for treasure.
Steam User 23
Easily one of the best 4X games ever made although it does have some annoying quirks, massively OP strategies and occasional clunky interface and mechanics.
However, it is a wonderful example of asymmetric game design where you play your strengths and counteract your weaknesses. It also has distinct race/culture/magic combinations that force you to branch away from turtle / rush styles. Another wonderful element is that you can go from doing really well to an actual crushing defeat in a few turns if you over extend or try a risky attack without protecting your capital. It also has make or break battles that will test your tactical ability that can ultimately turn the tide of an entire game.
On the downside, the AI is a tad weak so cranking up the difficult will be a must although this just stacks up economic bonuses for the AI players rather than better play. The end game can also become a grind so just quit when you absolutely know that you have won (you will know!) and try another combination.
The combinations of race, cultures, magic are pretty varied. And replay-ability is further enhanced by the efforts of the modding community that have made this game stand out from a similar pack. For all its faults, it is still a must play for any fan of the genre in a similar vain to Master of Magic series or HoMM. It is showing its age in terms of visuals but great sound track and it is generally pretty stable.
One major annoyance is that most mods require the DLC so this decade old game ends up pretty pricey... Of course Triumph need to to earn a crust so maybe check it out at the next inevitable Steam sale......
And one final tip... there is a Mod that turns off the Lucky Trait... thank me later!
Steam User 31
It brings back good memories............ when we did pirate all the things. Bought the game for support, but i really think all DLC`S should come free for a ten year old game.
They were charging more for the DLC than for the game. So i pirated once again.
AND FGS.... ignore this dumb comments... you can log as a guest and play.
Steam User 10
Playing Necromancer is a blast!
PS: You don't have to create an account and login. Just click on playing as guest.
Steam User 18
My gameplay stats speak for themselves - this is a fantastic game which I keep coming back to, over and above Age of Wonders Planetfall (haven't yet tried AoW4). I felt compelled to write a review as, having recently become a father, this game is extremely respectful of your time, and you can play it one-handed (whilst my 'strategic advisor' naps in the other).
Steam User 31
Great Game xD
Steam User 9
This is such an amazing game. Better than civilization, although more complex and much more difficult. You can take on the four campaigns or you can choose a race (human, orc, goblin etc) and build your cities and fight your opponents on a randomi map. There are endless desirable elements included in the game such as magic, heroes, helpful hero items, tombs to explore, enemy cities to conquer, resource and city management and many more. Have come back to this after several years and beat the first campaign which wasn't an easy task. I am looking forward to discovering much more of this game, before I try the new version, Age of Wonders 4 which looks spectacular.
Steam User 18
Alright, buckle up, folks, 'cause let me tell you about this game – it's like the holy grail for strategy buffs. It's like they took the best bits from the classics and sprinkled in some modern magic. Sure, some might call it "simple" compared to other 4X games, but let me tell you, that's like saying a Ferrari is "basic" because it doesn't have a built-in fridge. This game? It's got depth deeper than a well. I've sunk more hours into it than I care to admit, and I'm still uncovering new tricks.
First off, the combat? Unmatched. It's like Total War on steroids, but turn-based. Tactical geniuses will feel right at home here. Then there's the strategic movement – it's not just about moving troops, it's a whole chess game of terrain and race bonuses. Ever seen invisible druids lurking in forests? Yeah, this game's got that.
And don't even get me started on empire management. Forget about cookie-cutter cities – here, it's all about where you plonk 'em down. Choose the right spot, and you'll unlock units and buffs that'll make your enemies weep.
But here's the kicker: diplomacy's fine and dandy, but let's be real – this game's about one thing: domination. Crush your foes, take their cities, rinse, repeat. And the best part? You can play it your way. Wanna be the sneaky rogue or the honorable warrior? It's all up to you.
Bottom line? If you're into fantasy strategy, this game's your golden ticket. Age of Wonders 3 ain't just good – it's the godfather of 4X wargames.