Back at E3 in June, Microsoft announced that it was going to completely overhaul the 1997 history-based real-time strategy game Age of Empires so we can enjoy it all over again, only this time with 4K graphics. This week, Microsoft confirmed that Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will launch on Feb. 20 for Windows 10. Better yet, it's only going to cost $19.99.
The new release was meant to celebrate the game's 20th anniversary, but the work took a little longer than expected and pushed the launch into 2018. Fans of the game shouldn't mind too much considering the improvements that have been made.
Microsoft took the time to completely rebuild all the assets to allow for up to a 4K resolution. The soundtrack has been completely re-recorded and a new orchestral score added, and there's now campaign narration for every mission in the game. Multiplayer is also catered for both through Xbox Live and local LAN play. There also seems to be a number of in-game tweaks, such as the improved minimap and an in-game tech tree.
As well as playing the game and completing all the available missions, Microsoft ensured the campaign and scenario editors have been enhanced for the Definitive Edition. That means anyone who buys the game can also create their own custom campaigns to play and share with others, ensuring the game continues to be enjoyable for years to come.
A multiplayer beta is ongoing for the game, and Microsoft plans to open it up further on Jan. 29. If you'd like access before launch day then sign-up for the closed beta and you'll likely get in by early February.