Age of Empires

Age of Empires, released in 1997 by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, was the game that launched one of the most enduring real-time strategy franchises. It set itself apart from the sci-fi and fantasy RTS games of the day by grounding its warfare in real human history: you guide a civilization from the Stone Age through the Tool, Bronze and Iron Ages, gathering food, wood, stone and gold while advancing your people's technology and military.

That progression through the ages was the hook — a satisfying arc from a handful of villagers to armies of chariots, hoplites and priests. The game drew on civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians and others, giving it an educational flavour alongside the strategy. It could be demanding, with unit management and pathfinding that reflected the era, but its blend of city-building, economy and combat proved hugely appealing and spawned an acclaimed expansion and celebrated sequels. Age of Empires stands as a foundational RTS, and its historical setting and age-advancement mechanic remain influential and enjoyable to this day, especially in its later remastered forms.