Age of Wonders 4 is the latest in the Age of Wonders series of 4X strategy civilization builders from Paradox Interactive and Triumph Studios. The game brings the classic 4X gameplay of Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate and combines it with an incredible level of customization options and detailed tactical combat scenarios. Add to that the beautiful graphics and unique strategies available through magical means, and the game is truly a wonderful experience.
In an earlier preview of Age of Wonders 4, Screen Rant was given some insights from the developers on what sets this game apart from others. The systems of magic within the game clearly distinguish it from its competition, with over 50 Tomes of Magic in the game to slowly learn and work through. The Pantheon tree also encourages players to come back and keep playing more games to build their empires with cosmetic rewards and more for Pantheon XP.
The main ways to win in Age of Wonders 4 are, like other 4X games, to either defeat the other rulers (Military Objective), get control of the world map (Expansion Objective), or be the first to research all the arcane powers (Magic Objective). This strategy game is played in a turn-based format with several means of customizing the gameplay. Even the faction choice is customizable with players being able to create their empire from their own creative design or choose from pre-made factions. Unlike the Age of Wonders: Planetfall sci-fi spinoff, Age of Wonders 4 takes players back to the fantasy roots that defined the series initially, with options to have a race of mole-people, halflings, orcs, toads, and more.
Age of Wonders 4 is not a game for players who like to move slowly and be peace-oriented. The game is designed to reward fast expansions and exploration, and there are many times when the only option is to fight. Combat in the game can either be handled automatically with notifications prompting the player on the likelihood of success, or the player can choose to do manual combat. In the manual combat mode, players enter a new screen where they have a tactical battlefield and can order their troops in a turn-based fashion to attack the enemy. Fights can be difficult, especially at the beginning of the game, but having complete control over how to order the units can be a fun way to take on the challenge.
Players who enjoy deep thinking, research, and tactical planning will enjoy Age of Wonders 4, but it is not designed for the casual simulation player. There are many things to keep track of at once, including: arcane research; heroes; quests; diplomacy with other factions and free cities; how each of the players' cities are doing; production; currency; armies; and so much more. Researching Magical tomes can provide unbelievable powers and are a unique take on the standard skill trees of many 4X games, but it's another layer of comprehension to an already potentially overwhelming game.
Age of Wonders 4 is a beautifully crafted 4X experience for players who like to dig deep and learn how to customize a game to fit how they like to play and be able to research through many varieties of choices and traits. The game offers some ways to simplify things for those who are more casual but definitely is something that someone could spend hours, days, and weeks digging into and still not be able to see everything the game has in its depths. While its overloaded amount of bookkeeping can prevent some enjoyment, what's here is more than satisfactory for the genre.
Source: Age Of Wonders 4 Official/YouTube
Age of Wonders 4 will be available on May 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Screen Rant was provided with a PC download code for the purpose of this review.