Last week the RTS classic, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition released on Xbox. When I first heard this was happening, I must admit that I was skeptical. How would that even work? Would it be a major sacrifice of gameplay? Would I be able to pull off seven quintillion APM?
Then I was like, “quit bullshitting yourself. You’re never going to play at that level.” And after coming to terms with the fact that I’m an old fart and will never play competitively, I picked up my controller, and went to work building my Viking civilization.
I’ll tell you what: they put a lot of love into this. The game plays great on the Xbox, and the controller works seamlessly. Truth be told, I enjoy playing on the controller better.
In no way did I feel like I was missing something by not using a keyboard and mouse.
This console port is a major step for the future of RTS. Because the controls are so similar to those of Warcraft III and Starcraft I & II, console ports of these classic titles is a real possibility.
RTS is poised to make a strong comeback in 2023, and that’s not just nostalgia clinging to hopes of glories past.
Folks are ready for a change, and just like all trends, old is now new again. With AoEII on console and Stormgate coming to PC, we now see ourselves on the verge of a RTS renaissance.
stormcloak.net 
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