Game reviews / Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
2021 · PC · Xbox One · Xbox Series X/S · PlayStation 5 · Real-time strategy · Simulation
3 scored sources · 3 countries contributing scores
Review consensus
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a polished, content-rich return to classic medieval real-time strategy. Critics consistently praised its distinct civilizations, accessible but deep resource-and-army management, educational documentary-style campaigns, and strong multiplayer and skirmish foundations. The game deliberately follows the successful Age of Empires II formula rather than radically reinventing it, which makes it immediately familiar but occasionally conservative. Reviews also noted thinness at launch, dated visuals, unreliable unit AI, and a learning curve for console controls. The Anniversary Edition’s expanded content and successful controller adaptation make it an especially compelling console strategy package.
Limited geographic coverage. Treat this score as an early indication.
Last researched: 2026-09-18
Pros
- Distinct civilizations with varied strategic identities
- Deep, addictive classic RTS gameplay
- Educational and well-produced historical campaigns
- Large amount of replayable multiplayer and skirmish content
Cons
- Conservative design rarely departs from the series formula
- Unit AI and pathfinding can be unreliable
- Console controls require an initial learning period
- Some editions and the original release were criticized as content-thin
Review sources
3 sources found across 3 countries. This is not exhaustive worldwide coverage.
- Player2 · Australia · 91/100
- Vandal · Spain · 85/100
- Push Square · United Kingdom · 80/100