Relic Entertainment and Microsoft have announced the final remake of the iconic Age of Empires spinoff, Age of Mythology: Retold.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Age of Empires franchise, Microsoft has announced Age of Mythology: Retold, the definitive remaster of the popular spinoff game initially released in 2002. When the real-time strategy genre was at its peak, developers of Ensemble Studios presented the gaming world with a more radical approach to the tried-and-true Age of Empires formula.

Age of Mythology introduced concepts such as mercy, deities and heroic units.

The game seamlessly intertwined mythic concepts with the usual Age of Empires gameplay. AoM initially started with three factions: the Greeks, the Egyptians and the Norse. This was further expanded in the Age of Mythology add-ons. Factions such as the Atlanteans and the Chinese were introduced to somewhat mixed reception.

The remaster announcement happened on Twitter through the game’s own account rather than the Age of Empires account. This suggests that Microsoft had bigger plans for the spinoff than we might expect. This Definitive Edition is not the first attempt to remaster the Age of Mythology. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition was released in 2014.

Unfortunately, Skybox Labs’ attempt was heavily criticised upon release. Numerous bugs plagued the otherwise faithful revamp of the strategy classic. In 2016, the company released an expansion pack called Tale of the Dragon, which included a new playable faction, campaign and new maps.

Gamers were wondering if Relic Entertainment would embark on a proper remaster soon.

After all, the developer of Age of Empires had hinted at an AoM remaster just a year before the announcement. The franchise’s recent renaissance has reaffirmed its place in video game history. It has brought new eyes to a genre that desperately needed them. With the acquisition of Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft now owns three iconic real-time strategy IPs, and its handling of the Age of Empires revival shows that the company is keen to invest in the genre.

It’s important to note that the video also features the Xbox logo. This clearly indicates that the AoM remake will be coming to the console. This is a familiar pattern for Microsoft remasters, most of which have been ported to consoles after being carefully adapted for the modern age. Microsoft has also announced that Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires 4 will receive an Xbox release in 2023. It remains to be seen whether Age of Mythology: Retold will finally bring a renaissance to the franchise. However, it really looks like this IP is in good hands.

Source: HobbyConsolas

Gods will return. Heroes will rise. Legends will battle.

Age of Mythology: Retold is coming.

Bringing the Definitive Edition treatment to Age of Mythology, the game will feature beautiful graphics, updated gameplay and more. Stay tuned… #AoE25 ⚡🔱 pic.twitter.com/bLjRLEUz1I

— Age of Mythology (@Ageofmyth) October 25, 2022