Age of Wonders 4

Age of Wonders 4 is a turn-based strategy game where players create their own fantastical empire and conquer a randomly generated map through military might, diplomacy, exploration, and magic. It's part of the 4X genre of turn-based games (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate), It's like a fantasy version of Civilization, but with a heavier emphasis on turn-based tactical combat. When opposing armies clash, the gameplay shifts to a hex battlefield, where armies take turns moving units, unleashing abilities, and casting spells.


There are several pre-built, single-player Story Realms which feature special objectives and quests, though the game is very light on story, and it is not necessary to know anything from the previous games. The big addition to Age of Wonders 4 is the faction-builder. Instead of choosing from preset fantasy races, such as elves and dwarves, players can build their own faction from the ground-up, selecting body type, traits, and cultures. Tomes of magic determine research, spells, and special units, and are unlocked over the course of the game.

The game autosaves after every turn and can also be quicksaved or saved from the menu during the player's turn.

Turn-based strategy games can be challenge to learn for new players. Age of Wonders 4 features five different difficulty levels, from Relaxed to Brutal, as well as a tutorial mission that teaches the game. The first Story Realm mission is also intended to act as a partial teaching tool.

• What faction type, culture, and magic do you like to create with your custom factions?
• Do you have a favorite kind of victory to try for or do you like to mix it up every time? Why?
• Do you prefer playing single player or multiplayer?