Age of Wonders 4: Empires & Ashes Review

Ashes & Empires grants you the right to bear arms, be it the actual sharp claws of a dire bear mount or the smoking barrel of a high-powered magelock rifle.

*Gideon's Bias*

Review Copy Used: No
Hours Played: 30+
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X
Fan of Genre: Yes
Mode Played: Variety

*Empires & Ashes Information*

Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Type: Expansion DLC
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
Genre: 4X, Turn-Based Strategy
Price: $19.99

*Pros*

Four new tomes add plenty of strategic variety

The arcane-infused guns of the Reaver culture are a great fit

The warlike Reavers are interesting to play and offer plenty of new faction playstyle ideas

Avians look nice and fit in great with the other body shapes

A new optional victory condition adds a point control element to the game

New story realms are fun

*Cons*

The aspect balance is tilted toward materium until more Tomes are released

Only one new ancient wonder was added when the game felt like it needed far more

Existing cultures feel less unique when compared to the Reavers.

*Links*

Website: https://gideonsgaming.com/

Patreon:   / gaminggideon  

Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/gaminggideon

Twitter:   / gideonsgaming  

Instagram:   / gideonsgaming  

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gaminggideon...

*Time Stamps*

00:00 Overview
01:05 To Pillage & Plunder
04:05 Technological Tomes
05:40 Birds, Bears & Crabs, Oh My!
07:27 The Golem Update
09:16 Verdict

#gideonsgaming #ageofwonders4