Apart from granting it a release date, Microsoft has also officially unveiled Age of Empires 2 HD, complete with a trailer and screenshots. Slated to arrive on April 9, this high-definition remake of the yesteryear classic will be launched exclusively through Steam for PC. Moreover, an inviting pre-order bonus has already gone live on the service. The original version of this much loved real-time strategy game had come out way back in 1999, and has been a favorite of hardcore fans ever since.
Age of Empires 2 HD is up for pre-order on Steam at the moment, and those who feel like jumping into its notched up offerings can book it at the moment for a few bonuses. Priced at 19.99 USD (approx. Rs. 1,085), the title can be grabbed at a 10 percent lower cost of 17.99 USD (approx. Rs. 975) if booked prior to April 9. What’s more; all those who place their pre-orders will get early access to it, allowing them to revel in its gameplay from as early as April 5.
The original edition of this game had been developed by Ensemble Studios, and with the said developer no longer existing, the upscaling duties on this high-definition version are being handled by Hidden Path Entertainment which had recently worked with Valve to develop Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Through its official blog, the developer has even given out before-after images of the game’s graphics.
Those who buy the title will be able to play all its original single player campaigns, as well as those from its The Conquerors expansion. And with the game’s Steamworks integration, they will even be able to hop online for indulging in its multiplayer component. Moreover, achievements, leaderboards, matchmaking, cloud support and more features will be accessible as well.
The original game had first made its way to PC and Mac, following which, it was launched for the PS2 in 2001. Set during the Middle Ages, it comprises eighteen civilizations, with their histories spanning over a thousand years. Those interested in purchasing it can head over to Steam now.
Minimum System Requirements:
– OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 Pro+
– Processor: 1.2GHZ CPU
– Memory: 1 GB RAM
– Graphics: Direct X 9.0c Capable GPU
– DirectX: 9.0c
– Hard Drive: 2 GB HD space