Age of Wonders: Planetfall Reviews
It has a bevy of minor issues, however, like a cumbersome UI and stilted animations, and its lack of tactical depth on the battle map leaves it feeling like a game from a decade ago. But if you are looking for a 4X game to get lost in, with interesting lore and diverse factions, Planetfall will feel familiar and scratch an itch that isn’t often catered to.
Alas, if you're coming to Age of Wonders: Planetfall for a brand new angle on games you've played before, then you've come to the wrong place. It's novel to see several different recognizable mechanics blended into one genre soup. The final product isn't better than the sum of its parts, though. It makes the 4X a faster game to play, but not a better one, ultimately.
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.
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.
The further you get into the game the more it does begin to feel meaningful, but early on it just doesn't <i>impact</i>.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a polished, gigantic, and complex sci-fi strategy game. It has loads of different features, factions, and quests, and there's enough content to keep players active for weeks, months, probably years. But while the possibility of such a deep well may be alluring to 4X fans, it's a bad fit for the rest of us working-class citizens.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a robust hybrid strategy game that adds a fifth X to the 4X genre.
A complex strategy game with some severe accessibility issues, especially on consoles, but give it a chance and it's a rewarding and deep sci-fi experience.
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.
Anyone who really enjoys 4X or tactical strategy games set in a sci-fi universe with overgrown bugs, androids, and dinosaurs with laser beams should definitely consider picking up Age of Wonders: Planetfall. However, this one likely doesn't break away enough from the mold to bring in players who haven't been previous interested in the genre, and if you're on the fence then possible wait for a sale before giving it a try.
If you're a fan of Age of Wonders, or 4X in general, you're going to love Planetfall. While it has a steep learning curve, once you learn the ropes it becomes very fun, very fast. Planetfall combines systems like Civilization with XCOM in a way that blends the two genres together for a wonderful mashup of fun.
A good format that optimally mixes two different strategy modes, but which in turn has too much information to process and requires time to adapt, with a somewhat more repetitive campaign than we would like.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
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!
Overall, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a solid sequel that differentiates itself sufficiently and improves upon the franchise's formula.
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
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.