The original Age of Wonders from Triumph Studios is a rare classic—playable to this day thanks to its pixelized aesthetics and ageless game mechanics.
The game spawned a sequel many years back that was as good as the original, adding a campaign and a mirror realm into which each level of the game was split between.
Like the much older strategy game Master of Magic, Age of Wonders and its sequel emphasized both city-building as well as the wanderings of RPG-inspired heroes upon a map, as they went to fight against enemy factions and stragglers in turn-based battles not unlike Final Fantasy Tactics. The games could be played either alone in their single-player campaigns or against friends online.
Today, Triumph Studios has announced Age of Wonders 3, a modern reimagining of the series, where players join a clash of kings and rulers over the spoils of a weird fantasy realm populated by characters both medieval and Steampunk-inspired. It's not unlike something you'd find in a Steven Erikson novel.
The game's RPG-inspired classes and specializations make a return, and players are said to be able to craft empires "of their own design", developing unique strategies and styles.
Michael van den Bos, the composer of the classic Age of Wonders, appears to be involved in the making of the new game. An orchestrated version of one of his original tracks from Age of Wonders scores the trailer that was just released.
Most of the trailer appears to depict concept artwork from the game, introducing viewers to a few of the game's RPG-inspired classes, including the Sorcerer, Theocrat, Rogue, Archdruid, and Warlord, as well as a giant Steampunk land-battleship called the Dreadnought. The trailer ends with scenes from the actual game.
Here's a little of what's in store:
- New styles of play are possible with the introduction of RPG style leader classes like warlord, theocrat, rogue and sorcerer, along with a wide selection of specializations.
- Command a variety of races. Pick your starting race and shape your people’s destiny using your leader’s unique skills.
- A brand-new tactical battle system renders each battlefield and siege in great detail; new rules include flanking and a massive set of special unit abilities.
- An epic story campaign with two playable factions; Choose the mighty Commonwealth Empire or join the Court of the High Elves, founded after the reunion of the Dark Elves and Wood Elves.
- Compete online in extensive multiplayer modes and scenarios.
- High replay value through random maps, difficulty modes and tools allowing user created content.
Age of Wonders 3 is confirmed for release on GOG.com and Steam for the PC in Fall 2013.
