Joystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies

Age of Empires: Mythologies follows the style of the DS Age of Kings, turning the PC real-time strategy into a portable, turn-based title. We checked out the game a the Nintendo Media Summit and found a lot of depth in the transition. While you'll only choose from Greek, Norse, or Egyptian armies, there's still ample Age of Empires inside.

We initially rushed into battle without a background playing the original DS Age of Empires. While a little confusing at first, the game easily evokes Advance Wars; we moved a handful of units around the grid-based board to attack enemies. Each unit has benefits and drawbacks compared to others; for example, our normally-weak spearmen easily hacked through powerful cavalry enemies.

Unlike Advance Wars, Age of Empires requires more resource management and building maintenance like the PC original. While going to battle – or often before – we used one unit to create farms built structures that generated fighters. We even developed new weapons and upgraded units through research tracks. While the rush of real-time is missing, Age of Empires still retains a lot of depth.

Up to four players will be able to compete online or locally if each person has the game. And two people can locally play against each other with only one copy.

Strategy gamers should look for Age of Empires: Mythologies soon, with a tentative release date of November 14.