Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings vs Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a classic real‑time strategy game that lets players command medieval civilizations across multiple ages. Build economies, train armies, and wage wars on detailed historical maps. The game offers both a robust single‑player campaign and competitive multiplayer modes, delivering deep strategic gameplay that has stood the test of time.
Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy is the official expansion to the acclaimed real-time strategy game, transporting players back to the front lines of historical and futuristic warfare. Experience diverse new battlefields ranging from the icy Russian plains to scorching African deserts while commanding unique civilizations with distinct advantages. Featuring brand-new single-player campaigns, advanced tactical gameplay options, and expanded multiplayer modes, this title challenges players to cement their legacy as the greatest leaders across past, present, and future epochs.
- Deep strategic depth with multiple civilizations
- Rich historical campaign and lore
- Strong multiplayer community and LAN support
- Extensive modding and map‑creation tools
- Adds interesting new civilizations and units
- Engaging historical and futuristic campaigns
- Expands upon the solid mechanics of the base game
- Includes diverse and challenging new battlefield environments
- Outdated graphics compared to modern RTS titles
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Limited official support and updates
- Mixed critical reception compared to the original game
- Can suffer from steep learning curve and dated visuals
- Multiplayer community is largely inactive today
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Expand your historical empire across time from Ancient Rome to 24th Century Mars.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataIf you want a broader range of civilizations and futuristic scenarios with modest community support, go with Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy; for deeper strategic depth, stronger multiplayer community, and proven lasting appeal, choose Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.
Key differences
- •Empire Earth II adds new civilizations and futuristic campaigns; Age of Empires II focuses on medieval ages only.
- •Multiplayer community is active for Age of Empires II but largely inactive for Empire Earth II.
- •Critic scores differ: 60/100 for Empire Earth II vs 80/100 for Age of Empires II.
- •Age of Empires II includes a map editor and extensive modding tools; Empire Earth II does not mention these.
- •Release dates: 2006 (Empire Earth II) vs 1999 (Age of Empires II), affecting graphics and engine age.
Gameplay & fun factor
Age of Empires II offers deep strategic layers across four ages and proven lasting fun (80 crit score).
Platform availability
Both are PC-only titles; no difference in platform.
Price & value
Age of Empires II lists MSRP $39.99; Empire Earth II price not specified, making AoE II the clearer value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
AoE II has a strong multiplayer community and LAN support; Empire Earth II's multiplayer is largely inactive.
Content & replayability
Empire Earth II adds brand‑new civilizations, futuristic campaigns, and varied environments, expanding content beyond AoE II's medieval focus.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have steep learning curves; no data indicates one is easier.
Graphics & performance
AoE II, despite older release, is praised for refined RTS mechanics; Empire Earth II noted for dated visuals.
Choose Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings if…
Players seeking deep strategy, strong community, and robust modding tools.
Choose Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy if…
Players craving new civilizations and futuristic scenarios, willing to accept limited multiplayer.
Common questions
Which game has a more active multiplayer scene?
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings has a strong multiplayer community; Empire Earth II's multiplayer is largely inactive.
Is there a map editor or mod support?
Age of Empires II includes a robust map editor and extensive modding tools; Empire Earth II does not list these features.
What are the critical reception scores?
Empire Earth II received a critic score of 60/100; Age of Empires II received 80/100.