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How Metascores Are Calculated
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4 Elements
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties is the second expansion pack for Age of Empires III. Engaging gamers of all ages and types in epic warfare in the Eastern world, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties will lead Japanese, Chinese and Indian civilizations to expand their empires. Playable Asian civilizations. Lead one of three unique Asian civilizations — Japan, China and India — to expand their empires and fight for control in the Eastern world. Each Asian civilization, led by powerful leaders, will have unique groups, armies and wonders, as well as buildings that reflect the culture’s architectural style. New gameplay elements. Extending upon the innovative gameplay of Age of Empires III, Age of Empires: The Asian Dynasties will introduce new ways of winning and trading, random map styles that feature remixes of classic Age of Empires game styles, and 15 new Asian Wonders. Returning to the historical, civilization-based single-player campaigns, Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties will offer gamers who enjoy the solo experience a chance to engage in strategic combat with Japan, China or India through several engrossing scenarios. [Microsoft]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 92
PC Gamer
Developer dream teams should get together more often. AoE III may be an elder statesman in the RTS world these days, but BHG has dipped the game in the fountain of youth with this revitalizing add-on. [Jan 2008, p.80]
90
Games Radar
It's hard to believe that any two-year-old game could be livened up this much with an expansion pack, but Big Huge Games has pulled off this trick just about perfectly with The Asian Dynasties. While the core gameplay is still recognizable, this is a great facelift that makes an old friend look young again.
 90
Yahoo! Games
This is all exciting stuff that breathes exotic new life into Age of Empires III, and it's one of the best real-time strategy expansion packs since "Brood Wars."
90
GameSpy
A rare and generous package of new visuals, new gameplay, and absolutely crucial improvements to the core game. If you weren't an Age III fan before Asian Dynasties, get ready to be one now.
85
GamerNode
The expansion offers good singleplayer levels and great looking visuals, but the gameplay may feel old if you've played AoE III before. I'd still recommend it for RTS fans; just don't expect a classic.
85
NZGamer
If you’re already in the possession of the very excellent Age of Empires III, then this expansion is a must-have.
83
GameShark
If you haven’t taken to the Age of Empires series, Asian Dynasties won’t be different enough to change your mind. But it’s nice Eastern breeze for veterans and dabblers alike.
80
Worth Playing
What's incredible is that Big Huge managed to introduce so many fresh ideas to the game yet still maintain the essentially balanced gameplay that remains as addictive as it always was.
80
Game Informer
The Asian Dynasties features three short and sweet mini-campaigns focused on events in Japan, China, and India, but the multiplayer is where you can truly test your mettle.
80
GameTap
A testament to the uniqueness and coolness of the new civilizations is that I can't pick a favorite side.
80
Cheat Code Central
Aside from three new campaigns consisting of 15 scenarios in total, Asian Dynasties incorporates a ton of new content in the form of civ-specific units and abilities, additional maps, new cards, multi-player gameplay modes, and the wonderful return of Wonders, among other perks.
80
IGN
The units are colorful, the combat is exciting, and the story, though not as thrilling as Age 3 or as historically relevant as Age 2, is still strong enough to carry the action.
80
GameDaily
Gamers will need to get over the dated graphics and artificial intelligence, along with a few design oversights that spoil the Asian setting, but this expansion strengthens the Age of Empires III gameplay and makes it feel almost new again.
79
Gaming Nexus
While a solid title and a good entry into the series, Age of Empires 3: The Asian Dynasties failed to rekindle my interest in Age of Empires 3. A good title for fans, but not worth it for those hoping for a reinvigoration of the series.
77
PC Zone UK
TAD is pricey for an add-on pack, but if you can stomach the cost, there's plenty of succulent, meaty goodness to be had from TAD. Plus it will big up your brain, and that can't be a bad thing for a pony. [Christmas 2007, p.82]
75
GameSpot
The Asian Dynasties is a solid expansion that offers unique Asian civs and some other gameplay tweaks to Age of Empires III.
75
Game Almighty
The artists at Big Huge Games did a great job of capturing the unique building structures and military units for the new factions.
70
EuroGamer
Unfortunately, AOE3's ship has sailed for most folks, and this just isn't exciting enough to quite justify also splashing out on the original game if you don't already own it.
66
PC Gamer UK
One for hardcore online fans only. [Christmas 2007, p.95]
George W. gave it a4: Jeremy gave it a10: Kevin gave it a10: Mark S. gave it a9: |
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