Thanks for the info. I may have to pick this up now. I'm on the fence though, since I know I've still got quite a backlog. I could wait until the Summer Sale I suppose...

I own AOW3 and its first expansion, Golden realms. I've had a lot of fun with them (200+ hours on Steam). The campaigns are good but I've probably spent more time playing random maps. IMO the game has a lot of replayability because of all the different race/class/magic specialization combos.

Compared to Civ 5 there's a much bigger focus on combat (IMO) and on finding a good mix of units that can support each other. There are some *really* devious unit combinations, and the fact that you get to customize your heros (and even equip them!) means that there's always plenty of stuff to min/max. If you're into that sortof thing.

I still have not tried multiplayer... kindof afraid to after reading on the forums about the crazy tricks those guys have figured out already

Finally... the map artwork is beautiful!

EDIT: I think a big reason I enjoy AOW3 is that the game promotes being active on the map. The treasure site mechanic means there's always stuff for your units to do (in addition to scouting), even in the first few turns of the game. Half the strategy is squeezing every last drop of usefulness from your troops. For example, if you can fight battle X a little more efficiently then maybe you can attack another site in the same turn, earning additional resources.

This comment was edited on Apr 15, 2015, 18:10.

I've found the AI to be quite competent. Certainly much better than any of the Heroes of Might & Magic games.

I've only played the campaigns in AOW3, I finished both of them. They are challenging and great fun. The AI definitely comes after you, even at normal difficulty level.

Unfortunately the game sucks because the AI sucks. It just derps around while you leisurely conquer the map; no challenge whatsoever. Therefore it's a poor game. The game would be great if the AI knew how to play it.

Dunkirk wrote on Apr 15, 2015, 13:32:
So did the balance pass make it a worthwhile game? It's currently on sale on Steam, and I presume that's to raise awareness and move copies of the not-on-sale expansion pack. I'm on the fence about it. Can someone actually recommend it?

Yes, someone who has played this, please weigh in. It's been on my wish list for a while. Didn't want to buy until i saw some recommendations. At least then i know who to blame if it sucks.

So did the balance pass make it a worthwhile game? It's currently on sale on Steam, and I presume that's to raise awareness and move copies of the not-on-sale expansion pack. I'm on the fence about it. Can someone actually recommend it?

mixma242 wrote on Apr 15, 2015, 10:52:
Have they fixed the rush for T4 units issue? That is what ruined the game for me.

They fixed that a while ago.

There was further unit rebalance with this expansion as well. Most of that stuff was in a massive free patch. The expansion mostly deals with new races, classes and governance systems.

Have they fixed the rush for T4 units issue? That is what ruined the game for me.