Age of Empires Online out middle of August

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Microsoft has unveiled a new cinematic trailer for its upcoming online strategy title, Age of Empires Online.

You’ll likely be familiar with the franchise, and the idea is to implement a massively multiplayer version of the strategy game, with the initial content coming for free (and booster packs to purchase afterwards).

The new trailer is on YouTube, and shows a rather cartoon child-friendly version of the initial two civilizations which will be available – the Greeks and Egyptians – clashing.

Not a drop of blood is spilled, although a shield is broken and somebody drops a basket of plums (we think) at one point which will at least leave some manner of red stain on the battlefield.

The game launches on August 16th with the aforementioned two civilizations and apparently over 40 hours of gameplay free. MS intends to make money from future releases of premium content, including booster packs with new games modes and fresh civilizations. But there won’t ever be a subscription charged to play.

Apparently three such bundles are coming before the close of the year, in the form of the Celtic and Persian races, and the skirmish hall booster, which allows you to set up custom skirmish battles against up to three enemies.

Age of Empires Online bills itself as a persistent strategy world with classic RTS gameplay, along with MMORPG and social elements. Co-operative or competitive play is possible, and there are quests to complete, not to mention crafting and trading to be done.

It all sounds rather fun, particularly with that initial free price tag, although if the game balance is affected by the premium content that could be an off-putting factor. Still, we won’t judge until we’ve seen exactly how it’ll all work.