Summary
The console ports ofAge of Empires 4are now available on Xbox Game Pass. This release adds to the ever-growing library ofexcellent strategy games on Xbox Game Pass.
WhileAge of Empires 4was technically a day one release on Xbox Game Pass, Relic Entertainment’s critically acclaimed RTS was initially a PC exclusive. A year into its late 2021 debut, Microsoft confirmed that the game will also reach the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in 2023, but without committing to a specific release date for its console ports.
RELATED:New Xbox Game Pass Game is Already a Big Hit
One notable difference between the console and PC versions ofAge of Empires 4is that the Xbox ports feature an in-depth tutorial system meant to introduce players to the new gamepad control scheme. The last two generations of Microsoft’s consoles also support PC peripherals, though it’s currently unclear whether the Xbox versions of the RTS can actually be played with a keyboard-and-mouse combo. Other than that, theXbox console ports ofAge of Empires 4appear to be identical to the PC original.
Regarding the game itself, the 16-year wait between the last two numbered installments in the iconic franchise was seemingly worth it, as suggested by the fact thatAge of Empires 4was met with near-universal critical acclaim and fan adoration following its 2021 release. The PC version of the game currently boasts an aggregate score of 81 on Metacritic, in addition to featuring “very positive” user reviews on Steam, based on over 40,000 player ratings.Age of Empires 4also seized the award for the Best Sim/Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2021. As such, this release should additionally bolster the already impressive catalog of renowned strategy titles on Xbox Game Pass.
Age of Empires 4is not the only critically acclaimed strategy game that Microsoft added to its subscription service on August 22. Just several hours ago,Xbox Game Pass received another such surprise additionin the form of Sega’s turn-based 4X gameHumankind. Much likeAge of Empires 4,Humankindalso spent the last two years as a PC exclusive before reaching Xbox consoles.
Age of Empires 4is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
