The Beginning Of Something Grand...

You may have noticed that I have been posting mysterious screenshots lately. Of course these aren't just any screenshots. I am now on the verge of announcing a project I have been doing for quite a while now(Almost half a year.). Though I will not say the name or give any other information out yet, this campaign is planned to be very big. The screenshots taken are actually direct from the maps of my campaign. For a short while expect new images to pop up of this exciting new project which I can assure you will be something you have never seen before.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Age Of Heroes II RELEASED!

Nearly minutes after the announcement of Dope's sequel to his first campaign, the scenario was made available on the downloads section. If you missed the last post his newest project is said to be be completely different than the original. Dope's RPG has you playing as Odysseus as he manages to live in a new town. You earn experience from performing the twenty quests,while at the same time you will have jobs and different pay depending on the type of job. the world also changes after you complete missions as well to make it feel more alive. You can now download it and play, it is in vanilla as well, so make sure to try it out even if you don't have the expansion.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Lord Grondop of the Evil Dwarve army

JDmino first cinematic is now in production. Roughly 10 minutes long, it features an evil dwarf named Grondop who descents into evil. Though there isn't much information about it, the cinematic features a volcano obviously. There is a possibility of an update before it is released, but that's pretty much all the information given for now.

The Announcement Thread: Link

AoEI Exclusive: Ancient Units Add-on

You may remember Cerebus13 and his modpack? Well with the absence of updates for almost a year, many will think it's gone dead. But it has actually been going strong for a while now and Cerberus has just finished models for the new array of units. Cerberus has provided us with a new screen of his mods in action, which you can see here. Today as an AoEI exclusive, these units will be explained. You will notice the large elephants from the screenshot, these are unique siege units which are able to shoot arrows from a distance and ram it's head in melee attacks. Hannibal is also seen in front of the ranged elephants. He sports a powerful demoralizing attack which causes triple damage. Hannibal is one of the many heroes included in the mod along with such others like Leonidas. You might recognize the pike-wielding units in the back. Those are Carthagian phalagnites. Though not as sturdy as the Greek phalanx, the phalagnite is faster and due to it's long sarissa pike, it is possible for multiple rows to engage the enemy at once. Notice the shields show the famed "Crescent moon" which was the symbol of the Carthagians back then. The celtic warrior is also shown here, which is another wonderful addition to the pack. Hopefully now you are back on the edge of your seat awaiting this mod, you can expect the mod to be out in the near future.

Announcement: Vampires and Werewolves

Cafa's new mod for AoE III gives you two new units trainable at the saloon(Except for Asians and Americans as these myths originated from Europe.). These new units have new abilities to set them apart from others. An example is the ability to train smaller werewolves and the ability to heal it self and others for the vampires. An interesting feature is the Werewolf has been edited to attack buildings with melee instead of using torches. The mod will be released soon once a suitable model is found for the werewolf and a few other things are fixed and added.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Hero line Wars

Xerxes 3902 has also announced his new project this month. This 2v2 multiplayer scenario is another new concept, here you buy myth units from your team's shop to battle to enemy team's myth units. There is a total selection of 21 different creatures to buy and a special ultimate one at the last age. Sounds from Warcraft III have also been put in the scenario. Xerxes 3902 is currently looking for someone to playtest before he releases so there aren't any glitches.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Athens

Another new file has been released by Eare. This scenario has you take control of Athens and wage a war against Crete. This scenario is his first one and it can work on both versions of AoM.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Unknown Land

Big Muh has yet again released another scenario to play. Now it features Arkantos and Ajax who have been stranded on a group of islands. Their goal is to reach Gargharensiss base but it is heavily fortified which provides a challenge. You can download this now and expect new scenarios and mods from Big Muh coming in the future.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Update: Wulf The Wild Warrior

Atlan has been working hard on his Wulf campaign. Now it goes to the part where Wulf must train in the woods. There are many things to do here such as pray to the gods. The continuation of this will be released in due time as Atlan plans to release the campaign in parts and combine it later on. Comments and reviews will also be appreciated.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Chinese

Another new update in AoE III news, JPsoft has created a simple 400x400 sized scenario where you must defeat your opponents. There's not much else about it as he wanted to keep it as simple as possible and to give a fun scenario. You can play it now, just follow the link below. Be sure to add a comment on what you thought about it on the page as well.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Capture The Flag

Much like Connect Four and Whack A soldier, Little Anubite has brought you the classic game of capture the flag to AoM. You can play as Zeus or Hades in an Erebus playing field and attempt to capture each other's relic/flag by fighting and trying to get back to your team's base to win. This is a multiplayer scenario.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Age Of Heroes II Odysseus

Dope has created another scenario, his newest project is the sequel to the first Age Of Heroes. Now it will be completely different. This time you play as Odysseus as he manages to live in a new town. Here you will have jobs and different pay depending on the type of job. You also earn experience form doing the twenty quests, the world also changes after you complete missions as well to gibe it a more realistic feel. The scenario will soon be available on the downloads section so you can go and try it

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Court Of Camelot

Banoffee has also released a new modpack for Old Bachus's campaign featuring camelot. This is the first in a group of mods of medieval characters. This version includes not only Merlin but also Lady Guinevere who sports a great new texture. Sir Lancelot and King Arthur have also been included two units which we've seen some great previews of before. Expect the next signs of the second part soon.

The Download File: Link

Update: Knights And Barbarians

In AoE III news, The Knights And Barbarians expansion mod has been updated with main and pregame user interface screenshots. Credit goes to Cicero for the pregame menu and his description of Byzantine warfare. An alpha is due out for the summer as well.

The Announcement Thread: Link

CSC Winners

The winner of this week's CSC is NightFever with "Stonehenge". The runner-ups are Lupus with the "Sun Warrior Temple" Third place goes to Baske with his "Ancient - but not deserted" entry. The next theme is "Frustration".

The Competition Thread: Link

Announcement: Haunted Mansion

Yep you guessed it, Egmar has made the third continuation of his campaign. Continuing where Thunder Rock Valley left off, Arkantos has escaped the valley but now he must go through a haunted mansion.Of course the ghosts and ghouls also have allied with Gargharensis, what a coincidence! Of course, expect the fourth one to come out soon.

The Download File: Link

Summary: somehow Gargharensis made allies with ghosts. Wow.

Announcement: Visionary: An Assassin's Tale

Yet another campaign announcement this month, this time Metalpyro876 has begun a campaign in which you take on the role of Ustin, an assassin for the Oath, a group of people who protect Greece. It sets you against the Roman empire to stop it's expansion into Greece. You have the ability to choose different bow types which will affect the way you play. It will have the traits of a free-roaming RPG including being able to attack civilians. Look for updates when this scenario has been continued once MetalPyro876 finds time.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Summary: Another Assassin RPG?

Update: ROME 78 BC

The main thread for AnnoDominius' Roman RPG has been updated with a new logo and screenshot once again showing the Curia level and this time the grand Congress Hall. Expect another screen like this in the update next week. Don't forget to visit the new website for the scenario as well, a link is located in the thread.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Update: Roman Units Mod

Master_Foozle's Roman units mod has been updated yet again with a new unit, the slave along with a new house unit and monkeys! You gotta have monkeys! The slave becomes stronger in later ages when used in a game. Also note the textures aren't final, hopefully that means the house can get a small fix. There is also said to be a big update coming up with many new and improved units. For now, enjoy slavery and monkeys.

The Announcement Thread: Link

A Look Back: AoM At AGDC

AoM was also shown at the 2001 Australian Game Developers Conference. This build was also showcased a short while later in Redmont, HG has taken these five photos from it. For one, the demo starts off with Monkey island an all too-known weekly screenshot. This demo shows off some of the possibilities of AoM. The demo also shows some buildings not seen on screenshots of the game like the larger pyramid or the strange, long greek building. This was shown a little while after e3 2001 so the build has not changed much since then except for the norse who's building style has been fully reimagined. To see a video of the presentation, you can follow the links below.

The Video: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Announcement: War Of The Green Country

stnglmghoulbshr has started development on another map which still in the beta stage. In this 2 player scenario you'll be placed on heavily defended cliffs along with starting resources and buildings. There are also outlying islands with settlements to claim however they are protected by wild myth units. Stnglmghoulbshr needs someone to playtest this, if you've played it write a comment in order for him to improve it or the final release.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Another Downloads section item, a new user, Raymanguy has uploaded his first project. This eyecandy map shows a a greek myth. The map is pretty short and basic though a few touches of creativity are seen here and there like the circles of villagers. Being Raymanguy's first ever AoM scenario, he would like some helpful tips or reviews of the map so he can improve for later scenarios.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Island Battle '08

A new 7v1 map was created by stnglmghoulbshr here, one player is surrounded by many enemy players on a central island with smaller islands surrounding it for the enemy players. the scenario also contains heroes and characters from the campaign. There are also plenty of relics and settlements to claim. There is also claimed to be a flying squid. Also many monkeys cover the map because as we all know, monkeys can fix everything!

The Download File: Link

Announcement: LB Navy Wars

There's not much to say about The_Myth_King's latest map which features naval battles as the base. LB navy wars is a very simplistic 2v2v2v2 map with land on each corner shared by an allied team. The object of the game is to destroy your opponent by using naval warfare and transporting armies to destroy what is left of the bases. If this sounds interesting to you, go and download it now

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Wulf The Wild Warrior

You might know Atlan from his two scenarios about the Atlan family. His new project is about a wild warrior residing in a small village which coexists with the giants of the land, however something has happened. However this is only a demo of a upcoming campaign and it is likely that this first scenario will change through the course of development. You can demo this upcoming campaign now.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Realism Islands

A stunning multipurpose scenario meaning you play all the different gameplay types on it has been released by HellsGuardian. Like many other maps like this it starts you off on a small island and you must go to a new island to start a colony. In order for more intense battles, units have less health to intensify the battles. The map is also considerably smaller than others of it's type, you can of course download it now and see what you make of it

The Download File: Link

The Firefax Show: Cheats

In each Age Of Empires series game Ensemble studios has made, they sneak in special units which can be activated by typing a certain phrase. Many of the units are amazingly outrageous ranging from an ultra-powerful car to a giant bust of George Washington and even lazer bear who has become a fan favorite. Here is a screenshot of AoE III's cheat units, two of which never made it into the final game. Now today's question is: Should ES change the usual cheats they put in into something new and entirely unseen before? Many have also pondered about cheat units of the past. Looking back on the older AoE games brings back nostalgic memories of tearing down an entire enemy base using a small squad of nuke troopers. The cheats have not changed much since the original game. Some cheats to get resources, win the game, lose the game, reveal the map, etc... However do you think ES could or should go in another direction for cheats? Rarely has there been a cheat which did anything unique. Though notable ones like goatunheim and catapults who fire cows and villagers were among that small group. Perhaps ES should do more of that in future games? Or should it stay the way it is now? You can speak your thoughts in the comments section or in the thread on AoMH.

The Discussion Thread: Link

Age Of Empires: Mythologies

There has been new things shown about the upcoming Age Of Mythology port at E3. New information like Erebus maps and the inclusion of a harpy myth unit for the Greeks. Many sites like Gamershell and IGN have been given new screens and a video showing off the great gameplay in here. Amazon has also been given the box art for the game as well which is like I said on the Firefax Show before, a knockoff version of the original. The game is set for a November 24 release, plenty of time for more updates in the future.

Announcement: Atlan's Legacy

Atlan has also created two new scenarios to download on the AoMH downloads section. Here you play as the creator and you are called upon by Ey priest of the temple of Ra to do some tasks. Such tasks include defeating and alligator or recruiting the help of a nearby village to kill some bandits. There is also another sequel which takes place in the future where you become an assassin and must infiltrate the city of Cairo to find and assassinate the foolish Pharaoh Tutmo. These scenarios also feature ching ching the monkey which will be a recurring character in Atlan's scenarios.

The Download File: Link

AoEI Exclusive: Shard Of The Blue Crystal

You might have heard of Alyssea around the forums, she has been working on two projects, both expected to come out in the following months. She has agreed to share some new information on one of these campaigns right here only on AoEI. Without further ado, I give you: Shard Of The Blue Crystal. First off, Alyssea has provided a screenshot of her campaign exclusively to this preview, showing some great level design from one of the scenarios. This is a 6 scenario campaign with 7 cinematics and a rich story with evil, good and a few in between. Gameplay includes escapes, Build and destory, race and many optional side quests. The story is about a young hunter who discovers a magical crystal in the forest, but has it taken from her. You play as this hunter and you travel through the lands searching for the shards. It should also be noted that one of her scenarios has alternate endings meaning you can play it more than once. Shard Of the Blue Crystal is expected to be released in two-three months.

Announcement: In Jungle

You might remember Big_Muh from his recent mods he has uploaded onto AoMH. Well he has also released his first ever scenario. In this scenario, Arkantos and Ajax have ventured into a jungle to search for Kemsyt. Being his first scenario, Big_Muh could use some constructive criticism, you can try the scenario now.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Battle For Anubia

Little Anubite has given the AoMH downloads section a new scenario. He is working on a campaign based upon Theris. This first version contains an intro cinematic and the first scenario. In this fixed force scenario, you command the army of Theris as they kill and drive out the followers of Ra from Anubia. Keep watch for the whole campaign expected to be five scenarios long. You can try out the demo now, just follow the link below

The Download File: Link

A Look Back: River Crossing

Another Weekly screenshot by ES, this one caused much debate over a unit seen here. The stone giant is actually a norse unit contrary to some thinking it was Greek. The stone giant did not have a melee attack but instead it lobbed boulders at enemies, but this role was given to the Troll later on. Another thing to notice is a mystery unit on the left between two archers. It is unknown what it did and is only seen in this shot. It is a possible variant of the egyptian bowman perhaps? One other thing is that on the bottom right there are multiple Odysseus heroes. Whether this was because it was just like that for the weekly screenshot or that you could train heroes of the same type more than once is uncertain as of now, which leaves the reader to decide. Another thing is the Egyptian hero which is soon replaced by Setna's model and texture later on. More things to see are actual blood effects on water from stone ginats which would be sorted out later. A last thing is the different and slightly taller cyclops which had a much cartoonier texture(Like many other units during the earlier stages of development

Update: ROME 78 BC

AnnoDomninius has returned to AoMH and has updated his Roman RPG with 5 new screenshots, a website, and more. For those new to AoMH or who do not know about this, ROME 78 BC is an RPG campaign in which you take the role of Julius Caesar in his journey to become the Emperor of the mighty Roman empire. You can try out a demo now but it requires quite a few mods so just know that. AnnoDominius update very often so look for new screenshots in the not-too-distant future

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Merlin

Banoffee has created another stunning cinematic texture mod. This time it is Merlin for Old Bachus's Arthurian campaign. Merlin is now armed with a powerful staff and healing abilities to aid wounded allies. The old wizard is now up for download which includes not only Merlin, but screenshots, an icon, and even an MSN smiley. Also look for King Arthur and Lancelot cinematic mods coming out as well. Old Bachus will also announce his campaign soon as well.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Wagon Train

Sziggi has announced a new mod for AoE III which connects three wagons together using a hitch unit. The wagons are added on the slower it goes but it will provide resources and HP to make up for it. The mod is kind of poorly described but obviously it is not finished yet. An update is expected followed by the release onto the AoE III downloads section.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Undead Units

Another modpack by Big_Muh, this modpack adds four new units from the undead including the Skull Warrior, Undead Lord, Undead Titan, and the Zombie King. Another unique thing about the Skull Warrior, Undead Lord and Zombie King is that when they are created, their hitpoints regenerate as they do not start at full health. Being undead they also regenerate health after a battle as well. In my honest opinion, these mods could use some work but you can get the modpack now to see for yourself.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Ghost

Another mod by Big_Muh, the ghost is a scout unit which cannot be attack or attacked by enemies. This unit cannot die as well. The ghost can also go through forests, water and over cliffs. You can now downlad the mod with screenshots inside.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Beta Interface

As part of a new mod to bring back many beta objects to AoM(With the help of my extensive knowledge of the beta.), Petar Tasev has created a mod which brings back the old ui for AoM which was from an early version of the AoM beta. Also look for more updates on AoM beta content from Petar Tasev soon.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Thunder Rock Valley

The continuation of the previous Vulcano scenario, Egmar has also uploaded the sequel after escaping the Volcano in Erebus Ajax, Arkantos, and Chiron must cross the great valley of Thunder rock while avoiding the evil valley creatures. You can download it now.

The Download File: Link

Vulcano

Egmar has released another scenario since the Prehistoric Age and the Dark Forest, this time it once again features Arkantos, Ajax, and Chrion who must escape Gargharensis in a volcano in Erebus. There are also Fire Giants and Dragons which have allied with the cyclops making it harder to find him and cross the Nidhogg bridge to get out of the Volcano.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Fujin

Another entry in Big_Muh's god modpack series, the newest mod is a mod for the Japanese God of the wind, this unit creates tornadoes which gets larger when there are multiple units. Once Fujin dies another tornado is created. This sounds like a great mod, expect more mods like this from Big_Muh soon.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Thunder God

A new mod in Big_Muh's god series, this mod is a better pharoah which has a lighting bolt attack, regeneration, and better empowering and healing abilities. You can download it now and give Big_Muh a hand to help him mod even bigger and better units. Also be sure to check out his other mods and his singleplayer scenario as well.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: Machine Petsuchos

Another new addition to the AoMH downloads section, Egmar has released a new texture to the petsuchos and also adds a new beam texture as well. To clear up any confusion encountered with this mod, this is a retexture not a new mod. The file is now up for download so you can try it and see for yourself.

The Download File: Link

Announcement: A-maze-ing Forest

A rarity has been released on AoMH, a new RM by Hermes_D, this RM features a unique start which puts the player on the middle of a forest with little resources and will have the player explore a maze-like forest(Hence the name) with narrow paths. There are also lakes around the map which provide the player a supply of fish. You can go and download the map now and try it for yourself. Hermes_D has created this map with an RM generator program he hopes to release as well.

The Download File: Link

Hollister Co.

PPE has created a personal mod of himself which he has shown over at the AoMH forums. There is a possibility the mod will be released with extra mods due to a positive reaction. See for yourself on the thread, PPE has also added the texture for the unit as well.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Race To Heaven

Killer_Dong has returned with an epic multiplayer scenario announcement. Yet another great storyline here there are four players who must try to reach Zeus first or face the wrath of Kronos. The scenario has multiple trails which will be randomized each time. There are also special passages to help you on your way. The scenario is also a long way from completion, as embellishment and terrain mixing hasn't been added yet. The updates will also come soon. Sounds like a very exciting scenario.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Whack A Soldier

Die_Mortal is another lesser known user who has created another unique minigame scenario reminiscent of the Connect Four minigame also recently announced. A four player scenario, here you have to zap dummies to prepare to fight enemies that have brought war upon your city. There are levels to the game where enemies will appear quicker. There will be a sequel soon which will have you face off the actual enemies. The first scenario will be out soon on AoMH.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Announcement: Greek Teachings

Another wonderful mod by Epic Studios, Greek teachings is a unique mod which adds another major part of Ancient Greek life. This mod also adds a revolutionary new way to defeat or ally with your enemies by using diplomats. Two new buildings have been also added: the library and the Academy, which allows you to train scholars(Who empower your army to fight better.) and diplomats(Who can make peace with enemies.), the library however is a new way to research new upgrades and improvements. There will also be some extra embellishment units(Which I got the honor of previewing.) as a bonus. As of now, the mod is 70% complete and will be released as soon as the Hoplites mod is finished.

The Announcement Thread: Link

Mod Request Thread

Banoffee has created a new thread for mod texture requests. Here you can request a mod for him to create which he will release later on. So far he has already created a Merlin mod and second horseman mod is on the way. If you need mod for your scenario, this thread is a great way to get them.

The Request Thread: Link