Age of Wonders: Planetfall Reviews
The turn-based strategy game of the year has arrived, and the unexpected transition from fantasy to sci-fi is handled superbly.
If you are in the market for a solid sci-fi 4X game that isn’t overly complicated and a bit more focused on combat, then you’ll find a lot to like in Age of Wonders: Planetfall. It’ll likely be my go-to game for several more months to come, even with all its flaws.
I know it seems like a paradox to say that on the one hand, it's a well-oiled, impeccably balanced sci-fi empire building game with all the elements that make a great wargame; and on the other hand it feels a smidgen like they phoned it in, but there you are. That's precisely how it feels.
Truly exemplifying the maxim of 'too much of a good thing,' there is simply too much here that bogs itself down. The battle and strategic systems have some really cool and interesting ideas, but there is far too much... stuff that takes both of them down a notch. The strategic layer has way too many things to do with too much consequence, and the battle system takes too long, and is replete with a dizzying number of little things that must be taken into account, lest destruction result. It's really too bad as the core of the game is extremely solid, yet there is just too much in the way for it to shine.
Overall, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a solid sequel that differentiates itself sufficiently and improves upon the franchise's formula.
Dynamic empire management and deep tactical conquest forge the perfect alliance within the colorful sci-fi worlds of Age of Wonders: Planetfall. With nearly endless replay value, it is one of the most tantalizing turn-based games in years.
Age of Wonders looks good even in new sci-fi universe. It is amusing mix of Civilization and XCOM.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a very entertaining strategy title that keeps you engaged for hours after hours. Maybe if you are not an old school strategy fan you get confused at the beginning, but as you progress through the gameplay you'll find yourself right at home. Planetfall is a well executed strategy title and is definitely a step forward for the series.
Review in Persian | Read full review
It might be too expansive for its own good, but for players who can look past that and place themselves in the shoes as a commander leading a space-faring faction to salvation there's no better 4X title out there. Age Of Wonders: Planetfall is a success for Triumph Studios, proving the developer can deliver on proper world-building to take their acclaimed series to the vast reaches of space.
Undoubtedly an essential of the turn-based strategy genre
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Age of Wonders Planetfall takes on a new coat of paint for the franchise and does it well. The six factions are unique, the tactical combat is amazing and there are loads of choices to make. The perfect game to put hundreds of hours in.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a wonderfully crafted 4X game with deep tactical combat and a sci-fi world which looks stunning. The different biomes keep the gameplay fresh and the different playable races give the game a slight Total War: Warhammer vibe. While the campaign is interesting, it can be a bit bland at times. The lack of cutscenes to give you that extra little immersion is a pity. Overall this is a fun strategy game to enjoy a slow Sunday evening with.
Best way to explain Age of Wonders: Planetfall, the combination of Risk and Chess, two strategy board games in one. From above, RULE the empire and move your army. On the ground, engage in battles and control your units to kill the enemy or CONQUER a colony. This is a knowledge and thinking game, your gaming reflex and trained muscle memory means nothing here and will barely be used. There is an entire universe of information to LEARN, progression is slow and rewarding to those who have fun learning. Matches are LONG, 25 hours of gameplay covered only the tutorial session, 2 PVE quests and the beginning of a PVP match.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall might be a spin-off of the mainline games, but it is good enough to become a series of its own.
Having a sci-fi Age of Wonders is enough to blow you away. The team did an amazing job getting a fresh feel on an already amazing game. Fans of Age of Wonders, this is a must buy. If you are at least bit curious, take my recommendation and snag this, or wait for a sale.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is every bit the modern 4X experience that is great for both beginners and experts alike.
The different scenarios and the online multiplayer functionality offer more than enough variety and challenge to keep even the most seasoned Age of Wonders players in the game for a while.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall takes a tried and tested formula, and flips it on its head. I can appreciate the guts it takes to strike out and try something different to what you’ve done before, even if others have already trodden that way before.
I’d like to think about Planetfall as a spin-off than a proper Age of Wonders Sequel. It enhances a lot of its strategic layer including, but not limited to new sectors, more quests and a bit more “personality” to each faction. Such changes come at a price, which in turns make the early game a bit of a slog. The tactical aspects, on the other hand, continue as sublime as ever.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Overall, Age of Wonders: Planetfall earns an 8 out of 10. It possesses features that most other 4X games don't have (that I've encountered), an easy to understand tutorial, and options when dealing with other factions. It's definitely a title to pick up!