Age of Mythology: Retold is a real-time strategy game that blends base building, resource management, and mythological combat on Xbox Series and PC. Players select major gods from established pantheons to shape their civilization's strengths, then advance through ages while summoning divine powers and commanding myth units alongside human armies. The experience mixes classic RTS fundamentals with asymmetric faction design drawn from Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and Atlantean traditions.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on gathering resources, constructing buildings, training units, and advancing through four ages to unlock stronger options. Each pantheon delivers distinct playstyles through unique god powers, myth units, and technologies. Greek forces emphasize balanced armies and heroic figures, while Egyptian strategies often revolve around monument construction and powerful siege elements. Norse players benefit from aggressive infantry and naval options, and Atlantean factions incorporate unique citizen mechanics and defensive structures.
God selection occurs at the start of a match and influences available minor gods, which grant further abilities when chosen during age-ups. Myth units such as centaurs, trolls, and cyclopes provide specialized roles on the battlefield, supported by god powers that range from area damage effects like lightning storms to economic boosts such as nourishing rains. Combat requires careful positioning and timing, as myth units counter specific threats but carry higher costs and vulnerabilities.
Campaign missions integrate these systems across varied maps and objectives, requiring players to balance expansion, defense, and timed divine interventions. Random map generation supports extended play sessions with fresh layouts each time.
Game Modes
Single-player campaigns deliver structured narratives across dozens of missions set in mythological settings, including sieges of ancient cities and battles against legendary creatures. These missions guide players through pantheon-specific stories while teaching advanced mechanics.
Skirmish and multiplayer modes allow head-to-head matches or cooperative play against AI opponents. Dozens of maps support varied strategies, with options for random generation that ensures high replayability. Matches scale from quick encounters to longer sessions focused on full economic development and large-scale battles.
Controller support streamlines the RTS experience for console play, mapping build queues, unit commands, and camera controls to intuitive layouts without requiring keyboard input.
Expansions and Additional Content
Immortal Pillars introduces the Chinese pantheon with new gods, myth units, and a dedicated campaign centered on ancient legends. Heavenly Spear adds the Japanese pantheon, featuring gods, yokai, samurai, and a campaign following a new protagonist through mythic conflicts. These additions expand the roster of available strategies and units while maintaining the established age progression and resource systems.
Is It Worth Playing?
Age of Mythology: Retold suits players who enjoy real-time strategy games with strong thematic asymmetry and mythological themes. The combination of base building, god powers, and myth units creates engaging decision-making at every stage of a match. Multiplayer and skirmish options provide ongoing variety through map randomization and faction matchups, while campaigns offer directed experiences for those preferring structured play.
Regular updates have incorporated new pantheons and balance adjustments since launch, keeping the game active for both returning fans and newcomers. The controller-friendly design broadens accessibility on console without sacrificing depth. Those who appreciate asymmetric factions and mythological settings will find consistent value in the available modes and ongoing content support.