Matt Kelley

In its current state AOE4 has a lot to offer with it's asymmetrical factions. It is a throwback to the 90s style RTS games in the best way. I've not played the campaigns yet but have played with all the factions. Sound is good and I haven't had any issues, the sounds supplement the game well. Graphics are adequate and nothing more, I would've loved to see better model detail or model individuality. Performance has been solid without slowdowns on my PC Gameplay is fun and the rock paper scissor mechanics are complicated by upgrades and unique units. It does feel a bit slow compared to StarCraft 2. The 8 factions offer different styles of play and are unique beyond just a graphical re-skin. These are the best part of the game and I hope that more are added over time and further balancing is done for competitive multiplayer. I would like for the online matches to possibly get a speed boost or more villagers to start in order to speed up the game. Blizzard did this with SC2 and really improved the early game allowing for 8-15 minute RTS games which is amazing. Some negatives; basics like hotkey rebinding, U.I information such as upgrades or visual tells of unit upgrades as well as some unit modeling need to be addressed, but I am confident Microsoft and relic will continue to support this game. Overall, pleasantly surprised and really enjoying the game and different factions. Update: After 1 month and an update the I am happy that there appears to be quick responses from the devs as well as a roadmap for upcoming content. Still pleased with the game and happy to say that after more time with the game I am really starting to enjoy some of the small strategies and intricacies. They still haven't corrected all the issues described above but the game plays well and I've have almost no issues in multiplayer. I've now played though some of the campaigns; they start as more a hands on tutorial but the cinematics and story telling are well done. I don't play RTS for campaigns but I will likely play through all of these in time. Updated to 5/5

This game has a story to tell you. Along the way you will solve some light puzzle and minimal platforming. It is never to difficult to get frustrating or take away from the story being told. I'm happy that gamepass has added so many smaller puzzle and story driven games. If you're a fan of story and "walking simulators" like Edith Finch and Oxenfree, this is a great game.