1. Introduction [AOK1]

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a Real Time Strategy game set in the Middle Ages, featuring 13 civilizations and historical missions.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is the second Real Time Strategy (RTS) game developed by Ensemble Studios and Microsoft Game Studios. While the first Age of Empires game was set in Ancient times, this installment takes you through the Middle Ages, from the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire up to the early Modern Times, specifically around Christopher Columbus' discovery of America in 1492, which corresponds to the Imperial Age.

This game offers more than just standard RTS gameplay; it includes a history lesson with single-player missions based on famous historical characters and civilizations. It also provides historical documentation covering world history between 500 AD and 1600 AD. You can choose from 13 distinct civilizations, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. These civilizations require various goods for growth, and the success of your army is crucial for their sustenance. There is no single perfect unit, and all powerful units are expensive.