Article with evidence of AoE 4's production
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Since the release of AoE III: Asian Dynasties in 2007, fans of the beloved series have been waiting... and waiting... and waiting for Age of Empires IV. So, where is it? Well, the link above makes it seem like it is coming soon. Whether it is or not, (although I hope wholeheartedly that it is), here is my list of seven things that will make AoE IV great, in no particular order.
1. A good online network
Not like AoE: Online, (that goes for pretty much anything), not through another website like other games in the franchise. AoE needs something similar to Halo matchmaking; a way to quickly find opponents. A skill level rating would be nice as well.
2. Mind-blowing graphics
I remember first starting up AoE: III, playing a game, and watching naval combat. It was amazing at the time. Pieces of ships flying off, explosions, water ripple effects... Now, with games like the Total War franchise, we want a little more. I want to be able to zoom in on soldiers faces, watch hand-to-hand combat up close, all the things that make me love Total War. Again, not like AoE: Online... if it's cartoon, I swear... Anyways, good graphics would be great.
3. AI
This probably won't be a problem for Microsoft, the AI has always been good in the series; they just need to keep it up.
4. Realism
I'm putting this separate from graphics for a reason. I want the units to behave realistically, the ships to move realistically, the buildings to collapse realistically. Attacks should not be repetitive, units should swing their sword all over the place, differently every time. Attacks should like like real attacks. I want soldiers to fire at a realistic rate, so instead of 15 shots a minute and 10 damage, 5 shots a minute and 30 damage.
5. Units/bonuses
I would love to see a mass cavalry charge just mow down a line of infantry. So far, it has pained me to see my cavalry charge, and then stop in front of the infantry and swing their sword five feet in front of the enemy, (did I mention that in realism?). Cavalry should get attack bonuses based on their speed. Different weapons should be able to block other weapons a certain percentage of the time
6. Gameplay additions
Some gameplay ideas: Units should level up, and be appointed as officers after killing so many other units. They would give attack and moral boosts to units around them. About that... moral. Units should flee, sprint from the battlefield while losing horribly. When they see a general killed, they should be harder to control. Alright, I admit I want the battles to be more Total War like. But wouldn't that be amazing? The features in Total War outmatch the battle features in AoE by far. Moral, fatigue, inspiration, excitement, terrain all play in to the outcome of the battle in Total War. In AoE, all it is is HP, attack, range, and bonuses.
7. Time period?
To Starcraft or not to Starcraft, that is the question. The answer, for me, at least, is no. Keep the historical aspect. It is probably the main reason I fell in love with AoE in the first place. So... when? An AoE II remake would definitely would be cool, considering AoE: II had the best ratings of the series. World Wars would be okay, kind of hard to make melee units then.. but hey, tanks and planes would be cool. Ultimately, I just want it to feel historical. See my post "Possible AoE IV Titles and Expansions" for more
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