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'Age Of Empires 4' Shows Naval Battles And War Elephants In New Footage

Imogen Donovan

Published 

'Age Of Empires 4' Shows Naval Battles And War Elephants In New Footage

Featured Image Credit: Relic Entertainment

Age Of Empires 4 has finally gotten a concrete launch date, more than three years after it was originally announced, and we even got an insight to the anticipated historical real-time strategy title.

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The Age Of Empires 4 Fan Preview that went out this Saturday was a little under half an hour long, but the game is looking brilliant for veteran fans and fresh faces who are interested in the legacy of the series. First things first, the developer has stated that Age Of Empires 4 is coming to PC in late 2021 and it will offer eight civilisations from launch. Of these eight, half of them have a historical campaign that will follow the real events that transformed their power and their reach around the globe. At the moment, we know about the English, Delhi Sultanate, Chinese, Mongols, and United States civilisations, and the Norman Campaign will show off a "documentary-style storytelling" of William of Normandy's efforts to win the English throne.

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Very nice, very promising stuff so far. The next thing to consider is just how awesome it looks. Yes, it's using a 3D art style which is a change of tack for the series, but it is looking fantastic, with enviable detail on the buildings and the units that defend them. "Houses are different from each age," said art director Zach Schlappi. "The modeling actually changes, the textures change. It reflects the narrative: In age one you have almost primitive-looking buildings and structures using very basic materials. As you go through ages one, two, three, four, these buildings grow and become more elaborate and more decorative, reflecting the technological refinements of each civ."

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Furthermore, each civilisation has different capabilities, which is something that Relic Entertainment is terming an "asymmetrical" element of the game. Ergo, the Mongols are able to pack up their settlements and travel to a new area with ease, which is something that simply isn't possible with the imposing, solid castles of the English. And (be sure you're sitting down when you read this sentence), we got the briefest of glimpses of naval combat, which looks absolutely epic. The game is coming to Xbox Game Pass - another boon if you're signed up to the service - and for Age Of Empires Insiders, there will be a closed beta in the near future.

"One of the best things about Age of Empires is the vibrant, creative, welcoming community," said Relic Entertainment. "A celebration of the franchise wouldn't be complete without all of YOU, so the Relic and World's Edge Community Teams got together to pay tribute to you and your love of the games. It's been a fantastic journey with you all so far, and we can't wait to see you in Age of Empires 4."

Topics: News, PC

Imogen Donovan
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