Joystiq

Age of Empires 2 HD heading to Steam on April 9

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST

Age of Empires 2 HD is taking over Steam on April 9, and until that day it's 10 percent off, or $18. Age of Empires 2 HD is a revamped version of the 1999 real-time strategy game from Ensemble Studios, now under the care of Hidden Path Entertainment.

Age of Empires 2 HD heading to Steam on April 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest

Jason Dobson — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST

In reading online discussions surrounding Age of Empires Online, you'd think that the developers had taken to traveling the country with the express intent of running over kittens.

Clearly, players have taken issue with this latest in the Ensemble-created historical strategy franchise, which layers the series' core formula beneath a highly stylized coat of paint and free-to-play business model. However, much of the mechanics that made Age of Empires a household name remain, though now alongside new features designed explicitly to both ease new players into the experience as well as capture the attention of the coveted MMO crowd.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online (5/31/11)

Continue reading Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest

Age of Empires Online review: Casual conquest originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online begins August 16

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:30:00 EST

Age of Empires Online is ready to be ushered out of beta and onto PCs worldwide on August 16. The game, which will initially launch with the Greek and Egyptian factions, will be available at retail and online at AgeofEmpiresOnline.com.

The freemium title will offer "more than 40 hours" of free co-op and competitive gameplay, but if you're looking to upgrade straight out the gate, Microsoft has booster bundles available.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online (5/31/11)

Continue reading Age of Empires Online begins August 16

Age of Empires Online begins August 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online launches this fall

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:30:00 EST

Age of Empires Online's march to retail will conclude this fall, the game's official Twitter announced, with a Microsoft rep informing us a specific launch date is expected to be revealed May 31.

After launch, the freemium title will have "a parade of Premium Content" at under $20. The additions include two more civs to keep the Greeks and Egyptians company by the end of 2011, along with a "Premium 'Pro' Civilization" pack that will advance players immediately to level 20 for "expert play."

Check out our Age of Empires Online preview for what to expect from the initial experience.

Age of Empires Online launches this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires Online announced for PC from Robot Entertainment

Randy Nelson — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:28:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Ensemble Studios may be no more, but Microsoft hasn't forgotten the franchise it created: Age of Empires. Heading into GamesCom 2010, the company has announced a revival of the series in the form of Age of Empires Online, which is being developed by Robot Entertainment, a studio that knows a thing or two about the subject. That's because it was started by Ensemble Studios founder Tony Goodman.

Details on the game are fairly slim, other than its target platform (Games for Windows) and the fact that it's an online title with persistent capital cities and the ability to embark on adventures cooperatively. Microsoft has promised that screenshots and a first trailer for the game are incoming -- we'll have them up for you just as soon as possible.

Continue reading Age of Empires Online announced for PC from Robot Entertainment

Age of Empires Online announced for PC from Robot Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo MMO had $90 million budget, canceled as Microsoft eyed 'casual, broader audience'

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST

Over the past couple of years, we've seen dribbles of information here and there about the canceled Halo MMO, but a recent conversation IncGamers had with ex-Ensemble Studios employee Dusty Monk (yep, that's his real name) revealed not only the exorbitant cost of the planned development (three years of which took place before the game was canceled), but much, much more. First and foremost, the game's development was said to cost $90 million, as you likely inferred from the headline above. Second, the game was intended to be a "WoW killer," according to Monk.

"It was absolutely going to compete against WoW. You have to remember that Ensemble came from a standpoint of being really good at competing against Blizzard Entertainment," Monk said, using the Age of Empires series as an example. Unfortunately for the folks at Ensemble working on "Titan" (the codename for the Halo MMO), the launch and subsequent blistering success of the Nintendo Wii allegedly altered the direction that Microsoft wanted to take. "Microsoft, from its gaming division, was really changing directions. They were looking really hard at the Nintendo Wii and they were really excited by the numbers that the Wii was turning. This was about the time that Microsoft decided that its Xbox platform and XBLA really needed to go more in the direction of appealing to a more casual, broader audience." Given that new direction and what Monk calls a "very expensive, very long, and very protracted" development, Microsoft eventually shut down the project.

But hey, at least we got Halo Wars, right? Right?!

Halo MMO had $90 million budget, canceled as Microsoft eyed 'casual, broader audience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bonfire Studios hires former Halo Wars lead David Pottinger

David Hinkle — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST

Bonfire Studios, the development house that emerged in the wake of the Ensemble Studios closure, has picked up another ex-colleague: Dave Pottinger, lead designer of Halo Wars. He rejoins his peers as the director of technology, assuming the same responsibilities he held before Ensemble was shut down. Bonfire Studios is currently working on several unannounced projects for 2010.

Pottinger has been with the company since its formative days back in 1996, and contributed to the development of Ensemble's key real-time strategy titles, from Age of Empires all the way up to the former studio's last game, Halo Wars.

"Bonfire is a team full of old friends that I am looking forward to working with again," Pottinger said. "I think we're going to blow people away once they see what we're doing."

Bonfire Studios hires former Halo Wars lead David Pottinger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age of Empires 3 collection advancing Sept. 15

Randy Nelson — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST

Microsoft has announced that it's bringing Age of Empires III: Complete Collection to Games For Windows on September 15. By "complete," it means the original game plus its two expansions: The Asian Dynasties and War Chiefs for a grand total of $49.99.

It's a reasonable price to pay for the handiwork of Halo Wars creator Ensemble Studios, although no matter how many copies you buy, the disbanded developer won't be coming back. (But hopefully one of the two studios that rose from its ashes will create something on par with the historic RTS series, someday.)

Age of Empires 3 collection advancing Sept. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robot to develop further Halo Wars content, new IP

Randy Nelson — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Recently formed Robot Entertainment has answered the question of who's going to support Halo Wars after its launch on March 3: the people who made it. Robot -- created by ex Ensemble Studios staff, including its founder, Tony Good -- will not only provide online support and community management for the Halo universe RTS, but will be working with Microsoft Game Studios to create future content for the game.

Robot will also be working with MGS on the Ensemble-created Age of Empires franchise going forward, with the intent to handle support for current and future titles in the series. In a release issued today, the developer also announced that it has begun work on a new project based on an original IP. Given the various unannounced projects revealed when Ensemble closed its doors, we'd be surprised if this new game turns out to be another RTS.

Robot to develop further Halo Wars content, new IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ensemble Studios founder creates Robot Entertainment

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST

It's been just under two weeks since Age of Empires and Halo Wars developer Ensemble Studios closed its doors and already one of the two previously announced development studios springing from its demise is forming like Voltron -- appropriately, they've named the new studio Robot Entertainment. Tony Goodman, founder of Ensemble Studios way back in January of 1996, appears to be heading up the studio, whose website promises "big ideas" and ... well ... not much else.

Will Robot Entertainment be the studio supporting development of the promised Halo Wars dlc? That remains to be seen but, given co-founder Bruce Shelley's words last month in his final blog post on the community site (which is now shut down), there's roughly a 50/50 chance: "There are at least two new studios being formed by ES [Ensemble Studios] employees and I expect both to do very well." We've put in word to Robot Entertainment for comment and will update this post accordingly as news comes in.

[Via Gamasutra]

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Ensemble Studios founder creates Robot Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ensemble co-founder says goodbye as studio closes

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST

Today Ensemble Studios co-founder Bruce Shelley wrote his final blog for the company, which is set to shut its doors forever now that work on Halo Wars is complete. Shelley said that "about 60%" of the staff that worked on the first Age of Empires title stayed with the company for its entire lifespan, making for some mixed emotions during the studio's final week. "Boxes are piled in the hallways for trash; people are giving away games and other stuff they don't want anymore; computers are being wiped; and our corporate IDs are being turned in," he said, adding, "Although we will be keeping in touch through some alumni initiatives, many of us may not cross paths again." He then went on to thank everyone that supported the studio throughout the years.

According to Shelley, "at least two new studios" will be formed by former Ensemble Studios employees, one of which will handle Ensemble Studios Online and post-launch support for Halo Wars. We wish all Ensemble Studios staff members the best of luck in their new endeavors.

[Via Big Download]

Ensemble co-founder says goodbye as studio closes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies

Zack Stern — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Features, Strategy, Galleries

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.

Gallery: Age of Empires: Mythologies

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies

Joystiq impressions: Age of Empires: Mythologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft sees 'future potential' in Age of Empires

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Strategy, Business

Those of you riddled with angst over the fate of Age of Empires had best prepare for an antithetical application of ... Unangst! That's Kevin Unangst, Games for Windows director over at Microsoft. In a brief message posted on the Gamerscore Blog, Unangst has assured point-and-conquer fans that the closure of developer Ensemble Studios doesn't necessarily spell doom for the renowned PC franchise.

"I want to reassure you that Microsoft will still own the Age of Empires intellectual property," he said. "As a company, we're very excited about the future potential for Age of Empires, and as a PC gamer I'm looking forward to what that future holds."

Of course, not everybody is buying into this somewhat formless placation, with one commenter diplomatically venturing, "Go to hell you Microsoft pigs!" Nurse, we're going to need some oinkment for that burn.

Microsoft sees 'future potential' in Age of Empires originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft confirms Ensemble closure, new studio opening

Ross Miller — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:27:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Microsoft Xbox 360, Strategy, Business

After only briefly being classified as rumor, Microsoft has confirmed that Halo Wars developer Ensemble Studios is indeed closing. Said the company in a statement (via Gamespot), "This decision does not reflect at all on Ensemble's talent or the quality of Halo Wars -- in fact, many people who have had a chance to test drive Halo Wars agree that it is on track to being a fantastic game."

According to Microsoft, Ensemble's "leadership team" is founding a new development studio that has already agreed to support Halo Wars after its launch in addition to other Microsoft Games Studios titles.

Microsoft confirms Ensemble closure, new studio opening originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Age Of Mythical Creatures All Up In This Piece

Eric Caoili — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video

THQ wasn't exaggerating when it promised giant mythological beasts for Age of Empires: Mythologies, the turn-based strategy follow-up to 2006's DS sleeper hit The Age of Kings. The only legendary creature missing from the above trailer is the elusive Phelddagrif.

Gone are the days of filling your army's ranks with pikemen and samurai; now you're more likely to rely on sphinxes and centaurs. Personally, we would have preferred to stick with more traditional units, but we understand that there are a bunch of you out there who prefer to play with pegasi!

Are you a strategy nut? Check out our coverage on titles like Fire Emblem and Advance Wars! We even put together a collection of strategy recommendations for crazies like you!

Age Of Mythical Creatures All Up In This Piece originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: DS Fanboy summons Gods in Age of Mythologies

David Hinkle — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Features

I was always a big fan of the first Age of Empires game on the DS (remember when we did these?). When a sequel was revealed, I nearly wet myself with excitement (luckily, nobody can confirm or deny the wetting). Then, E3 hit and my cohort in crime, JC, informed me the game was available for play at THQ's booth.

I immediately called "dibs."

Continue reading E308: DS Fanboy summons Gods in Age of Mythologies

E308: DS Fanboy summons Gods in Age of Mythologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E308: Age of Empires trailer, now with less developer

Chris Greenhough — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:15:00 EST

Filed under: Video

If you feel a twinge of déjà vu while watching this Age of Empires: Mythologies trailer, then let us explain -- this "new" presentation actually contains the exact same commentary from Project Manager George Collins as in the developer diary that we previously posted. This time, however, there's a lot less Gordon on camera, and a lot more game footage, which is how we prefer it. No offence intended, Gordon. You're perfectly presentable! A fine figure of a man. We'd much rather look at the game than watch you talking is all.

We're just going to shut up now.

E308: Age of Empires trailer, now with less developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ reveals Age of Empires sequel

Eric Caoili — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: News, Video

Taking the reins from Majesco, THQ has announced its plans to release a follow-up to 2006's turn-based-strategy sleeper hit, Age of Empires: The Age of Kings, this fall. Titled Age of Empires: Mythologies, the game hasn't just exchanged publisher hands, as Age of Kings studio Backbone Entertainment has also passed its development duties and original engine to Griptonite Games (Spore Creatures, The Sims 2 for DS).

Interestingly, according to initial reports, Mythologies will only feature three playable campaigns and civilizations -- Egyptians, Greeks, and Norse -- compared to Age of Kings' five. To make up for that limited selection, Griptonite has added onto the original's formula with online play, a new "active combat system," a revamped graphics engine, single-cart download play, and a new skirmish mode.

Also unlike Age of Kings, Mythologies will focus on " epic myths of the ancient world," rather than Asian/European history. In addition to standard troops and giant mythological beasts, players will be able to command Hero units, such as Ramses ("Let my people go!") and Mycenae-founder Perseus, blessed with special abilities. Jump past the post break for a video introduction to the sequel from THQ as well as in-game clips of the strategy title.

Continue reading THQ reveals Age of Empires sequel

THQ reveals Age of Empires sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rematch: AoE III vs. Civ. IV, who's buggier?

Christopher Grant — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Strategy

The two went head to head in a metareview showdown: Civilization IV versus Age of Empires III. AoE III won in sales, but got edged out in overall rankings, but then it was revealed that Civilization IV was playing injured. Reports of buggy software flooded the nets, and then it was AoE III's game to lose. Then today, a reader informed us that AoE III suffered from a plentitude of bugs as well. The forums are buzzing with comments like:

vodka-mike: Ensemble's devs and brass should feel ashamed [of] this release.
Vincedia: OK, so we bought this game, get it home, start to play, and find out we are paying to Beta test? I've had the game for a bit over 2 weeks now and I still can not stop the crashing to desktop.
gman: What I haven't seen is a response from ES at all.

There are hundreds of posts just like this one, on this forum alone! Is this a case of two competitors both rushing their competing titles out the door only to have them compete against another rushed product? Or was the lucrative holiday season looming, so the "patch it later" mentality kicked in. We love Sid Meier, but we want him to know that the DS doesn't work that way. Now, if Microsoft brings AoE to the 360, maybe they could patch it... but let's not even think about that.

Rematch: AoE III vs. Civ. IV, who's buggier? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2005 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview: Age of Empires III vs. Civilization IV

Conrad Quilty-Harper — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Strategy, Metareviews

Whilst Age of Empires III and Civilization IV are classed in the same genre as strategy games, they have very different styles. AoE is real time and has a permanent "down with the troops" view and feel. Civilization IV, on the other hand, is turn based and features a lot of micromanagement. Rather than trying to represent one age as best as it can, it tries to cover the whole of civilization; from cavemen to spacecraft.

The two games took the 1st and 2nd place on the PC games sales chart for the week ending November 13th. So we thought it'd be very appropriate to write up a versus metareview of the two games - in the style of our previous F.E.A.R. vs Quake 4 metareview. Take the jump to find out what reviewers thought of these two strategy game behemoths.

Continue reading Metareview: Age of Empires III vs. Civilization IV

Metareview: Age of Empires III vs. Civilization IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Nov 2005 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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