Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings Review

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, originally a PC real-time strategy (RTS) phenomenon by Ensemble Studios, made its ambitious leap to the PlayStation 2 (PS2) in 2001, handled by Konami. Bringing a complex mouse-and-keyboard driven genre like RTS to a console with a controller is always a challenge, and AoE2 PS2 stands as a testament to the effort, albeit with inevitable compromises. This Age of Empires II PS2 review examines how well this classic PC game adapted to a very different platform.

Gameplay: Medieval Conquest, Console Style

The core loop of Age of Empires II remains intact on the PS2: players select from several unique civilizations (such as the Britons, Franks, or Vikings), gather resources (food, wood, gold, stone), build up their base, research technologies, and train powerful military units to conquer their foes across different historical ages. The strategic depth of managing your economy while simultaneously engaging in medieval warfare is still compelling.

The most crucial aspect of this console RTS is its controller adaptation. Konami implemented a radial menu system and various button combinations to mimic mouse functionality. While surprisingly competent for the time, it never truly replicates the speed and precision of a mouse for selecting individual units or micro-managing battles. Peasant management, a cornerstone of efficiency on PC, becomes a more cumbersome affair. However, for those unfamiliar with PC RTS or who simply wanted this experience on their PlayStation 2, it offered a functional, if slower, way to engage with the game’s excellent systems.

• Faithful core real-time strategy mechanics
• Diverse historical civilizations with unique units
• Functional, albeit slower, controller adaptation
• Resource management and base building remain engaging
• Offers a console entry point to a celebrated RTS

Content and Features: Campaigns and Skirmishes

The single-player campaigns, featuring historical figures like William Wallace, Joan of Arc, and Saladin, are all present, offering structured challenges and a compelling historical context. These campaigns serve as an excellent tutorial and showcase the game’s strategic variety. Beyond the story modes, standard skirmish matches against AI opponents provide endless replayability.

The PS2 version notably includes a multiplayer mode, supporting up to four players via the PlayStation 2’s Multi-tap accessory. While setting up such matches was a niche experience even back then, its inclusion was a commendable effort to retain a key feature of the PC original.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual Compromise

Visually, Age of Empires II on the PS2 naturally sees a downgrade from its PC counterpart. The graphics are scaled back, with lower resolution textures and simpler models to accommodate the console’s hardware. While the charm of the game’s medieval aesthetic is still recognizable, the vibrant detail of the PC version is somewhat lost. Performance can also suffer in large-scale battles, with occasional slowdowns as more units fill the screen.

The soundtrack, however, remains excellent, featuring the iconic and sweeping orchestral scores that perfectly capture the grandeur of the Middle Ages. Unit voices and sound effects are largely intact, contributing to the overall immersive experience.

Legacy: A Noble Attempt on Console

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2 was a valiant effort to bring a PC gaming masterpiece to a console audience. While it couldn’t fully replicate the precision and speed of the PC version, it offered a surprisingly playable and comprehensive RTS experience for its time. It remains a notable title in the retro gaming library, representing an era when developers were willing to experiment with porting complex genres.

Is Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings on PS2 Worth Playing Today?

For retro gaming enthusiasts curious about console RTS history, or hardcore Age of Empires fans looking for a unique novelty, AoE2 PS2 offers an interesting experience. While the PC version is undeniably superior, the PS2 port delivered a respectable attempt at bringing complex historical strategy to the living room. It’s a testament to the game’s enduring design that even with its limitations, it remains a playable classic PS2 game.